Born in London of Irish-speaking parents from Connemara and Kerry, Jimmy’s accomplishments are far reaching. The son of a sean nos (old style) singer, he is an All-Ireland accordion champion for five consecutive years.

He is a composer and arranger of Irish music and has produced and recorded numerous albums. Many regard Keane as the premier exponent of traditional Irish music on the piano accordion. Noted University of Limerick Professor, composer, and musician Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin praised Keane as the "savior of the piano accordion." Emusic described him as "one of the true giants of Irish traditional music of the past fifty years."

Keane has performed and recorded with some of the best musicians in Irish music over the years including Liz Carroll (with whom he won the All-Ireland Duet Championship), Michael Flatley, Mick Moloney, Robbie O’Connell, Eileen Ivers, Seamus Egan, and Dennis Cahill.

He formed the group Aengus with Robbie O’Connell. bohola was initially formed with Sean Cleland and Pat Broaders after Sean and Pat joined Jimmy on an Aengus tour.

Jimmy currently resides outside the city of Chicago with Susie (his wife of nearly 30 years) and their trusted Boston Terrier Allie and new foster dog, Bailey.