Biography
Who is Richard Thompson?
Early life and background
Richard Thompson John Thompson was born in London on April 3, 1949. His father worked as a Scotland Yard detective and played the guitar as an amateur. Growing up in the London area, Richard developed an early interest in music through his father's collection of jazz and traditional Scottish records. He attended the William Ellis School in Highgate.
During his teenage years, he formed a band called Emil and the Detectives with his classmate Hugh Cornwell. He later moved with his family to Whetstone. Richard began playing guitar in school bands, focusing on music by artists like The Shadows, Bob Dylan, and Phil Ochs. His diverse musical interests, ranging from rock and roll to traditional folk, influenced his unique guitar style.
Fairport Convention years
At the age of 18, Richard helped co-found the folk rock group Fairport Convention in 1967. The group was signed to the Witchseason production company by producer Joe Boyd. He quickly earned a reputation for his sophisticated guitar solos and songwriting abilities. As the band evolved, he contributed significant songs like Meet on the Ledge.
In 1969, the band experienced a tragic van accident that resulted in the deaths of drummer Martin Lamble and Richard's girlfriend, Jeannie Franklyn. Despite this, the group regrouped with new members, including fiddler Dave Swarbrick. Together, they recorded the influential folk-rock albums Liege and Lief and Full House. Richard eventually decided to leave the group in 1971 to pursue his own projects.
Solo career and collaborations
After departing Fairport Convention, Richard released his debut solo album, Henry the Human Fly, in 1972. The following year, he formed a musical duo with his wife, Linda Thompson. This collaboration produced six albums, including the critically recognized records I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight and Shoot Out the Lights.
The duo eventually dissolved, leading Richard to focus on his solo career with the 1983 release of Hand of Kindness. He has since released 20 solo studio albums. Several of these, such as Rumor and Sigh and Dream Attic, received Grammy Award nominations. His album Still reached the UK Top Ten in 2015. He remains an active performer and songwriter, having published his memoir, Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice, 1967–1975, in 2021.
Awards and recognition
Richard has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. In 2011, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to the industry. His songwriting earned him an Ivor Novello Award and a lifetime achievement award from BBC Radio in 2006. Also, he received the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting and recognition at the MOJO Awards.
His song 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, released in 1991, appeared on Time magazine's list of the best English-language musical compositions released between 1923 and 2011. Many other artists have recorded his compositions throughout his career. Music critics have frequently praised his versatility as a guitarist and the observational quality of his songwriting.
Birthday and age
Richard Thompson was born on April 3, 1949, which makes Richard 77 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Richard shares the date with 61 other famous people.
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