Gordon Bok
b. 31 October 1939, Pennsylvania, USA. Bok's parents had a collection of folk music, and his brothers and sisters all sang and played. Teaching himself to play guitar, at the age of nine, Bok was giving concerts from the age of 15, and eventually took up performing, essentially as a hobby, while working as a sailor. Spending much of the early '60s in Philadelphia, he met others playing folk music. Inspired by his nautical interests and background, Gordon produced a large number of works related to the sea. His first release, GORDON BOK, appeared on Verve/ Folkways Records, but subsequent recordings were released on Folk Legacy. As a sailor, and first mate, he was involved in fitting and repairing the Clearwater Sloop, which journeyed the Hudson River on an environmental ticket. As a performer Bok was appearing in concerts with artists such as Pete Seeger. Gordon has travelled widely to appear at folk clubs and festivals in the USA, Canada, England and Scotland. He made his first trip to England in 1975, and occasionally tours with Dave Goulder. In addition to his many albums, Bok has also produced a number of choral works, and written poetry. A book of his poetry, If I Had Your Wings, included wood engravings by Ed Porter. In 1986, Gordon formed Timberhead, his own label and company, whose first release was COLD AS A DOG AND THE WIND NORTH EAST. This is a collection of spoken ballads and monologues written by Ruth Moore. Bok currently spends around five months of the year on the road, and the rest of the time writing.