Contributed by Chris Murray
Chris Murray’s family originated from Counties Cavan, Kerry, Galway and Cork. His paternal grandmother, Mary Maunsell was from Brandon Bay, County Kerry. Mary spoke only Irish when she emigrated to the United States around 1910. Her husband Matthew Murray was born in 1882 in Lower Lavey, County Cavan. One of five children, he emigrated to New York City at age 14. Matthew met Mary in New York and they married there. The family of his maternal grandfather Thomas Brown were originally from County Galway, but Thomas was born in the U.S.
His parents Rita Donovan Brown Murray and Matthew Murray and their six childen lived in Riverdale, a neighbourhood in the borough of the Bronx in New York City. Chris was an avid music fan growing up and can be seen here with Jimi Hendrix after a concert in 1968.
The Govinda Gallery was founded by Chris Murray in Georgetown, Washington D.C. in 1975. It focused mainly on images of or by musicians. Chris’ own album includes pictures of Chris with Andy Warhol, Donovan and Muhammad Ali. The Gallery closed in 2011, but continues its operations as an art consulting and publishing company. Chris and his partner Carlotta Hester are regular visitors to Ireland.