Date: 25 Sept 2025
Danny Hutton, 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Recipient
The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards return for 2025 to the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana on Friday, 17th October. Over the next number of weeks we will be profiling the awardees for 2025, starting with Irish-American musician and Buncrana native Danny Hutton. A founding member and lead vocalist of the legendary American rock band Three Dog Night, Danny will be honoured in 2025 as a recipient of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award.
Born in Buncrana, County Donegal in 1942, Danny Hutton emigrated to Boston with his family in 1947 before settling in Los Angeles. His remarkable career in music began in the vibrant LA scene of the 1960s, where he worked as a songwriter, producer, and recording artist. In 1968, he founded Three Dog Night, a band that would go on to sell over 50 million records and release 21 consecutive Billboard Top 40 hits.
Three Dog Night’s signature sound, built on powerful lead vocals and rich harmonies, helped define a generation. With chart-topping hits like “Joy to the World,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” and “Black and White,” the band became a global phenomenon. Hutton’s influence extended beyond performance—he championed emerging songwriters such as Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, and Elton John, helping to launch their careers.
Speaking on the award, Danny Hutton said:
“I am thrilled and a bit surprised to be chosen as an ambassador of the Irish Diaspora to be honoured with the Tip O’Neill award for excellence. Having been born in County Donegal I have always cherished my Irish heritage and believe that the inherent Irish traits of resilience, story-telling and creativity have in part driven my success as a musician, performer and record producer. It is particularly thrilling to be the first music artist to be included among the many Irish business, political and sports figures that have been honoured with the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award. I look forward to returning to my hometown of Buncrana in October to celebrate receiving this very special award.”
Danny’s deep connection to Ireland has remained a constant throughout his life. A formative return visit in the early 1960s reignited his passion for music and inspired the creative journey that followed. Today, he continues to perform with Three Dog Night, which plays over 75 live concerts annually and is set to release a new studio album, Enter, this autumn—its first in 40 years.
Danny Hutton’s legacy as a trailblazer in music and a proud member of the Irish diaspora makes him a fitting recipient of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Donegal and the global impact of its people.
Danny Hutton will be honoured alongside fellow 2025 awardees Eileen and Seán Donaghey and Vincent Keaveny. Each 2025 awardee exemplifies the global impact and enduring pride of Ireland’s diaspora.
Tickets for the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards are on sale now on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tip-oneill-irish-diaspora-awards-2025-tickets-1380359936729.
