Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

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September 23, 1944 in Peebles, Scotland

 

Eric Bogle is a Scottish-Australian folk singer and songwriter who is best known for his poignant and socially conscious compositions. Born on September 23, 1944, in Peebles, Scotland, Bogle grew up in a working-class family and was exposed to music from an early age. His father played the accordion and his mother sang traditional Scottish songs, which inspired Bogle to pursue a career in music. Bogle began playing guitar and writing songs in his teens, and he was heavily influenced by the folk music of the 1960s. He moved to Australia in 1969 and settled in Adelaide, where he began performing in local folk clubs and coffeehouses. His early compositions were often political in nature, and he was known for his outspoken criticism of the Vietnam War and other social injustices. Bogle's breakthrough came in 1971 with the release of his debut album, "Now I'm Easy," which featured the title track that would become one of his most famous songs. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Bogle as a leading voice in the Australian folk music scene. Over the next few decades, Bogle continued to write and perform music that tackled a wide range of social and political issues. He was particularly known for his songs about war and its impact on soldiers and civilians alike. One of his most famous compositions, "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda," tells the story of a young Australian soldier who is sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. The song has become an anthem for anti-war activists around the world and has been covered by numerous artists, including Joan Baez and The Pogues. Bogle's other notable compositions include "No Man's Land," which is also known as "The Green Fields of France," and "The Gift of Years," which is a tribute to his mother. "No Man's Land" tells the story of a young soldier who is killed in World War I and is buried in a foreign land. The song has been covered by many artists, including The Fureys and Davey Arthur, and it has become a staple of Remembrance Day ceremonies in the UK and Australia. In addition to his work as a songwriter, Bogle has also been a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. He has been involved in numerous campaigns and organizations over the years, including the Australian Peace Foundation and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. He has also been a vocal supporter of indigenous rights and environmental causes. Despite his success as a musician and activist, Bogle has remained humble and grounded throughout his career. He has always been committed to using his music as a tool for social change, and he has never shied away from speaking out on issues that are important to him. His legacy as a songwriter and activist is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

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