Linda Thompson (singer)
Encyclopedia
Linda Thompson is a British
singer. Born Linda Pettifer (the sister of the actor Brian Pettifer
) in Hackney
, Thompson became one of the most recognised names—and voices—in the British folk rock
movement of the 1970s and 1980s, in collaboration with her former husband and fellow British folk rock musician, guitarist Richard Thompson, and later, as a solo artist.
.
In about 1966 she started singing in folk clubs, and in 1967 began studying modern languages at the University of London
, but quit the latter after four months. She changed her name to Linda Peters. By day she sang advertising jingles, including one with Manfred Mann
. By night she sang folk songs in coffee houses, meeting up with key members of the folk scene including Sandy Denny
. She recorded the Bob Dylan
song "You Ain't Going Nowhere", released as an MGM single in 1968 by Paul McNeill and Linda Peters. Paul McNeill being another friend of Sandy Denny's and Alex Campbell
. They released a second single as Paul and Linda in 1969 on Page One, the John. D. Loudermilk song "You're Taking My Bag".
During 1970 she had an affair with Martin Carthy
, and was Joe Boyd
's girlfriend in the early 1970s. Linda met Richard Thompson in 1969 but they did not record together until 1972.
Her reputation led to her being invited to join The Bunch, a loose supergroup of folk rock luminaries including former Fairport Convention members Sandy Denny
, Richard Thompson, and Ashley Hutchings
that recorded an album called Rock On
. This was a set of 1950s rock and roll classics. A single was released from the album: The Everly Brothers
' hit "When Will I Be Loved
", which was a duet by Linda and Sandy. A second single was released soon afterwards "The Loco-motion", sung by Linda alone. Two versions exist, one with "Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller" as the b-side and in a picture sleeve, another with "Don't Be Cruel" on the flip.
Later in 1972 Linda and Richard were backing singers on Sandy Denny's solo album Sandy
.
Linda teamed up with Simon Nicol
and Richard (after he had left Fairport Convention
). Calling themselves "Hokey Pokey," they toured as a trio. Linda and Richard married in 1972. Richard's first solo album, also recorded in 1972, sold extremely poorly. Linda sang on Fairport's album Rosie
(1973), credited as Linda Peters.
The next album, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
(1974) was credited to "Richard and Linda Thompson". Two albums followed in 1975: Hokey Pokey
and Pour Down Like Silver
. Richard had started to take an interest in Sufism
, a mystical form of Islam
, in 1973. After the tour, the couple went to a Sufi commune in East Anglia
for six months, then to another in Maida Vale
. Richard announced that he would never play again, but returned after three years. In those years Linda found herself in a community where all the food was prepared by the women. In Linda's words, the members were "white middle-class people trying to punish themselves, and everybody else. It taught me a lot. To stay away from sects, mostly." http://www.cdshakedown.com/110696.htm
followed in 1979, and Shoot Out The Lights
in 1982.
Shoot Out The Lights was surprisingly successful in America, and the Thompsons, despite the fractured state of their relationship, were offered a long and lucrative tour of the USA. Simon Nicol described the final tour, in the summer of 1982, as being "like walking on a tightrope", and that as a result the first thing he did on stage was "look for the exit". The couple were barely speaking to each other, and Linda would occasionally try to trip Richard up as he walked on stage.
Despite the emotional problems, however, the music they shared was reputedly astonishing, and hearing this their record company arranged a mobile recording studio to record dates for a live album. The recording could not be arranged before the last date of the tour. The penultimate date of the tour was in Los Angeles. Linda reportedly performed the greatest show of her life, then went to stay with her friend Linda Ronstadt
. The tapes were finally released in October 2010 in the "Shoot Out The Lights" 2CD Box Set, although a version of "Walking On A Wire" from earlier in the tour is on the Free Reed "RT" boxed set.
When Richard left Linda, she had just given birth to their third child, Kamila.
, allegedly brought on by her breakup with her former husband. She made a new start in 1984, singing with "The Home Service" at the National Theatre's production of medieval mystery plays and in 1985 she released her solo album One Clear Moment, then fell silent for eleven years. One song from the album, called "Telling Me Lies
", written with Betsy Cook, was also recorded by Emmylou Harris
, Dolly Parton
, and Linda Ronstadt for their Trio
album in 1987. The recording was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Country Song category. Linda retired from music to run an antique jewellery shop in Bond Street
London. She married an American
, Steve Kenis, who was an agent for recording artists. In the same year Richard married an American folk club organiser, Nancy Covey.
