Folk artists

A

© Schorle CC BY-SA 3.0 Ross Ainslie Piper and whistle player; Treacherous Orchestra
© Myrtle26 CC BY-SA 2.0 Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Singer and flute player; Danú
Alistair Anderson English concertina and Northumbrian pipes player and composer; The High Level Ranters, founder of Folkworks
© Judith Burrows CC BY-SA 4.0 Ian A. Anderson Editor of fRoots; Village Thing
Tom Anderson 1910 to 1991 Fiddler, collector and teacher; Shetland
© VARA CC BY-SA 3.0 Harvey Andrews Singer and songwriter; Hey Sandy
Arthur Argo 1935 to 1981 Singer, collector and broadcaster; north east song
Frankie Armstrong Singer of ballads; the natural voice movement
Jack Armstrong 1904 to 1978 Northumbrian smallpiper
Dave Arthur Singer, writer and folklorist; Dave and Toni Arthur

B

© Jtgphoto CC BY-SA 4.0 Joan Baez Singer and activist; American folk revival
© Tim Packer CC BY-SA 4.0 Roy Bailey 1935 to 2018 Singer; songs of protest and justice
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Aly Bain Fiddler; Shetland, Boys of the Lough
Stephen Baldwin 1873 to 1955 Village fiddler; Forest of Dean
Sabine Baring-Gould 1834 to 1924 Collector of Devon and Cornish song; Songs of the West
Margaret Barry 1917 to 1989 Singer and banjo player; Cork and London
Denny Bartley Singer and guitarist; Sherburn Bartley Sanders, Last Night's Fun
J. P. Bean 1949 to 2015 Author; Singing from the Floor
© Paul Hudson CC BY 4.0 Phil Beer Fiddler and multi instrumentalist; Show of Hands
Séamus Begley 1949 to 2023 Accordion player and singer; west Kerry
Dominic Behan 1928 to 1989 Songwriter and writer; The Patriot Game, Liverpool Lou
Derek Bell 1935 to 2002 Harper, oboist and pianist; The Chieftains
Peter Bellamy 1944 to 1991 Singer; The Young Tradition, The Transports
© Gonzalo J. Mazzei CC BY-SA 4.0 Margaret Bennett Folklorist, writer and singer
Mary Bergin Tin whistle player; Feadóga Stáin, Dordán
© Houses of the Oireachtas CC BY 2.0 Frances Black Singer; The Black Family, Arcady
Mary Black Singer; De Dannan, No Frontiers
John Blek Singer, songwriter and guitarist from Cork
Janet Blunt 1859 to 1950 Folk song and morris collector; Adderbury
© AndyRiley CC BY 3.0 Jon Boden Singer, fiddler and arranger; Bellowhead
© XIIIfromTOKYO CC BY-SA 4.0 Eric Bogle Songwriter; And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Robin Huw Bowen Welsh triple harp player
© Jellevc at English Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 Joe Boyd Record producer; Fairport Convention, White Bicycles
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Paul Brady Singer, guitarist and songwriter; Planxty
© Ben Sutherland CC BY 2.0 Billy Bragg Singer and songwriter; Mermaid Avenue
Danny Brazil Gypsy traditional singer and step dancer; Gloucester
Harry Brazil Gypsy traditional singer; Gloucester
Breandán Breathnach 1912 to 1985 Piper and collector; Ceol Rince na hÉireann
© Redfern7 CC BY-SA 3.0 Moya Brennan 1952 to 2026 Singer and harpist; Clannad
Anne Briggs Singer; unaccompanied traditional song
Katharine Briggs 1898 to 1980 Folklorist; An Encyclopedia of Fairies
Jumbo Brightwell Traditional singer; Eel's Foot, Eastbridge
Derek Brimstone 1932 to 2017 Folk club guitarist, banjo player and comic
Lucy Broadwood 1858 to 1929 Founder of the Folk-Song Society; English County Songs
© Medwyn Jones CC BY 2.0 Lisa Jên Brown Singer and actor; 9Bach
Ronnie Browne Singer and songwriter; The Corries
Walter Bulwer 1888 to 1968 Fiddler; Shipdham, Norfolk
Edward Bunting 1773 to 1843 Collector of Irish harp music; the Belfast Harp Festival
© Graham Kolbeins CC BY 3.0 Vashti Bunyan Singer and songwriter; Just Another Diamond Day
Joe Burke 1939 to 2021 Button accordion player; East Galway
© Mark Turner CC BY 2.0 Kevin Burke Fiddler; The Bothy Band, Patrick Street
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Dave Burland Singer and guitarist; A Dalesman's Litany
© unknown Public Domain Mark Henry Burstow 1826 to 1916 Bellringer and traditional singer; Horsham
Eddie Butcher 1900 to 1980 Traditional singer and songmaker; Magilligan
George Butterworth 1885 to 1916 Composer and collector of songs, tunes and dances
Packie Manus Byrne 1917 to 2015 Singer, whistle player and storyteller; Donegal

