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John Spiers is a renowned English folk musician, known for his exceptional skills on the melodeon, a type of accordion. Born on April 28, 1975, in Birmingham, England, Spiers grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a keen accordion player, and his mother was a singer. As a child, Spiers was exposed to a wide range of music genres, including classical, jazz, and folk. Spiers began playing the melodeon at the age of 17, after being introduced to the instrument by a friend. He quickly fell in love with the melodeon's unique sound and began practicing for hours every day. He also started attending folk music festivals and events, where he met other musicians and learned new techniques. In 1995, Spiers formed the folk duo Spiers and Boden with fellow musician Jon Boden. The duo quickly gained popularity in the English folk music scene, thanks to their innovative arrangements and energetic performances. They released their debut album, "Through & Through," in 1999, which received critical acclaim and helped establish them as one of the most exciting acts in folk music. Over the next few years, Spiers and Boden continued to release successful albums and perform at major folk festivals across the UK and Europe. They also won several awards, including the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo in 2004 and 2006. In 2011, Spiers and Boden decided to take a break from their partnership to focus on their solo careers. Spiers continued to perform and record as a solo artist, releasing his debut solo album, "Squeezebox," in 2015. The album showcased Spiers' exceptional melodeon skills and featured a mix of traditional and original compositions. Spiers has also collaborated with several other musicians over the years, including Eliza Carthy, Bellowhead, and Peter Knight. He has performed at major music festivals around the world, including the Cambridge Folk Festival, the Sidmouth Folk Festival, and the WOMAD Festival. In addition to his music career, Spiers is also a respected music teacher and has taught melodeon workshops at various music schools and festivals. He is known for his patient and engaging teaching style, and many of his students have gone on to become successful folk musicians in their own right. Spiers' contributions to the English folk music scene have been widely recognized, and he has received several awards and honors over the years. In 2015, he was awarded the Gold Badge Award by the English Folk Dance and Song Society in recognition of his outstanding contributions to folk music. He was also named Musician of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2015. In conclusion, John Spiers is a highly talented and respected folk musician who has made significant contributions to the English folk music scene. His exceptional melodeon skills, innovative arrangements, and engaging performances have won him numerous awards and accolades over the years. He continues to inspire and influence a new generation of folk musicians through his music and teaching.

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