Country

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United States of America

Birth

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1905

Death

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November 10, 1991 in Ithaca, NY

Genre

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Keyboard

 

John Kirkpatrick is a renowned English folk musician, singer, and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 8, 1947, in Chiswick, London, Kirkpatrick grew up in a musical family. His father, George Kirkpatrick, was a professional accordionist, and his mother, Dorothy Kirkpatrick, was a singer and pianist. Kirkpatrick's parents encouraged him to pursue music from a young age, and he began playing the accordion at the age of eight. Kirkpatrick's musical career began in the 1960s when he joined the Hammersmith Morris Men, a traditional English folk dance group. He quickly became a prominent member of the group, and his accordion playing and singing were highly praised. In 1970, Kirkpatrick joined the Albion Country Band, a folk-rock group that was led by Ashley Hutchings. Kirkpatrick's accordion playing and singing were a significant part of the band's sound, and he remained with the group until 1972. In 1973, Kirkpatrick joined the influential folk group Steeleye Span, replacing their previous accordion player, John Gasser. Kirkpatrick's time with Steeleye Span was a significant period in his career, and he played on some of the band's most popular albums, including "Now We Are Six" and "Commoners Crown." Kirkpatrick's accordion playing and singing were a crucial part of Steeleye Span's sound, and he remained with the group until 1977. After leaving Steeleye Span, Kirkpatrick began a successful solo career, releasing his debut album, "Jump at the Sun," in 1978. The album was well-received by critics and showcased Kirkpatrick's unique blend of traditional English folk music and classical influences. Kirkpatrick continued to release solo albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Plain Capers" (1982), "Sheepskins" (1983), and "One Man and His Box" (1990). In addition to his solo work, Kirkpatrick has collaborated with numerous other musicians throughout his career. He has worked with folk legends such as Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy, and Shirley Collins, as well as classical musicians such as the London Sinfonietta and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Kirkpatrick's collaborations have resulted in some of his most acclaimed work, including the album "The Compleat Dancing Master" (1988), which he recorded with Carthy and violinist Dave Swarbrick. Kirkpatrick's accordion playing and singing have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2010, he was awarded the Gold Badge of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of folk music. Kirkpatrick has also been nominated for several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including Musician of the Year and Best Album. Kirkpatrick's live performances are a highlight of his career, and he has played at some of the world's most prestigious venues and festivals. He has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Cambridge Folk Festival, among many others. Kirkpatrick's live shows are known for their energy and humor, and he often engages with his audience through storytelling and banter. In addition to his music career, Kirkpatrick is also a respected folk dance caller and has led workshops and classes on traditional English folk dance. He has written several books on the subject, including "The Englishness of English Folk Dance" (1993) and "Singing English Folk Dance" (2003).

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