Ewan MacColl, English singer-songwriter, actor and producer (d. 1989)

James Henry Miller (25 January 1915 – 22 October 1989), professionally celebrated as Ewan MacColl, was a towering figure in 20th-century British cultural life. A multifaceted talent, he was renowned as an influential folk singer-songwriter, a meticulous collector of traditional folk songs, a fervent labour activist, and an accomplished actor.

Born in Salford, England, to Scottish parents, MacColl's deep roots in working-class culture and his Scottish heritage profoundly shaped his artistic and political outlook. He is widely recognised as one of the primary instigators and architects of the influential 1960s British folk revival. His commitment to authenticity and his advocacy for traditional music helped to revitalise the genre, drawing new audiences and inspiring countless musicians. He was a central figure in the emergence of folk clubs across Britain and, alongside Peggy Seeger and A.L. Lloyd, founded the seminal Critics Group, which significantly influenced the interpretation and performance of folk material.

MacColl's songwriting legacy is equally profound, encompassing universally beloved classics and powerful political anthems. Among his most famous compositions are "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," a tender love song he wrote in 1957 for his future wife, Peggy Seeger. This poignant ballad achieved global acclaim, notably becoming a major international hit for Roberta Flack in 1972, winning a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Another iconic piece, "Dirty Old Town," penned in 1949, vividly depicts the industrial landscape of his birthplace, Salford, England, and has been widely covered by artists ranging from The Dubliners to The Pogues, cementing its status as a folk standard.

Beyond his original compositions, MacColl was a tireless and dedicated collector of traditional folk songs, often travelling extensively throughout Britain to document and preserve fading oral traditions. He amassed a collection of hundreds of songs, ensuring their survival for future generations. His recordings, many made with Peggy Seeger and A.L. Lloyd, are considered foundational works in the study and performance of British folk music. A notable example of his collection efforts includes the version of "Scarborough Fair" that was later popularised globally by the American folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. His significant contributions to folk preservation also extended to innovative radio productions, such as the acclaimed "Radio Ballads" series for the BBC, which blended traditional song with documentary sound, offering unique insights into working-class lives.

Throughout his life, Ewan MacColl remained a steadfast communist and an ardent champion of workers' rights, actively engaging in political activism. His left-wing political convictions infused much of his songwriting, producing powerful protest songs that addressed social injustice, industrial struggles, and the aspirations of the working class. These songs served not only as artistic expressions but also as rallying calls for change, reflecting his unwavering commitment to socialist ideals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ewan MacColl

• Who was Ewan MacColl?
  Ewan MacColl, born James Henry Miller, was a highly influential British folk singer-songwriter, traditional song collector, labour activist, and actor. He is renowned for his role in the 1960s folk revival and for writing iconic songs like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Dirty Old Town."
• What was Ewan MacColl's contribution to the folk revival?
  MacColl was a key instigator of the 1960s British folk revival. He co-founded the Critics Group, promoted authenticity in folk performance, established folk clubs, and extensively collected and recorded traditional songs, greatly revitalising the genre.
• For whom did Ewan MacColl write "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"?
  He wrote "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in 1957 for Peggy Seeger, who would later become his wife and a prominent folk musician herself.
• What other famous songs did Ewan MacColl write?
  Besides "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," his most well-known song is "Dirty Old Town," which describes his birthplace, Salford.
• Did Ewan MacColl collect traditional folk songs?
  Yes, he was a prolific song collector, preserving hundreds of traditional folk songs through his extensive travels and recordings, many of which were released on dozens of albums. He notably collected the version of "Scarborough Fair" that became famous through Simon & Garfunkel.
• What were Ewan MacColl's political beliefs?
  Ewan MacColl was a lifelong and steadfast communist, with his left-wing political convictions deeply informing his songwriting and his active engagement in labour and social justice movements.