Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 3, 1944 in Farnborough, Kent, England

 

Ralph McTell is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist who is best known for his folk music compositions. Born on December 3, 1944, in Farnborough, Kent, England, McTell grew up in a musical family. His mother was a classical pianist, and his father played the banjo and guitar. McTell started playing the guitar at the age of seven and was soon performing at local events. McTell's interest in music continued to grow, and he started performing in folk clubs in London in the 1960s. He was influenced by American folk music and the British folk revival of the time. McTell's early compositions were heavily influenced by the blues, and he often used open tunings on his guitar. In 1968, McTell released his debut album, "Eight Frames a Second," which featured his signature song, "Streets of London." The song became a hit in the UK and was later covered by numerous artists, including Joan Baez and Glen Campbell. "Streets of London" is a poignant song about the plight of the homeless, and it remains one of McTell's most popular compositions. McTell continued to release albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and his music evolved to include elements of jazz, rock, and country. He also collaborated with other musicians, including Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. McTell's compositions often dealt with social issues, and he was known for his storytelling ability. In 1986, McTell released "Water of Dreams," which was a departure from his previous work. The album featured orchestral arrangements and was inspired by McTell's love of classical music. The album was well-received by critics and showcased McTell's versatility as a composer. McTell continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and he remained a popular performer in the UK. In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. McTell's compositions have been covered by numerous artists, including Fairport Convention, Nanci Griffith, and Emmylou Harris. McTell's most recent album, "Hill of Beans," was released in 2019. The album features new compositions as well as re-recordings of some of McTell's classic songs. The album was well-received by critics and showcases McTell's continued relevance as a composer and performer. In addition to his music career, McTell is also an accomplished artist and has exhibited his paintings and drawings in galleries throughout the UK. He is also a supporter of numerous charities, including the homeless charity Crisis and the children's charity Barnardo's. In conclusion, Ralph McTell is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist who has had a long and successful career in the music industry. His compositions are known for their storytelling ability and social commentary, and he has been a major influence on the British folk music scene. McTell's versatility as a composer is showcased in his 1986 album "Water of Dreams," which features orchestral arrangements and is inspired by classical music. McTell's continued relevance as a composer and performer is evident in his most recent album, "Hill of Beans," which was released in 2019.

More....