C

Bill Caddick 1944 to 2018 Songwriter; John O' Dreams, Home Service
Alex Campbell Singer; the folk revival's Big Daddy
© XIIIfromTOKYO CC BY-SA 4.0 Eamonn Campbell 1946 to 2017 Guitarist and producer; The Dubliners
Ian Campbell 1933 to 2012 Singer; the Ian Campbell Folk Group
John Lorne Campbell 1906 to 1996 Gaelic scholar and field recordist; Canna
© Caoimhin CC BY-SA 4.0 Kenna Campbell Gaelic singer and teacher; Bannal
Tomás Ó Canainn 1930 to 2013 Uilleann piper and writer; Na Filí
© XIIIfromTOKYO CC BY-SA 4.0 Seán Cannon Singer and guitarist; The Dubliners
Paddy Canny 1919 to 2008 Fiddler; East Clare, the Tulla Céilí Band
Tony Capstick 1944 to 2003 Singer, comedian and broadcaster; Sheffield
Clive Carey 1883 to 1968 Baritone and folk song collector
Nicholas Carolan Founding director; Irish Traditional Music Archive
James Madison Carpenter 1888 to 1983 Collector of British folk song and drama
© Nick Barber CC BY-SA 4.0 Sam Carter Guitarist and singer; False Lights
© Maybesometime CC BY-SA 3.0 Eliza Carthy Singer and fiddle player; Waterson:Carthy, The Wayward Band
© Mike Garvey CC BY-SA 3.0 Martin Carthy Singer and guitarist; Steeleye Span, The Watersons
Bobby Casey 1926 to 2000 Fiddler; West Clare and London
© Crowmusic CC BY-SA 4.0 Karan Casey Singer; formerly of Solas
Nollaig Casey Fiddler; Planxty and Coolfin
Pete Castle Singer and storyteller; English traditional songs
Darach Ó Catháin 1922 to 1987 Sean-nós singer; Connemara
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Jim Causley Singer; West Country songs
Michael Chapman 1941 to 2021 Guitarist and songwriter; Fully Qualified Survivor
© Daderot Public Domain Mark Francis James Child 1825 to 1896 Scholar; the English and Scottish Popular Ballads
Duncan Chisholm Fiddler and composer; Wolfstone, Affric
© Junction Festival CC BY-SA 3.0 Liam Clancy 1935 to 2009 Singer and guitarist; The Clancy Brothers
Paddy Clancy 1922 to 1998 Singer and harmonica player; The Clancy Brothers
Tom Clancy 1924 to 1990 Singer; The Clancy Brothers
© Dougsim CC BY-SA 4.0 Willie Clancy 1918 to 1973 Uilleann piper, flute and whistle player
Holly Clarke Traditional singer and guitarist; Holly and the Reivers
© p_a_h CC BY 4.0 Josienne Clarke Singer and songwriter
Julia Clifford 1914 to 1997 Fiddler; Sliabh Luachra
Ted Cobbin 1906 to 1975 Melodeon player and singer; Great Glemham
Pete Coe Singer and songwriter; Bandoggs, Ryburn 3 Step
Michael Coleman 1891 to 1945 Fiddler; Sligo style
Johnny Collins 1938 to 2009 Shanty and sea song singer; Norwich
© Tony 1212 CC BY 4.0 Shirley Collins Singer; Anthems in Eden, Lodestar
© Brian Marks CC BY 2.0 Christine Collister Singer; Gregson and Collister, Richard Thompson
Zoë Conway Fiddler and violinist
Joe Cooley 1924 to 1973 Button accordion player; Tulla Céilí Band
Steve Cooney Guitarist, composer and producer
Bob Copper 1915 to 2004 Traditional singer and writer; the Copper Family
Jim Copper 1882 to 1954 Traditional singer; the Copper Family
Ron Copper Traditional singer; the Copper Family
© Caoimhin CC BY-SA 4.0 Arthur Cormack Gaelic singer and broadcaster; Cliar
Cecilia Costello 1884 to 1976 Traditional singer; Birmingham
© Lrheath CC BY-SA 3.0 Dave Cousins 1940 to 2025 Singer and songwriter; Strawbs
Harry Cox 1885 to 1971 Traditional singer; Catfield, Norfolk
© Jack de Nijs for Anefo CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication) Terry Cox 1937 to 2026 Drummer; Pentangle
Matt Cranitch Fiddler and scholar; Na Filí
© Brennliddy CC BY-SA 4.0 Kevin Crawford Flute and whistle player; Lúnasa
Junior Crehan 1908 to 1998 Fiddler and tune composer; west Clare
© Marthad99 CC BY-SA 4.0 Elizabeth Cronin 1879 to 1956 Sean nós singer; Ballyvourney, County Cork
Elizabeth Crotty 1885 to 1960 Concertina player; west Clare
Bobby Crowe 1933 to 2014 Accordionist and dance band leader; Fife
Johnny Cunningham 1957 to 2003 Fiddler; Silly Wizard, Relativity
Phil Cunningham Accordion player and composer; Silly Wizard
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Andy Cutting Melodeon player; Blowzabella, with Chris Wood

