14/03/2026
Partagé avec : Public
Today at 05pm on WBRS online radio :
Ralph McTell is one of Britain’s most respected and enduring singer-songwriters, best known for his timeless folk classic “Streets of London.” Born in Farnborough, Kent, in 1944 and raised in Croydon, McTell developed a love of music through American blues, traditional folk and the storytelling songs of artists like Woody Guthrie. These influences shaped his distinctive fingerstyle acoustic guitar technique and his compassionate, narrative-driven songwriting.
He emerged during the vibrant London folk revival of the 1960s, performing in clubs and busking while building a reputation for his intricate guitar playing and thoughtful lyrics. His breakthrough came in 1969 with “Streets of London,”a song inspired by his encounters with loneliness and poverty while travelling in Paris and London. The song resonated deeply with audiences and went on to become one of the most covered songs in British music history, earning McTell the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for songwriting.
Although often associated with that single iconic hit, McTell’s career spans decades and includes a rich catalogue of songs such as “From Clare to Here,” “England,” and “Last Train and Ride.” His work frequently explores themes of migration, identity and the lives of ordinary people. In addition to recording and touring internationally, he has composed music for television and remained a beloved live performer.
Awarded an OBE for services to music, Ralph McTell continues to be celebrated as a defining voice of English folk music and a master storyteller whose songs have resonated with audiences for more than half a century.
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