South Shore singer-songwriter James O’Malley is earning national recognition following the release of his fifth solo studio album, Ivyland, which recently ranked among the most-played albums on folk radio nationwide.
The 12-song collection charted at No. 33 on Folk Alliance International’s January rankings, based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic forum used by folk radio DJs across the country. The placement marks a significant milestone for O’Malley, whose thoughtful songwriting and intricate fingerstyle guitar work have long resonated with audiences throughout the New York metro area, according to his publicist, Mike Kornfeld.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, O’Malley traces his musical inspiration to Elvis Presley, with The Beatles cementing his lifelong devotion to songwriting. Influenced by artists ranging from Leonard Cohen and Tim Hardin to Bert Jansch and Bob Dylan, he developed a lyrical style known for vivid imagery and emotional range. His warm tenor voice and narrative-driven songs explore themes of family, relationships, memory, loss, and hope.
In his 20s, O’Malley performed with an acoustic group called The Braid, which toured the college coffeehouse circuit during the 1970s and was signed to a major label. After the group disbanded, he stepped away from music while raising a family, eventually settling in Center Moriches with his late wife, Patricia. The couple restored a 19th-century Victorian home where O’Malley wrote dozens of songs, often with Patricia listening nearby.
“She was the muse, the inspiration, and the critic,” O’Malley said of his wife, who passed away in 2022. Her influence is honored on Ivyland’s opening track, “Did You Ever Hear Her Sing Hallelujah.”
Beginning in the 1990s, O’Malley re-embraced performing, appearing at Long Island venues including libraries, folk festivals, house concerts, and coffeehouses. His previous albums include I’m Ready (2001), If Only In My Dreams (2005), Tales To Tell (2010), and The Writer Remains (2015).
Outside of music, O’Malley spent decades working as a rigging supervisor at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where music remained a constant presence. Today, he continues performing solo and with Candice Baranello as the folk duo Take 2.
Reflecting on his career, O’Malley said knowing his songs have connected with listeners “is the greatest reward of all.”