A compilation of Linda's earlier work, Dreams Fly Away (1996), included both previously released songs and alternate versions of some of her better-known songs. It was received politely but did not sell well. In 1999 Linda's mother died. This provoked an outpouring of sorrow and regenerated her determination to sing. Linda was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia
, preventing her from singing. A temporary cure was found. By having botox injected into her throat, she could regain her normal singing voice for a few months. Give Me a Sad Song (2001) was positively reviewed. In 2002, she released a new CD, Fashionably Late, which featured several family members, including her son Teddy Thompson
and daughter Kamila Thompson
, as well as a brief appearance by Richard Thompson.
Linda appeared along with her son, Teddy Thompson, her friends, The McGarrigles and their children Martha Wainwright
and Rufus Wainwright
(amongst others) in Hal Wilner's "Came So Far For Beauty" tribute concerts to the music of Leonard Cohen
from 2003-06. Linda sang the Cohen songs "A Thousand Kisses Deep" and "Alexander Leaving".
Linda also appeared again with Teddy Thompson with The McGarrigles and Wainwrights for some of their family concerts, including the McGarrigle Christmas shows.
In 2007, Linda released yet another set of original songs and covers, Versatile Heart. Like Fashionably Late, this too was primarily a collaboration with son Teddy Thompson, and the CD also features a supporting cast of family and friends, including Kamila Thompson (Linda's daughter), who wrote one track, Martha Wainwright
, Antony Hegarty
of Antony and the Johnsons
, as well as Martin Carthy
and Eliza Carthy
. The CD was warmly received in the press, particularly for Linda's sensitive live recording of the Tom Waits
/Kathleen Brennan
anti-war song "Day After Tomorrow," as well as for a new song written for Linda, "Beauty," by Rufus Wainwright
. Linda and Teddy show a wide range of versatility in the arrangements of the songs, which cover traditional folk, honky-tonk, country as well as cabaret/art-song styles. The CD opens and closes with two arrangements of a Teddy Thompson instrumental piece "Stay Bright," the first an acoustic version, and the second a version for string quartet arranged by famed Nick Drake
collaborator Robert Kirby
.
Linda also contributes vocals to the Primal Scream
album Beautiful Future
(2008), on the track "Over & Over".
Linda and Richard Thompson performed a duet at the June 12, 2010 Meltdown Festival tribute concert to Kate McGarrigle
, which Richard coordinated. It was their first performance together in nearly three decades.
Richard and Linda Thompson (live)
Solo albums
Solo compilations
Singles - Richard and Linda Thompson
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
singer. Born Linda Pettifer (the sister of the actor Brian Pettifer
Brian Pettifer
Brian Pettifer is an actor who has appeared in many television shows. Pettifer was born in Lower Durban, South Africa, and briefly brought up in Glasgow and London. He intended to become a photographer, but pursued a career as an actor...
) in Hackney
Metropolitan Borough of Hackney
The Metropolitan Borough of Hackney was a Metropolitan borough of the County of London from 1900 to 1965. Its area became part of the London Borough of Hackney.-Formation and boundaries:...
, Thompson became one of the most recognised names—and voices—in the British folk rock
Folk rock
Folk rock is a musical genre combining elements of folk music and rock music. In its earliest and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and the UK around the mid-1960s...
movement of the 1970s and 1980s, in collaboration with her former husband and fellow British folk rock musician, guitarist Richard Thompson, and later, as a solo artist.
Early years
When Linda Pettifer was six, her family moved to a district of GlasgowGlasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
.
In about 1966 she started singing in folk clubs, and in 1967 began studying modern languages at the University of London
University of London
-20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the...
, but quit the latter after four months. She changed her name to Linda Peters. By day she sang advertising jingles, including one with Manfred Mann
Manfred Mann
Manfred Mann was a British beat, rhythm and blues and pop band of the 1960s, named after their South African keyboardist, Manfred Mann, who later led the successful 1970s group Manfred Mann's Earth Band...
. By night she sang folk songs in coffee houses, meeting up with key members of the folk scene including Sandy Denny
Sandy Denny
Sandy Denny , born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny, was an English singer and songwriter, perhaps best known as the lead singer for the folk rock band Fairport Convention...
