Jessie MacLachlan

Jessie Niven MacLachlan (Scottish Gaelic: Seònaid NicLachlainn) (June 18,1866 - May 13, 1916) [Gravestone, Cathcart Cemetery, Glasgow] was a Scottish Gaelic soprano.

A native of Mull, Jessie was the eldest of eight children born to Alexander MacLachlan and Margaret Campbell Niven. She achieved fame as one of the first stage singers of Gaelic song and during her lifetime toured extensively abroad, most notably in North America in 1901. During this tour Jessie was celebrated in newspapers and helped to increase the popularity of Gaelic song there. [ [http://www.saorsamedia.com/library/lifeincity.php Life in the City ] ] She also performed for Queen Victoria. [ [http://www.raretunes.org/performers/jessie-maclachlan/ RareTunes: Jessie MacLachlan ] ] In September 1899 Jessie made the first commercial gramophone recording of Gaelic song, performing "Oro Mo Nighean Donn Bhòidheach" to piano accompaniment. [http://www.csis.ul.ie/naaclt2000/final_proceedings.htm. (Nilsen, K. "Living Celtic Speech: Celtic Sound Archives in North America")] She died in Glasgow.

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