Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1954 in Aberdeen, Scotland

 

Richard Thompson is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist who has been a prominent figure in the world of folk and rock music for over five decades. Born on April 3, 1949, in Notting Hill, London, Thompson grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at a young age. His father was a professional musician who played jazz and his mother was a dancer, so music was always a part of his life. Thompson's first major musical project was with the band Fairport Convention, which he joined in 1967. He quickly became one of the band's primary songwriters and guitarists, helping to shape their sound and style. Fairport Convention was a key player in the British folk-rock movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and Thompson's contributions to the band's albums and live performances helped to establish them as one of the most important groups of the era. Thompson left Fairport Convention in 1971 to pursue a solo career, and he has since released over 20 albums as a solo artist. His music is known for its intricate guitar work, thoughtful lyrics, and blend of folk, rock, and other genres. Thompson has also collaborated with a wide range of other musicians over the years, including Linda Thompson, Bonnie Raitt, and David Byrne. One of Thompson's most notable solo albums is 1991's Rumor and Sigh, which received critical acclaim and helped to establish him as a major force in the world of folk and rock music. The album features some of Thompson's most beloved songs, including "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" and "I Feel So Good." Thompson's guitar playing on the album is particularly impressive, with intricate fingerpicking and soaring solos that showcase his technical skill and emotional depth. Thompson has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of music with a number of awards and honors. In 2006, he was awarded the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award by the Americana Music Association, and in 2011 he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. Thompson has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards over the years, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fairport Convention in 2017. In addition to his work as a musician, Thompson is also an accomplished writer and has published several books over the years. His memoir, Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice 1967-1975, was published in 2021 and chronicles his early years as a musician and his experiences with Fairport Convention and as a solo artist. Throughout his career, Richard Thompson has remained a beloved and influential figure in the world of folk and rock music. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his technical skill and emotional depth as a guitarist and songwriter have earned him a place among the most respected and admired musicians of his generation.

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