D

© Spinaci CC BY-SA 3.0 Jackie Daly Button accordion and concertina; Sliabh Luachra
Kevin Danaher 1913 to 2002 Folklorist; The Year in Ireland
Bob Davenport 1932 to 2026 Singer; Geordie songs and The Rakes
© Hollyer, Frederick, born 1837 - died 1933 (photographer)Public Domain Mark Percy Dearmer 1867 to 1936 Priest and editor; The English Hymnal
Sandy Denny 1947 to 1978 Singer and songwriter; Fairport Convention, Fotheringay
© Cindy Funk CC BY 2.0 Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill Singer and keyboard player; The Bothy Band, Skara Brae
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Barbara Dickson Singer and actress; Fife folk clubs to Blood Brothers
© Shaggy359 CC BY-SA 3.0 Richard Digance Singer, guitarist and comedian
© Bryan Ledgard from Yorkshire, UK CC BY 2.0 Cara Dillon Singer; Irish traditional song
© Tony Rees CC BY-SA 4.0 Diz Disley 1931 to 2010 Guitarist and folk club entertainer; jazz and skiffle
© Andreas F. Borchert CC BY-SA 4.0 John Doherty 1900 to 1980 Fiddler; Donegal
Liz Doherty Fiddler and scholar; Nomos
Mícheál Ó Domhnaill 1951 to 2006 Singer and guitarist; the Bothy Band, Skara Brae
© Enamelhead CC BY-SA 3.0 Jerry Donahue Guitarist; Fotheringay, Fairport Convention
Philip Donnellan 1924 to 1999 BBC documentary maker; working lives and folk song
© CBS Television Public Domain Mark Donovan Singer and songwriter; Catch the Wind, Sunshine Superman
Felix Doran Uilleann piper; Traveller
Johnny Doran 1908 to 1950 Uilleann piper; Traveller
Charlie Dore Singer-songwriter and actress; Pilot of the Airwaves
Johnny Doughty 1903 to 1986 Traditional singer; Sussex fisherman
Paul Downes Guitarist, singer and composer; Downes and Beer, the Joyce Gang
© Frank Schwichtenberg CC BY-SA 4.0 John Doyle Guitarist and singer; Solas and Usher's Island
Nick Drake 1948 to 1974 Singer, songwriter and guitarist; Five Leaves Left, Pink Moon
© Nick Bramhall from Aberdeen, UK CC BY-SA 2.0 Kris Drever Singer, guitarist and songwriter; Lau
Ronnie Drew 1934 to 2008 Singer and guitarist; The Dubliners
Gordon Duncan 1964 to 2005 Highland piper and composer
Jock Duncan 1925 to 2021 Bothy ballad singer; Aberdeenshire song
© Bruce Baker CC BY 2.0 Blair Dunlop Singer, songwriter and guitarist
© Rs-foto CC BY-SA 3.0 Niamh Dunne Fiddler and singer; Beoga
© Tommytomato (talk)CC BY-SA 3.0 Judy Dyble 1949 to 2020 Singer; Fairport Convention, Trader Horne

E

Andy Eastwood Ukulele and banjolele entertainer; George Formby tradition
Séamus Ennis 1919 to 1982 Uilleann piper, collector and broadcaster; As I Roved Out
© Cairnryn CC BY-SA 4.0 E. Estyn Evans 1905 to 1989 Geographer; Irish Folk Ways
© Martinevans123 CC BY-SA 4.0 George Ewart Evans 1909 to 1988 Oral historian; Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay
Meredydd Evans 1919 to 2015 Singer and scholar of Welsh folk song
Tim Van Eyken Singer, melodeon player and actor; Waterson:Carthy

F

James Fagan Singer and bouzouki player; duo with Nancy Kerr; Melrose Quartet
© VARA CC BY-SA 3.0 Julie Felix 1938 to 2020 Singer; Once More With Felix
Catrin Finch Harpist and composer
© Cindy Funk CC BY 2.0 Archie Fisher 1939 to 2025 Singer, guitarist and songwriter; Travelling Folk
Ray Fisher 1940 to 2011 Singer; Scots ballads and the Fisher family
John Francis Flynn Singer, flute and whistle player
John Forrest Anthropologist; historian of morris dancing
Chris Foster Singer and guitarist; English traditional song
© Daniel Farrell CC BY-SA 2.0 Julie Fowlis Gaelic singer and piper
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Bob Fox Singer and guitarist; The Pitmen Poets
© Bill Bailey for Coldsnap Festival CC BY 2.0 Alasdair Fraser Fiddler and teacher; fiddle and cello with Natalie Haas
Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band Devon Ceilidh Band
© Halfabeet CC BY-SA 4.0 Iona Fyfe Ballad singer; Scots and Doric

G

Vic Gammon Folk song scholar, singer and melodeon player
© jeaneeem CC BY 2.0 Vin Garbutt 1947 to 2017 Singer, songwriter and whistle player; the Teesside Troubadour
George Gardiner 1852 to 1910 Folk song collector; Hampshire
Rolf Gardiner 1902 to 1971 Folk dance organiser; the Travelling Morrice, Springhead
© Markus Großmann (Ide)CC BY-SA 2.5 Dick Gaughan Singer and guitarist; Five Hand Reel
© Candy Schwartz from Boston, USA CC BY 2.0 Frankie Gavin Fiddler and flute player; De Dannan
Anne Geddes Gilchrist 1863 to 1954 Collector of Lancashire song; Folk-Song Society editor
© KevinBree CC BY-SA 4.0 Anne Lorne Gillies Gaelic singer and scholar; Songs of Gaelic Scotland
© Baillon CC BY-SA 4.0 Gordon Giltrap Acoustic guitarist and composer; Heartsong
© candyschwartz from Boston, USA CC BY 2.0 Paddy Glackin Fiddler; founding member of the Bothy Band
Gwyneth Glyn Poet and singer songwriter in Welsh
© Henry Raeburn Public Domain Mark Niel Gow 1727 to 1807 Fiddler and composer; Scottish dance music
Martin Graebe Folk song researcher; Sabine Baring-Gould
Davy Graham 1940 to 2008 Guitarist; Anji, DADGAD tuning
Len Graham Traditional singer and song collector; Ulster
© Bain News Service, restored by Adam Cuerden and MyCatIsAChonk Public Domain Mark Percy Grainger 1882 to 1961 Composer and phonograph collector; Lincolnshire Posy
Richard Grainger Singer-songwriter of Teesside and Whitby; The Whitby Whaler; formerly Teesside Fettlers
Angus R Grant 1967 to 2016 Fiddler; Shooglenifty
© Candy Schwartz CC BY 2.0 Martin Green Accordionist and composer; Lau
© Mudbugclub CC BY-SA 4.0 Clive Gregson Songwriter and producer; Gregson and Collister
Gavin Greig 1856 to 1914 Collector; the Greig Duncan Folk Song Collection
© Al Aumuller/New York World-Telegram and the Sun (uploaded by User:Urban)Public Domain Mark Woody Guthrie 1912 to 1967 Singer and songwriter; This Land Is Your Land
Arfon Gwilym Singer; plygain and cerdd dant

