First time in paperback: The story of the Oscar- and Grammy-winning musicians whose rediscovery and reinvention of traditional Irish music carried them to worldwide stardom.. The history of the Chieftains over the last thirty-five years is the remarkable tale of how an unlikely group of enthusiasts came together to rescue some of the worlds most beautiful music from near-extinction, brought it to an audience of millions, and became stars. Based on exclusive and extensive interviews with all the bands members, their families and friends, and with many of the international superstars who have recorded with them, The Chieftains tells the groups own story for the first time, with insight, wit, and charm.