Dick Gaughan
b. Leith, Scotland. A veteran of Scotland's thriving folk circuit, Gaughan rose to national prominence in the '70s as a member of the Boys Of The Lough. From there he became a founder member of Five Hand Reel, an electric folk group that enjoyed considerable critical acclaim. Gaughan left them in 1978 following the release of their third album, BONNIE EARL OF MORAY, having already embarked on a concurrent solo career. His early releases, NO MORE FOREVER and KIST O' GOLD, concentrated on traditional material, while COPPERS AND BRASS showcased guitar interpretations of Scottish and Irish dance music. However, it was the release of HANDFUL OF EARTH which established Gaughan as a major force in contemporary folk. This politically-charged album included the vitriolic Workers' Song and World Turned Upside Down while at the same time scotched notions of nationalism with the reconciliatory Both Sides Of The Tweed. This exceptional set is rightly regarded as a landmark in British traditional music, but its ever-restless creator surprised many commentators with A DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE SONG, which included a version of Joe South's '60s protest song, Games People Play. Gaughan has since enjoyed a fervent popularity both at home and abroad while continuing to pursue his uncompromising, idiosyncratic musical path. Gaughan calls himself a ‘hard-nosed Communist’ and is a passionate lover and supporter of Scotland, while not tolerating any anti-English feeling. Both his playing and singing come from the heart. In the '90s he is arguably Scotland's greatest living troubadour.