H

Jim Halcrow 1934 to 2015 Accordionist; Shetland dance music
Gordon Hall 1932 to 2000 Traditional singer; Horsham, Sussex
Reg Hall Melodeon player; historian of Irish music in London
Robin Hall 1936 to 1998 Singer; Robin Hall and Jimmie Macgregor
Henry Hammond 1866 to 1910 Folk song collector; Dorset
Johnny Handle Singer, songwriter and musician; High Level Ranters
Ian Hardie 1952 to 2012 Fiddler and composer; Jock Tamson's Bairns
© Scouse_and_Jules from UK CC BY 2.0 Mike Harding Singer, comedian and broadcaster
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Bella Hardy Singer and songwriter
© Trharp CC BY-SA 3.0 Roy Harper Singer and songwriter; Stormcock
Roy Harris 1933 to 2016 Unaccompanied singer; sea and military songs
© Tony 1212 CC BY-SA 4.0 Sue Harris Hammered dulcimer and oboe; with John Kirkpatrick
Bob Hart 1892 to 1978 Traditional singer; Snape, Suffolk
Nick Hart Singer and multi instrumentalist; English traditional song
Tim Hart 1948 to 2009 Singer and guitarist; Steeleye Span
Frank Harte 1933 to 2005 Singer and collector of Dublin street songs
Martin Hayes Fiddler; East Clare style, The Gloaming
Joe Heaney 1919 to 1984 Sean-nós singer and storyteller; Connemara
© Own work Public Domain Mark Hamish Henderson 1919 to 2002 Poet and collector; School of Scottish Studies
Mike Heron Singer and songwriter; the Incredible String Band
© Bryn Pinzgauer CC BY 2.0 Fay Hield Traditional singer and ethnomusicologist
Lizzie Higgins 1929 to 1993 Traveller ballad singer; Aberdeen
© Bain News Service, publisher Public Domain Mark Joe Hill 1879 to 1915 Labour songwriter; Industrial Workers of the World
© The Banner CC BY-SA 4.0 Noel Hill Concertina player and teacher
Joe Holmes 1906 to 1978 Fiddler, lilter and singer; with Len Graham
Rosie Hood Singer; Wiltshire songs
© Eric Koch for Anefo CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication) Mary Hopkin Singer; Those Were the Days
Tom Hughes 1907 to 1986 Fiddler and ploughman; the Borders style
Stan Hugill 1906 to 1992 Shantyman, author and sea song historian
Alistair Hulett 1951 to 2010 Songwriter; Roaring Jack, Dance of the Underclass
© Rodhullandemu CC BY-SA 3.0 Alan Hull 1945 to 1995 Singer and songwriter; Lindisfarne
© Brian Marks CC BY 2.0 Ashley Hutchings Bassist; Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Albion Band
© Evan T Jones CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication) Ronald Hutton Historian; The Stations of the Sun

I

Hamish Imlach 1940 to 1996 Singer, guitarist and raconteur; Glasgow
© Frank Schwichtenberg CC BY-SA 3.0 Andy Irvine Singer and bouzouki player; Planxty, Sweeney's Men
Dafydd Iwan Welsh language singer and songwriter; Yma o Hyd

J

Hannah James Singer, accordionist and clog dancer; Lady Maisery, JigDoll
Siân James Singer and harpist; Welsh song
© Chris Barber from Dartford, England CC BY-SA 2.0 Bert Jansch 1943 to 2011 Guitarist, singer and songwriter; Pentangle
Delyth Jenkins Harpist and composer; Aberjaber
© Seth Tisue from Boston, MA, USA CC BY-SA 2.0 Bridget St John Singer and guitarist; Ask Me No Questions
Bob Johnson 1944 to 2023 Guitarist and singer; Steeleye Span
Peerie Willie Johnson 1920 to 2007 Guitarist; Shetland dance music
© Tony 1212 CC BY-SA 4.0 Nic Jones Singer, guitarist and fiddler; Penguin Eggs
© Tony 1212 CC BY-SA 4.0 Wizz Jones 1939 to 2025 Guitarist and singer; British folk blues
© XIIIfromTOKYO CC BY-SA 4.0 Cathy Jordan Singer and bodhrán player; Dervish
Fred Jordan 1922 to 2002 Traditional singer and farm worker; Shropshire