. She recorded the Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
song "You Ain't Going Nowhere", released as an MGM single in 1968 by Paul McNeill and Linda Peters. Paul McNeill being another friend of Sandy Denny's and Alex Campbell
Alex Campbell (singer)
Alex Campbell was a Scottish folk singer. Described by Colin Harper as a "melancholic, hard-travelling Glaswegian", he was influential in the British folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s and was one of the first folk singers to tour the UK and Europe...
. They released a second single as Paul and Linda in 1969 on Page One, the John. D. Loudermilk song "You're Taking My Bag".
During 1970 she had an affair with Martin Carthy
Martin Carthy
Martin Carthy MBE is an English folk singer and guitarist who has remained one of the most influential figures in British traditional music, inspiring contemporaries such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and later artists such as Richard Thompson since he emerged as a young musician in the early days...
, and was Joe Boyd
Joe Boyd
Joe Boyd is an American record producer and former owner of the Witchseason production company. Boyd was instrumental in launching the careers of Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, and The Incredible String Band.-Career:...
's girlfriend in the early 1970s. Linda met Richard Thompson in 1969 but they did not record together until 1972.
Her reputation led to her being invited to join The Bunch, a loose supergroup of folk rock luminaries including former Fairport Convention members Sandy Denny
Sandy Denny
Sandy Denny , born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny, was an English singer and songwriter, perhaps best known as the lead singer for the folk rock band Fairport Convention...
, Richard Thompson, and Ashley Hutchings
Ashley Hutchings
Ashley Stephen Hutchings is an English bassist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, band leader, writer and record producer. He was a founder member of three of the most noteworthy English folk-rock bands in the history of the genre; Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band...
that recorded an album called Rock On
Rock On (The Bunch album)
Rock On is a 1972 one-off album of oldies covers by the Bunch, a group of English folk rock singers and musicians. The Bunch got together in late 1971 to record their one and only album, Rock On...
. This was a set of 1950s rock and roll classics. A single was released from the album: The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers are country-influenced rock and roll performers, known for steel-string guitar playing and close harmony singing...
' hit "When Will I Be Loved
When Will I Be Loved (song)
"When Will I Be Loved" is a popular song, written by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers and a #8 hit single for that duo in the summer of 1960. The track had been recorded in 1959 while the Everly Brothers were contracted to Cadence Records; by 1960 they had moved to Warner Brothers and recording...
", which was a duet by Linda and Sandy. A second single was released soon afterwards "The Loco-motion", sung by Linda alone. Two versions exist, one with "Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller" as the b-side and in a picture sleeve, another with "Don't Be Cruel" on the flip.
Later in 1972 Linda and Richard were backing singers on Sandy Denny's solo album Sandy
Sandy (Sandy Denny album)
Sandy is the second solo album by Sandy Denny, and is generally considered to be her best. The album was released in 1972 and begun just a fortnight after her UK tour promoting her debut solo album The North Star Grassman and the Ravens ended in early November 1971.The first song recorded for the...
.
Linda teamed up with Simon Nicol
Simon Nicol
Simon John Breckenridge Nicol is a guitarist, singer, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He was a founder member of British folk rock, or electric folk group Fairport Convention and is the only founding member still in the band...
and Richard (after he had left Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention are an English folk rock and later electric folk band, formed in 1967 who are still recording and touring today. They are widely regarded as the most important single group in the English folk rock movement...
). Calling themselves "Hokey Pokey," they toured as a trio. Linda and Richard married in 1972. Richard's first solo album, also recorded in 1972, sold extremely poorly. Linda sang on Fairport's album Rosie
Rosie (album)
Rosie is the eighth studio album by folk-rock outfit Fairport Convention, released in 1973.The album was the first to feature Australian singer-songwriter guitarist Trevor Lucas and American lead guitarist Jerry Donahue. Both had previously played with ex-Fairport Sandy Denny, to whom Lucas was...
(1973), credited as Linda Peters.
The next album, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
Q : "After his 1971 departure from Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson found his ideal foil in recent bride Linda. A hugely inventive guitarist, he gives full vent to his talent on this dark, brooding album...
