John Martyn

John Martyn (born September 11 1948) is a singer-songwriter.

Related Topics:
September 11 - 1948

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He was born Ian David McGeachy in New Malden, Surrey, England.

Related Topics:
New Malden - Surrey - England

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His parents divorced when he was five; Martyn spent his childhood alternating between England and Scotland.

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His professional musical career began when he was 17; a blend of blues and folk resulting in a unique style that made him a key figure in the London folk scene during the mid-1960s. He signed to Chris Blackwell's Island Records in 1967 and released his first album, London Conversation, the following year.

Related Topics:
1960s - Chris Blackwell - Island Records - 1967 - London Conversation

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This first album was soon followed by The Tumbler which was moving towards jazz. By 1970 Martyn had developed a wholly original and idiosyncratic sound: acoustic guitar run through a fuzzbox, phase-shifter, and Echoplex. This sound was first apparent on Stormbringer in 1970, which also had Martyn's then wife, Beverley Kutner, as his collaborator. She also appeared on The Road to Ruin in 1970.

Related Topics:
Jazz - 1970 - Fuzzbox - Beverley Kutner

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In 1973, Martyn released one of the defining British albums of the 1970s, Solid Air, the title song a tribute to the singer-songwriter, Nick Drake, a close friend and label-mate, who in 1974 was to die suddenly following an overdose of antidepressants. On this album, as with the one which preceded it, Bless the Weather, Martyn collaborated with jazz bass player, Danny Thompson.

Related Topics:
1973 - 1970s - Solid Air - Nick Drake - 1974 - Antidepressants - Bless the Weather - Danny Thompson

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In 1977, he released One World - an album recorded after spending some time in Jamaica, including a song co-composed with famous Reggae producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

Related Topics:
1977 - Lee 'Scratch' Perry

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Grace and Danger, released in 1980 included Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals. Collins also produced Martyn's next album, Glorious Fool (1981).

Related Topics:
1980 - Phil Collins - 1981

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In 2001 Martyn appeared on the track Deliver Me by Faithless keyboard player and DJ Sister Bliss.

Related Topics:
2001 - Faithless - Sister Bliss

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His steady output has gained him considerable recognition as a performer and a songwriter.

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In 2003, preceding the release of his latest album On The Cobbles, Martyn had his right leg amputated below the knee as a result of a burst cyst.

Related Topics:
2003 - On The Cobbles

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Martyn is still touring, and brings his inimitable blend of folk-blues-reggae-ambient-rock music together with his typically Glaswegian sense of humour wherever he plays.

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