K

Maud Karpeles 1885 to 1976 Collector; Cecil Sharp's collaborator
© Tony 1212 CC BY 4.0 Dolores Keane 1953 to 2026 Singer; De Dannan, A Lion in a Cage
Seán Keane Singer; Arcady
Paddy Keenan 1950 to 2026 Uilleann piper; The Bothy Band
Luke Kelly 1940 to 1984 Singer and banjo player; The Dubliners
© Rob Glover CC BY-SA 2.0 Rick Kemp Bass player and songwriter; Steeleye Span
Keith Kendrick Singer and concertina player; Derbyshire
Calum Kennedy 1928 to 2006 Gaelic singer; Mòd Gold Medallist
Douglas Kennedy 1893 to 1988 Director of the English Folk Dance and Song Society
Frankie Kennedy 1955 to 1994 Flute player; co-founder of Altan
© Bryan Ledgard from Yorkshire, UK CC BY 2.0 Mary Ann Kennedy Gaelic singer, harpist and broadcaster
Peter Kennedy 1922 to 2006 Collector and broadcaster; Folk Songs of Britain and Ireland
Marjory Kennedy-Fraser 1857 to 1930 Collector and arranger; Songs of the Hebrides
Barry Kerr Singer, songwriter, flute and uilleann pipes player and painter
© Bryn Pinzgauer CC BY 2.0 Nancy Kerr Fiddle player and singer; with James Fagan
Virginia Kettle Singer and songwriter; Merry Hell
© James Henry Hogg Public Domain Mark Frank Kidson 1855 to 1926 Leeds song scholar; Traditional Tunes
Louisa Jo Killen 1934 to 2013 Singer and concertina player; recorded as Louis Killen
Paddy Killoran 1903 to 1965 Fiddler and bandleader; south Sligo style
William Kimber 1872 to 1961 Morris musician and concertina player; Headington Quarry
© Robin Morton CC BY-SA 3.0 Alison Kinnaird Harper; the revival of the Scottish harp
© Wicym CC BY-SA 4.0 Phyllis Kinney 1922 to 2026 Singer and scholar of Welsh traditional music
© Rob Glover CC BY-SA 2.0 Benji Kirkpatrick Guitarist and bouzouki player; Bellowhead, Faustus
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 John Kirkpatrick Melodeon and concertina player; English song and morris
Lisa Knapp Singer and songwriter
© Brian Marks CC BY 2.0 Peter Knight Fiddler; Steeleye Span, Gigspanner
© Brian Marks CC BY 2.0 Steve Knightley Singer and songwriter; Show of Hands
Jimmy Knights Traditional singer and banjo player; Suffolk
© Paisley Scotland CC BY 2.0 Danny Kyle 1939 to 1998 Singer and entertainer; Danny Kyle Open Stage

L

© Beanmunster CC BY 2.0 Sean Lakeman Guitarist and producer; Equation
© Leo Dezoysa CC BY 4.0 Seth Lakeman Singer, fiddler and songwriter; Kitty Jay
Sam Larner 1878 to 1965 Fisherman and traditional singer; Winterton, Norfolk
Tim Laycock Singer, actor and storyteller; Dorset songs and dialect
Bill Leader 1929 to 2026 Recording engineer and producer; Leader and Trailer
Ella Mary Leather 1874 to 1928 Folklore and folk song collector; Herefordshire
© Paul Hudson CC BY 2.0 Sam Lee Singer and song collector; The Nest Collective
© Steve Knight from Halstead, United Kingdom CC BY 2.0 Chris Leslie Fiddler; Fairport Convention, Whippersnapper
Tom Lewis Singer and songwriter; sea songs and shanties
Rona Lightfoot Piper, Gaelic singer and storyteller
Tony Linnane Fiddler; County Clare
© Xyzdude CC BY-SA 3.0 Iarla Ó Lionáird Sean-nós singer; The Gloaming
Julian Littman Guitarist, songwriter and actor; Steeleye Span; Charlie Dore
A. L. Lloyd 1908 to 1982 Singer, writer and collector; Folk Song in England
© Unknown authorUnknown author Public Domain Mark Alan Lomax 1915 to 2002 Collector; recorded Britain and Ireland in the 1950s
Kenneth Loveless 1911 to 1995 Morris concertina player; Squire of the Morris Ring
© candyschwartz CC BY 2.0 Jez Lowe Songwriter; Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies
Trevor Lucas 1943 to 1989 Singer and guitarist; Fotheringay, Fairport Convention
© Richiecoss at English Wikipedia Public Domain Mark Dónal Lunny 1947 to 2026 Bouzouki player and producer; Planxty, Bothy Band

