Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

August 14, 1947 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England

 

Maddy Prior is a renowned English folk singer who has been active in the music industry for over five decades. Born on August 14, 1947, in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, Prior grew up in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, where she attended St. Albans High School for Girls. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer, which exposed her to music from an early age. Prior's love for music began when she was a teenager, and she started performing in local folk clubs. In 1966, she joined the folk group, The Young Tradition, which consisted of Peter Bellamy and Royston Wood. The group released three albums before disbanding in 1969. After The Young Tradition disbanded, Prior formed the band, Steeleye Span, with her future husband, Tim Hart, and other musicians. The band's music was a fusion of traditional English folk songs and rock music, which was a new sound at the time. Steeleye Span released their debut album, "Hark! The Village Wait," in 1970, which received critical acclaim and established the band as a major force in the folk-rock genre. Over the years, Steeleye Span released several successful albums, including "Please to See the King," "Ten Man Mop, or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides Again," and "Commoners Crown." The band's lineup changed frequently, but Prior remained a constant member and the lead vocalist. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence were a major factor in the band's success. In addition to her work with Steeleye Span, Prior has also released several solo albums, including "Woman in the Wings," "Flesh and Blood," and "Ravenchild." Her solo work showcases her versatility as a singer and her ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. Prior has also collaborated with other musicians over the years, including June Tabor, Martin Carthy, and John Kirkpatrick. In 1982, she formed the band, Silly Sisters, with June Tabor, and they released two albums together. Throughout her career, Prior has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the music industry. In 2001, she was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to music. In 2014, she was awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. In addition to her music career, Prior is also an author and has written several books, including "The Ballad of Sally Nutkin," "The Adventures of Little Red," and "The Girl Who Loved the Beatles." Despite being in the music industry for over five decades, Prior shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to perform and record music, and her influence on the folk-rock genre is undeniable. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have inspired countless musicians and fans over the years, and she remains a beloved figure in the world of music.

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