(1974) was credited to "Richard and Linda Thompson". Two albums followed in 1975: Hokey Pokey
Hokey Pokey (album)
Hokey Pokey is the second album by the British duo of singer Linda and singer/songwriter/guitarist Richard Thompson. It was recorded in the autumn of 1974 and released in 1975....
and Pour Down Like Silver
Pour Down Like Silver
Pour Down Like Silver is the third album by the British duo of singer/songwriter/guitarist Richard and singer Linda Thompson. It was recorded in the summer of 1975 and released in November 1975....
. Richard had started to take an interest in Sufism
Sufism
Sufism or ' is defined by its adherents as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a '...
, a mystical form of Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
, in 1973. After the tour, the couple went to a Sufi commune in East Anglia
East Anglia
East Anglia is a traditional name for a region of eastern England, named after an ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom, the Kingdom of the East Angles. The Angles took their name from their homeland Angeln, in northern Germany. East Anglia initially consisted of Norfolk and Suffolk, but upon the marriage of...
for six months, then to another in Maida Vale
Maida Vale
Maida Vale is a residential district in West London between St John's Wood and Kilburn. It is part of the City of Westminster. The area is mostly residential, and mainly affluent, consisting of many large late Victorian and Edwardian blocks of mansion flats...
. Richard announced that he would never play again, but returned after three years. In those years Linda found herself in a community where all the food was prepared by the women. In Linda's words, the members were "white middle-class people trying to punish themselves, and everybody else. It taught me a lot. To stay away from sects, mostly." http://www.cdshakedown.com/110696.htm
Lights on and off again
Their come-back album was called First Light (1978). Richard's writing has a strong thread of disdain for fame, wealth and worldly values and attacks political hypocrisy, often in wildly abstract metaphors. SunnyvistaSunnyvista
Sunnyvista, released in October 1979 is the fifth album by Richard and Linda Thompson.After the artistic mismatch of the previous year's come back album , the Thompsons made greater use on this album of backing musicians that they had worked with previously.Sunnyvista is a curate's egg of an album...
followed in 1979, and Shoot Out The Lights
Shoot Out the Lights
Shoot Out the Lights is the sixth and final album by British husband-and-wife folk rock duo Richard and Linda Thompson. It was produced by Joe Boyd and released in 1982 on his Hannibal label...
in 1982.
Shoot Out The Lights was surprisingly successful in America, and the Thompsons, despite the fractured state of their relationship, were offered a long and lucrative tour of the USA. Simon Nicol described the final tour, in the summer of 1982, as being "like walking on a tightrope", and that as a result the first thing he did on stage was "look for the exit". The couple were barely speaking to each other, and Linda would occasionally try to trip Richard up as he walked on stage.
Despite the emotional problems, however, the music they shared was reputedly astonishing, and hearing this their record company arranged a mobile recording studio to record dates for a live album. The recording could not be arranged before the last date of the tour. The penultimate date of the tour was in Los Angeles. Linda reportedly performed the greatest show of her life, then went to stay with her friend Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
. The tapes were finally released in October 2010 in the "Shoot Out The Lights" 2CD Box Set, although a version of "Walking On A Wire" from earlier in the tour is on the Free Reed "RT" boxed set.
When Richard left Linda, she had just given birth to their third child, Kamila.
Linda alone
Linda lost her voice for the next two years as a result of hysterical dysphoniaDysphonia
Dysphonia is the medical term for disorders of the voice: an impairment in the ability to produce voice sounds using the vocal organs . Thus, dysphonia is a phonation disorder...
, allegedly brought on by her breakup with her former husband. She made a new start in 1984, singing with "The Home Service" at the National Theatre's production of medieval mystery plays and in 1985 she released her solo album One Clear Moment, then fell silent for eleven years. One song from the album, called "Telling Me Lies
Telling Me Lies
"Telling Me Lies" was a song written by Linda Thompson and Betsy Cook, that was included on Thompson's 1985 One Clear Moment album...
", written with Betsy Cook, was also recorded by Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris is an American singer-songwriter and musician. In addition to her work as a solo artist and bandleader, both as an interpreter of other composers' works and as a singer-songwriter, she is a sought-after backing vocalist and duet partner, working with numerous other artists including...
, Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
, and Linda Ronstadt for their Trio
Trio (album)
Trio was a collaboration album by three of the most successful American female singers of the 1970s and 1980s, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris...
album in 1987. The recording was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Country Song category. Linda retired from music to run an antique jewellery shop in Bond Street
Bond Street
Bond Street is a major shopping street in the West End of London that runs north-south through Mayfair between Oxford Street and Piccadilly. It has been a fashionable shopping street since the 18th century and is currently the home of many high price fashion shops...