M

Hector MacAndrew 1903 to 1980 Fiddler; the Gow tradition
Ishbel MacAskill 1941 to 2011 Gaelic singer; the Gaelic diva
Jimmy MacBeath 1894 to 1972 Bothy ballad singer
© Seattle Folklore Society Public Domain Mark Ewan MacColl 1915 to 1989 Singer, songwriter and activist; Dirty Old Town, Radio Ballads
© K8 fan at English Wikipedia Public Domain Mark Kirsty MacColl 1959 to 2000 Singer and songwriter; They Don't Know, Fairytale of New York
Lauren MacColl Fiddler; RANT and Salt House
Allan MacDonald Piper and piping scholar; Glenuig
Calum MacDonald Percussionist and lyricist; Runrig
Iain MacDonald Piper and flute player; Ossian and Battlefield Band
Rory MacDonald Bassist and songwriter; Runrig
Kitty Macfarlane Singer, songwriter and guitarist; Somerset
© Masao Nakagami CC BY-SA 2.0 Shane MacGowan 1957 to 2023 Lead Singer of The Pogues, general Hell raiser
© SylviaStanley CC BY-SA 4.0 Bruce MacGregor Fiddler and broadcaster; Blazin' Fiddles
Jimmie Macgregor Singer and broadcaster; with Robin Hall
George Machray Singer-songwriter from Port Seton, East Lothian
Kathleen MacInnes Gaelic singer and actress
© Abrach (talk) (Uploads)Public Domain Mark Calum Maclean 1915 to 1960 Gaelic folklore collector; School of Scottish Studies
© Palak Dudani CC BY-SA 4.0 Dougie MacLean Singer and songwriter; Caledonia
Bobby MacLeod 1925 to 1991 Accordionist and dance band leader; Tobermory
© Athlour CC BY-SA 3.0 Tony MacMahon 1939 to 2021 Button accordion player and broadcaster; The Long Note
© Paul Bonatti (Gaelic Arts)CC BY 2.0 Flora MacNeil 1928 to 2015 Gaelic traditional singer; Barra
Catherine-Ann MacPhee Gaelic singer and actor
Donald MacPherson 1922 to 2012 Highland piper; Oban and Inverness
Dónal Maguire Irish traditional singer, mandolin and tenor banjo player
Sarah Makem 1900 to 1983 Traditional singer; Keady, County Armagh
© Cindy Funk CC BY 2.0 Tommy Makem 1932 to 2007 Singer, banjo and whistle player; The Clancy Brothers
© Bastun CC BY-SA 4.0 Liam Ó Maonlaí Singer and bodhrán player; Hothouse Flowers
© PKimage CC BY 3.0 Michael Marra 1952 to 2012 Singer and songwriter; the bard of Lochee
© TimDuncan CC BY 3.0 John Martyn 1948 to 2009 Singer, songwriter and guitarist; Solid Air
© XIIIfromTOKYO CC BY-SA 3.0 Karen Matheson Gaelic singer; Capercaillie
Ciarán Mac Mathúna 1925 to 2009 Collector and broadcaster; Mo Cheol Thú
© Fotoburo De Boer CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication) Dave Mattacks Drummer; Fairport Convention
© Cerys_Matthews_Glastonbury_2008.JPG: Adam Smith, who uploaded the image using the handle Gingerblok…CC BY 3.0 Cerys Matthews Singer and broadcaster; Welsh traditional song
© David Laws CC BY-SA 3.0 Iain Matthews Singer; Fairport Convention, Matthews Southern Comfort
© Dr Photo CC BY 2.0 Julie Matthews Singer and songwriter; While and Matthews
Pop Maynard 1872 to 1962 Traditional singer and marbles champion; Copthorne
Christian Mayne
Jim McCann 1944 to 2015 Singer; The Dubliners, Grace
Cathal McConnell Flute and whistle player and singer; The Boys of the Lough
Lauren McCormick Singer and flute player; The Devil's Interval
Gordeanna McCulloch 1946 to 2019 Ballad singer; The Clutha
© XIIIfromTOKYO CC BY-SA 3.0 John McCusker Fiddler, composer and producer; Battlefield Band
Shelagh McDonald Singer and songwriter; Stargazer
Matt McGinn 1928 to 1977 Songwriter; The Foreman O'Rourke
Arty McGlynn 1944 to 2019 Guitarist; Patrick Street and Planxty
© XIIIfromTOKYO CC BY-SA 3.0 Michael McGoldrick Flute, whistle and uilleann pipes player; Flook, Lúnasa, Capercaillie
Seán McGuire 1927 to 2005 Fiddler; Belfast
Catriona McKay Harpist and composer; Fiddlers' Bid
Barney McKenna 1939 to 2012 Tenor banjo player; The Dubliners
Ewan McLennan Singer and guitarist
© Cindy Funk at CC BY 2.0 Brian McNeill Fiddler, songwriter and novelist; Battlefield Band
Francie McPeake 1917 to 1986 Piper and teacher; the McPeake Family
Francis McPeake 1885 to 1971 Uilleann piper and singer; the McPeake Family
Rachael McShane Singer, cellist and fiddler; Bellowhead, The Cartographers
© The original uploader was Bluewave at English Wikipedia.CC BY 2.5 Jacqui McShee Singer; Pentangle
Ralph McTell Singer, songwriter and guitarist; Streets of London
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh Fiddler and singer; Altan
Siobhan Miller Singer; Scots songs
E. J. Moeran 1894 to 1950 Composer and folk song collector; Norfolk
Matt Molloy Flute player; The Chieftains
Paddy Moloney 1938 to 2021 Uilleann piper and whistle player; The Chieftains
Christy Moore Singer and guitarist; Planxty, Moving Hearts
Hamish Moore Piper and pipemaker; Scottish smallpipes revival
© Garry Knight from Bromley, Kent, England CC BY-SA 2.0 Jim Moray Singer, arranger and producer; False Lights
Angeline Morrison Singer and songwriter; The Sorrow Songs
© Carstor CC BY 4.0 Fred Morrison Piper; Highland pipes, smallpipes and low whistle
James Morrison 1893 to 1947 Fiddler; south Sligo style
Pete Morton Singer and songwriter
Tom Munnelly 1944 to 2007 Collector of Irish traditional song
Denis Murphy 1910 to 1974 Fiddler; Sliabh Luachra
Julie Murphy Singer in Welsh and English; Fernhill
Noel Murphy Singer, guitarist and humourist
Murphy’s Lore Dorset Ceilidh Band

