Alan Stivell
b. Alan Cochevelou, 1943, Brittany, France. The son of a harp maker, Cochevelou was given his first harp at the age of nine. He later chose the professional name of Stivell, the Breton translation meaning fountain, spring or source. Having started out as a solo performer playing traditional Breton music on the wire-strung Celtic harp, Stivell explored the music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the west country of England. In 1967, he formed a group comprising of himself on harp, bagpipes, Irish flute and Dan Ar Bras on electric guitar, as well as adding percussion and bass. In 1976, Stivell left the group, and soon after released the solo E. LANGONNED. By integrating rock elements in traditional numbers such as She Moved Thro' The Fair, Stivell began to influence the growing folk rock movement. He put folk music in the UK charts for a while with a successful run of hits in the '70s. Stivell makes occasional appearances at festivals and continues to tour. Kate Bush and Shane MacGowan guested on his 1994 album.