London. She married an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Steve Kenis, who was an agent for recording artists. In the same year Richard married an American folk club organiser, Nancy Covey.
A compilation of Linda's earlier work, Dreams Fly Away (1996), included both previously released songs and alternate versions of some of her better-known songs. It was received politely but did not sell well. In 1999 Linda's mother died. This provoked an outpouring of sorrow and regenerated her determination to sing. Linda was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is a voice disorder characterized by involuntary movements of one or more muscles of the larynx during speech.- Types of spasmodic dysphonia :...
, preventing her from singing. A temporary cure was found. By having botox injected into her throat, she could regain her normal singing voice for a few months. Give Me a Sad Song (2001) was positively reviewed. In 2002, she released a new CD, Fashionably Late, which featured several family members, including her son Teddy Thompson
Teddy Thompson
Teddy Thompson is a British folk and rock musician. He is the son of folk-rock musicians Richard and Linda Thompson and brother of singer Kamila Thompson...
and daughter Kamila Thompson
Kamila Thompson
Kamila Thompson is a singer-songwriter based in London and New York. Currently recording her first album, she has been seen touring with Bonny Prince Billy, Teddy Thompson, Sean Lennon and others, as well as appearances with the Wainwright clan at Carnegie Hall and with a host of illustrious...
, as well as a brief appearance by Richard Thompson.
Linda appeared along with her son, Teddy Thompson, her friends, The McGarrigles and their children Martha Wainwright
Martha Wainwright
Martha Wainwright is a Canadian-American folk-rock singer-songwriter. She is the daughter of American folk singer and actor Loudon Wainwright III and Canadian folk singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle...
and Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright
Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright is an American-Canadian singer-songwriter. He has recorded six albums of original music, EPs, and tracks on compilations and film soundtracks.-Early years:...
(amongst others) in Hal Wilner's "Came So Far For Beauty" tribute concerts to the music of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Norman Cohen, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet and novelist. Cohen published his first book of poetry in Montreal in 1956 and his first novel in 1963. His work often explores religion, isolation, sexuality and interpersonal relationships...
from 2003-06. Linda sang the Cohen songs "A Thousand Kisses Deep" and "Alexander Leaving".
Linda also appeared again with Teddy Thompson with The McGarrigles and Wainwrights for some of their family concerts, including the McGarrigle Christmas shows.
In 2007, Linda released yet another set of original songs and covers, Versatile Heart. Like Fashionably Late, this too was primarily a collaboration with son Teddy Thompson, and the CD also features a supporting cast of family and friends, including Kamila Thompson (Linda's daughter), who wrote one track, Martha Wainwright
Martha Wainwright
Martha Wainwright is a Canadian-American folk-rock singer-songwriter. She is the daughter of American folk singer and actor Loudon Wainwright III and Canadian folk singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle...
, Antony Hegarty
Antony Hegarty
Antony Hegarty is an English singer-songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the band Antony and the Johnsons.-Early life:...
of Antony and the Johnsons
Antony and the Johnsons
Antony and the Johnsons is a music group presenting the work of Antony Hegarty and his collaborators.-Career:British experimental musician David Tibet of Current 93 heard a demo and offered to release Antony's music through his Durtro label. The debut album, Antony and the Johnsons, was released...
, as well as Martin Carthy
Martin Carthy
Martin Carthy MBE is an English folk singer and guitarist who has remained one of the most influential figures in British traditional music, inspiring contemporaries such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and later artists such as Richard Thompson since he emerged as a young musician in the early days...
and Eliza Carthy
Eliza Carthy
Eliza Carthy is an English folk musician known for both singing and playing fiddle. She is the daughter of English folk musicians singer/guitarist Martin Carthy and singer Norma Waterson.-Life and career:...
. The CD was warmly received in the press, particularly for Linda's sensitive live recording of the Tom Waits
Tom Waits
Thomas Alan "Tom" Waits is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."...
/Kathleen Brennan
Kathleen Brennan
Kathleen Brennan is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and artist. She was born in Johnsburg, Illinois, as noted by her husband and musical collaborator Tom Waits, in the song of the same name. Brennan and Waits met in 1980 during the filming of the Francis Ford Coppola film One from...
anti-war song "Day After Tomorrow," as well as for a new song written for Linda, "Beauty," by Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright
Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright is an American-Canadian singer-songwriter. He has recorded six albums of original music, EPs, and tracks on compilations and film soundtracks.-Early years:...