N

© Findlay Napier CC BY-SA 4.0 Findlay Napier Singer and songwriter; Back of the Moon
Mary Neal 1860 to 1944 Espérance Club; the early morris revival
Harkie Nesling 1890 to 1978 Fiddler; mid Suffolk
© Robbo-Man CC BY-SA 2.0 Rachel Newton Harpist, singer and viola player; The Furrow Collective
Simon Nicol Guitarist and singer; Fairport Convention
© PKimage CC BY-SA 3.0 Rab Noakes 1947 to 2022 Singer and songwriter; Stealers Wheel

O

© Bryn Pinzgauer CC BY 2.0 Jackie Oates Singer and fiddler
© From R.B. Armstrong "The Irish and Highland Harps", Edinburgh, David Douglas, 1904.Public Domain Mark Turlough O’Carolan 1670 to 1738 Blind harper and composer
© Martinbassindale CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication) Maz O’Connor Singer, songwriter and composer
© Maybesometime CC BY-SA 3.0 Máirtín O’Connor Button accordion player; De Dannan
Liam O’Flynn 1945 to 2018 Uilleann piper; Planxty
© Bryan Ledgard CC BY 2.0 Damien O’Kane Singer, banjo player and guitarist
Pádraig O’Keeffe 1887 to 1963 Fiddler and teacher; Sliabh Luachra
Johnny O’Leary 1923 to 2004 Button accordion player; Sliabh Luachra
Francis O’Neill 1848 to 1936 Collector of Irish dance music; Chicago police chief
Lisa O’Neill Singer and songwriter; Heard a Long Gone Song
© Dcs57 CC BY-SA 4.0 Iona Opie 1923 to 2017 Folklorist; The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren
© Dcs57 CC BY-SA 4.0 Peter Opie 1918 to 1982 Folklorist; The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes
© Genevieve Stevenson CC BY-SA 4.0 Aidan O’Rourke Fiddler and composer; Lau

P

Roy Palmer 1932 to 2015 Folk song historian and author
Walter Pardon 1914 to 1996 Traditional singer; Knapton, Norfolk
Charles Parker 1919 to 1980 BBC producer; the Radio Ballads
© GramshamSec CC BY-SA 4.0 Niamh Parsons Singer; Arcady
© Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA CC BY-SA 2.0 Tom Paxton Singer and songwriter; The Last Thing on My Mind, Ramblin' Boy
© Paul Hudson CC BY 2.0 Radie Peat Singer, concertina and harmonium player; Lankum
Bob Pegg Singer, songwriter and storyteller; Mr Fox
© Kevin Smith CC BY 2.0 Dave Pegg Bass player; Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull
© Eames59 CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication) Tommy Peoples 1948 to 2018 Fiddler and composer; Donegal style
Brian Peters Concertina and melodeon player; ballad singer
George Petrie 1790 to 1866 Antiquary and collector; the Petrie Collection
© AlasdhairJohnston CC BY-SA 4.0 Grace Petrie Singer and songwriter; protest songs
Karen Pfeiffer Singer, guitarist and woodwind player; duo with Paul Walker
Billy Pigg 1902 to 1968 Northumbrian smallpiper
© David Loggan Public Domain Mark John Playford 1623 to 1686 Publisher of The English Dancing Master
Cyril Poacher 1910 to 1999 Traditional singer; the Ship Inn, Blaxhall
© Karine_Polwart_at_Tribute_to_Alistair_Hulett.jpg: Candy Schwartz derivative work: Qwfp (talk)CC BY 2.0 Karine Polwart Singer and songwriter; Faultlines, Malinky
© Harald Krichel CC BY-SA 4.0 Emily Portman Singer and songwriter; The Furrow Collective
Ian Powrie 1923 to 2011 Fiddler and dance band leader
© Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (taken by a photographer employed by the college in the course of his job)CC BY-SA 4.0 Christine Primrose Gaelic singer; Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
© Ron Baker CC BY 3.0 John Prine 1946 to 2020 Singer and songwriter; Sam Stone, Paradise
© Rob Glover CC BY-SA 2.0 Maddy Prior Singer; Steeleye Span

Q

Pernille Quigg Singer-songwriter and guitarist; The Quiggs
Stephen Quigg Singer and guitarist; The McCalmans; The Quiggs
Matt Quinn Singer and melodeon and mandolin player; The Dovetail Trio

R

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh Fiddler; The Gloaming
Jean Redpath 1937 to 2014 Singer; Scots song and Robert Burns
Alan Reid Keyboards and songwriter; Battlefield Band
Jim Reid 1934 to 2009 Singer and songwriter; Foundry Bar Band
Paddy Reilly Ballad singer; The Fields of Athenry, The Dubliners
© Thom C from Blackstone Valley, United States CC BY 2.0 John Renbourn 1944 to 2015 Guitarist; Pentangle, John Renbourn Group
Seán Ó Riada 1931 to 1971 Composer; Ceoltóirí Chualann, Mise Éire
Hazel Richings Singer; Hissyfit and CHaS
Donald Riddell 1908 to 1992 Fiddler, fiddle maker and teacher; Kirkhill
Bob Roberts 1907 to 1982 Singer and storyteller; Thames sailing barge skipper
Jeannie Robertson 1908 to 1975 Traveller ballad singer; Aberdeen
Tony Rose 1941 to 2002 Singer and concertina player; Bandoggs
Colin Ross 1934 to 2019 Northumbrian pipe maker, piper and fiddler; High Level Ranters
Doc Rowe Folklorist, film maker and archivist of customs
Leo Rowsome 1903 to 1970 Uilleann piper, pipe maker and teacher
Micho Russell 1915 to 1994 Tin whistle player and singer; Doolin
© The original uploader was IanMRichards at Welsh Wikipedia.CC BY-SA 3.0 Georgia Ruth Harpist and songwriter in Welsh and English
Jack Rutter Singer, guitarist and bouzouki player; Moore Moss Rutter
Mick Ryan Singer, songwriter and writer of folk operas

