Archie Fisher is a Scottish folk singer-songwriter from Glasgow, associated with contemporary folk, folk and singer-songwriter traditions. He is a member of The Fisher Family, a family act that performs traditional and contemporary folk songs.

Career

Fisher moves from Glasgow to Edinburgh in 1960 and appears regularly at The Howff, a folk club run by Roy Guest. In 1962, he and his sister Ray Fisher release the single “Far Over the Forth” on Topic. Two years later, he appears on the BBC programme Hootenanny. In 1965, the whole family issues the album Traditional and New Songs from Scotland under the name The Fisher Family.

He meets Robin Williamson, Clive Palmer and Mike Heron before they form The Incredible String Band, and he also encounters other key figures in the Scottish folk scene, including Bert Jansch, who visits The Howff in 1960 and receives guitar lessons from regular performer Len Partridge. By 1964, the Edinburgh Fringe has a folk festival of its own, and Archie Fisher contributes to the Decca compilation Edinburgh Folk Festival vol 2 alongside Ray Fisher, Anne Briggs and the Ian Campbell Folk Group, which includes Dave Swarbrick.

He recognises Barbara Dickson’s voice early and invites her to guest on his recordings in 1969. His live performances include “All Around My Hat”, a song that later becomes a hit for Steeleye Span. Fisher also tours Canada and the USA.

Broadcasting

In 1983, Fisher begins presenting BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk programme, which continues to run. He presents the programme until 2010.

Songs and recordings

Fisher’s song “Witch of the Westmorland” is recorded by Barbara Dickson, Archie Fisher himself, Stan Rogers and Golden Bough. His song “Dark-Eyed Molly” is recorded by Fairport Convention, Eva Cassidy, Stan Rogers and Sheena Wellington.

He appears as lead guitarist on Tom Paxton’s 1986 album The Very Best of Tom Paxton. He also records with Barbara Dickson on The Fate o' Charlie and Thro' The Recent Years, and with Garnet Rogers on Off the Map.

Albums

His solo releases include Archie Fisher, Orfeo, Will Ye Gang, Love, The Man With A Rhyme, Sunsets I’ve Galloped Into, Windward Away and A Silent Song.

Awards and style

Fisher receives an MBE in the New Year Honours in 2006 for services to traditional Scottish music. His singing style is described as very gentle, and he avoids electronic instruments. He later lives in the north of England.