. Linda and Teddy show a wide range of versatility in the arrangements of the songs, which cover traditional folk, honky-tonk, country as well as cabaret/art-song styles. The CD opens and closes with two arrangements of a Teddy Thompson instrumental piece "Stay Bright," the first an acoustic version, and the second a version for string quartet arranged by famed Nick Drake
Nick Drake
Nicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake was an English singer-songwriter and musician. Though he is best known for his sombre guitar based songs, Drake was also proficient at piano, clarinet and saxophone...
collaborator Robert Kirby
Robert Kirby
Robert Kirby was a British born arranger of string sections for rock and folk music. He is best known for his work on the Nick Drake albums, Five Leaves Left and Bryter Layter, but has also worked with Elton John, Ralph McTell, Strawbs, Paul Weller and Elvis Costello.-At Cambridge:Patrick...
.
Linda also contributes vocals to the Primal Scream
Primal Scream
Primal Scream are a Scottish alternative rock band originally formed in 1982 in Glasgow by Bobby Gillespie and Jim Beattie and now based in London. The current lineup consists of Gillespie, Andrew Innes , Martin Duffy , and Darrin Mooney...
album Beautiful Future
Beautiful Future
Beautiful Future is the ninth studio album by British rock band Primal Scream, released on on B-Unique Records/Atlantic Records. The album was promoted by the single "Can't Go Back", which was released on , and it was produced by Björn Yttling and Paul Epworth.According to the press release, "the...
(2008), on the track "Over & Over".
Linda and Richard Thompson performed a duet at the June 12, 2010 Meltdown Festival tribute concert to Kate McGarrigle
Kate McGarrigle
Kate McGarrigle, CM was a Canadian folk music singer-songwriter, who wrote and performed as a duo with her sister Anna McGarrigle....
, which Richard coordinated. It was their first performance together in nearly three decades.
Discography
Richard and Linda Thompson- I Want To See The Bright Lights TonightI Want to See the Bright Lights TonightQ : "After his 1971 departure from Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson found his ideal foil in recent bride Linda. A hugely inventive guitarist, he gives full vent to his talent on this dark, brooding album...
(1974) - Hokey PokeyHokey Pokey (album)Hokey Pokey is the second album by the British duo of singer Linda and singer/songwriter/guitarist Richard Thompson. It was recorded in the autumn of 1974 and released in 1975....
(1975) - Pour Down Like SilverPour Down Like SilverPour Down Like Silver is the third album by the British duo of singer/songwriter/guitarist Richard and singer Linda Thompson. It was recorded in the summer of 1975 and released in November 1975....
(1975) - First Light (1978)
- SunnyvistaSunnyvistaSunnyvista, released in October 1979 is the fifth album by Richard and Linda Thompson.After the artistic mismatch of the previous year's come back album , the Thompsons made greater use on this album of backing musicians that they had worked with previously.Sunnyvista is a curate's egg of an album...
(1979) - Shoot Out The LightsShoot Out the LightsShoot Out the Lights is the sixth and final album by British husband-and-wife folk rock duo Richard and Linda Thompson. It was produced by Joe Boyd and released in 1982 on his Hannibal label...
(1982)
Richard and Linda Thompson (live)
- In Concert 1975 (not released until 2007)
Solo albums
- One Clear Moment (1985)
- Fashionably Late (2002)
- Versatile Heart (2007)
Solo compilations
- Dreams Fly Away (1996)
- Give Me A Sad Song (2001)
Singles - Richard and Linda Thompson
- "I Want to See The Bright Lights Tonight" / "When I Get to the Border" (1974)
- "Hokey Pokey" / "I'll Regret it in the Morning" (1975)
- "Don't Let a Thief Steal Into Your Heart" / "First Light" (1978)
- "Georgie on a Spree" / "Civilisation" (1979)
- "Don't Renege On Our Love" / "Living In Luxury" (1982)
External links
- Crawdaddy!Crawdaddy!Crawdaddy! was the first U.S. magazine of rock and roll music criticism. Created in 1966 by college student Paul Williams in response to the increasing sophistication and cultural influence of popular music, Crawdaddy! was self-described as "the first magazine to take rock and roll...
review of Fashionably Late, 2007