S

Roy Saer 1936 to 2026 Collector and scholar of Welsh folk song; St Fagans
Emily Sanders Singer, fiddle and viola player; Sherburn Bartley Sanders, Isambarde
George Sansome Traditional singer and guitarist; Granny's Attic; Queer Folk
Bob Scarce 1885 to 1974 Traditional singer; Blaxhall, Suffolk
Willie Scott 1897 to 1989 Traditional singer; Border shepherd and crook maker
© Fred Palumbo, World Telegram staff photographer Public Domain Mark Pete Seeger 1919 to 2014 Singer, banjo player and activist; The Weavers
Margaret Fay Shaw 1903 to 2004 Collector of Gaelic song and lore; South Uist
John Sheahan Fiddler and whistle player; The Dubliners
Chris Sherburn Concertina player; Sherburn Bartley Sanders, Last Night's Fun
Hugh Shields 1929 to 2008 Song scholar; Folk Music Society of Ireland
Jacqueline Simpson Folklorist; A Dictionary of English Folklore
Declan Sinnott Guitarist and producer; Moving Hearts
Wiggy Smith 1926 to 2001 Gypsy traditional singer; Gloucestershire
Will Starr 1922 to 1976 Accordionist; Scottish dance music
Davy Steele 1948 to 2001 Singer and songwriter; Ceolbeg, Clan Alba, Battlefield Band
Andy M. Stewart 1952 to 2015 Singer and songwriter; Silly Wizard
Belle Stewart 1906 to 1997 Traveller singer and songwriter; Blairgowrie
Davie Stewart 1901 to 1972 Traveller singer and accordion player
Kathy Stewart Singer-songwriter; Kathy Stewart and the Frequent Flyers
Sheila Stewart 1937 to 2014 Traveller singer and storyteller; Perthshire
Chris Stout Fiddler; Shetland
Keith Summers 1948 to 2004 Field recordist; Suffolk; founder of Musical Traditions
Dave Swarbrick 1941 to 2016 Fiddler; Fairport Convention

T

© JuneTaborAndMartinSimpson.jpg: candyschwartz from Boston, USA derivative work: Alison ❤CC BY 2.0 June Tabor Singer; Silly Sisters, Oysterband
Phil Tanner 1862 to 1950 Traditional singer, the Gower Nightingale
Cyril Tawney 1930 to 2005 Singer and songwriter; Sally Free and Easy, The Grey Funnel Line
© AnonymousUnknown author Public Domain Mark Joseph Taylor 1833 to 1910 Traditional singer; Saxby All Saints, Lincolnshire
Scan Tester 1887 to 1972 Anglo concertina player; Sussex dance music
Jake Thackray 1938 to 2002 Singer and songwriter; witty, wordy songs
Billy Thom 1937 to 2010 Dance band drummer
Kathryn Tickell Northumbrian piper and fiddler
Steve Tilston Songwriter and guitarist
Frances Tolmie 1840 to 1926 Collector of Gaelic song; Skye and the Western Isles
George Townshend 1882 to 1967 Traditional singer; Sussex
Paddy Tunney 1921 to 2002 Singer, lilter and writer, the Man of Songs; Fermanagh
Gordon Tyrrall Singer, guitarist and flute player; Magnetic North; duo recordings with Brian Peters

U

Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin Singer and scholar of Irish song; A Hidden Ulster
Becky Unthank Singer and clog dancer; The Unthanks
Rachel Unthank Singer, cellist and clog dancer; The Unthanks
Harry Upton Traditional singer; Balcombe, Sussex

V

Fintan Vallely Flute player and writer; Companion to Irish Traditional Music

W

Paul Walker Singer-songwriter and guitarist; duo with Karen Pfeiffer
Dan Walsh Clawhammer banjo player, guitarist and singer; Urban Folk Quartet
Lal Waterson 1943 to 1998 Singer and songwriter; The Watersons, Bright Phoebus
Norma Waterson 1939 to 2022 Singer; The Watersons, Waterson:Carthy
John Watt 1933 to 2011 Songwriter and singer; Pittenweem Joe
Liam Weldon 1933 to 1995 Singer and songwriter; Dark Horse on the Wind
Sheena Wellington Singer; Burns songs and Scots traditional song
Chris While Singer and songwriter; While and Matthews
Alfred Williams 1877 to 1930 Poet and folk song collector; Upper Thames
Ralph Vaughan Williams 1872 to 1958 Composer and collector of English folk songs
Duncan Williamson 1928 to 2007 Traveller storyteller and singer; Argyll and Fife
Roy Williamson 1936 to 1990 Singer and songwriter; the Corries, Flower of Scotland
Chris Wilson Singer; The Wilson Family
Steve Wilson Singer and instrumentalist; The Wilson Family
Bob Wood Singer and fingerstyle guitarist; Ram Folk Club founder