Maddy Prior life and biography

Maddy Prior: The Enchanting Voice of English Folk

Singing Stories, One Tune at a Time

Maddy Prior, or as she's formally known, Madeleine E. Prior, is the English folk songstress who has woven her voice into the very fabric of the genre. Born on August 14, 1947, in Blackpool, she's not just a singer – she's the heart and soul of the renowned folk band Steeleye Span.

A Journey Through Melodies

Imagine a career spanning over 35 years, delving into solos, duets, and the heart of Steeleye Span. Maddy Prior's musical journey reads like a love letter to English folk music. She's emerged as a matriarch of sorts in the realm of music, breathing new life into ancient melodies and traditions for a fresh generation.

A Voice Bridging Eras

Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Prior was part of a musical movement that breathed life into forgotten folk traditions. While others embraced the trends of pop and rock, Prior chose a different path. Her natural, unvarnished vocals painted tapestries of knights and damsels in distant lands, seamlessly blending history and modernity.

Rock Meets Tradition

Her time with Steeleye Span was magical. The band harmoniously married traditional melodies with the soul of rock music, creating a unique fusion that resonated across generations. Maddy Prior's captivating voice led the way, offering a bridge between past and present.

A Songbird and a Composer

But Prior's talents didn't stop at interpretation – she composed her own songs too! With an artistic lineage – her father a crime novelist and her brother a noted performer – creativity was in her blood. She struck a chord in the folk scene, crafting her own musical stories.

From Cinema Stage to Folk Clubs

The stage was no stranger to Prior. As a young girl, she fearlessly sang her heart out in a talent contest, nabbing first prize. From there, she delved into folk clubs, absorbing ancient songs from Cecil Sharpe House and Ewan MacColl. The nine-to-five life never stood a chance – singing was her true path.

A Steeleye Spanning Journey

From Folk Songs of England, Vol. 1 and 2 alongside Tim Hart to the pinnacle of folk-rock glory with Steeleye Span, Prior's voice echoed through time. This talented singer gracefully steered her journey through collaborations and changes, always anchored by her incredible vocals.

The Solo Voyage

The end of one chapter was just the beginning of another. After parting ways with Steeleye Span, Prior embarked on a solo career. Albums like "Woman in the Wings," guided by Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, showcased her artistic evolution. And if that wasn't enough, she seamlessly embraced motherhood alongside her music.

Breaking Boundaries

Leaving her mark wasn't enough for Prior. She stunned fans by leaving Steeleye Span after over 25 years, ready to explore new horizons. Collaborations, tours, and solo projects continued to color her journey, proving she's a creative force unwilling to be confined.

A Tireless Traditions Keeper

For Prior, folk isn't just a genre; it's a living tradition. Her music reflects the past, present, and future, captivating audiences with tales that bridge generations. She's an ambassador for authenticity, breathing life into tradition while evolving it for modern listeners.

An Endless Tune

As Maddy Prior takes the stage with The Carnival Band, collaborates with diverse artists, and leaves her melodious mark on the world, her voice remains timeless. With every note, she keeps the heart of English folk music alive and thriving. Her legacy? A harmonious blend of past, present, and future.

Here is the list of Maddy Prior's Solo albums:

- Woman in the Wings (1978) — with Jethro Tull
- Changing Winds (1978)
- Hooked on Winning (1982)
- Going for Glory (1983)
- Happy Families (as 'Maddy Prior and Rick Kemp') (1990)
- Year (1993)
- Memento (best of) (1995)
- Flesh and Blood (1997)
- Ravenchild (1999)
- Ballads and Candles (2000)
- Arthur the King (2001)
- Bib and Tuck (2002) — as 'Maddy Prior And The Girls' with Abbie Lathe and Rose Kemp
- Lionhearts (2003)
- Under the Covers (2005) — as 'Maddy + Girls' with Abbie Lathe and Claudia Gibson
- The Quest (2007) (CD + DVD)
- Seven for Old England (2008)

Here is the list of albums from Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band:

- A Tapestry of Carols (1987)
- Sing Lustily and with Good Courage (1990)
- Carols and Capers (1991)
- Hang Up Sorrow and Care (1995)
- Carols at Christmas (1996)
- Gold Frankincense and Myrrh (2001)
- An Evening of Carols and Capers (2005)
- Paradise Found (2007)
- Ringing the Changes (2007)
- Vaughan Williams Carols Songs & Hymns (2010)
- A Christmas Caper: The Best of Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band (2012)

Read more