Danny And The Champions Of The World

Danny And The Champions Of The World are a London-based group active since 2007. The band is led by Danny George Wilson and includes Hannah Deeble, Rosalie Deighton and Paul Lush. Their sound sits within alternative country, folk rock, rock and soul, and earlier descriptions also place them in a folk-rock and Americana context.

Formation and name

The group forms in London in the summer of 2007 after the end of Grand Drive, the band in which Danny George Wilson performs with his brother Julian Wilson. Their name refers to Roald Dahl’s story Danny, the Champion of the World.

The project begins with an impromptu demo session recorded at a farm on the grounds of the Truck Festival. The recording receives a strong response, leading Wilson to form Danny And The Champions Of The World as a separate band.

Albums and recordings

The band’s self-titled debut album appears on Loose Music in 2008. It marks a notable shift away from the sound associated with Grand Drive and is described as moving towards a more alt-country direction.

The follow-up album, Streets of Our Time, is released on Loose Records in 2010. It is recorded while the band is touring with The Magic Numbers and The Drive-By Truckers, and it is met with strong critical praise. The record also marks a move away from Wilson’s earlier folk-influenced approach.

In February 2011, Danny George Wilson signs a worldwide publishing and production deal with Southern Crossroads Music and records Hearts & Arrows. The album is mixed by Ted Hutt at King Size Studios in Los Angeles, California.

Collaborations and awards

Danny George Wilson records a version of Tougher Than The Rest for a limited-edition Bruce Springsteen tribute 7-inch EP for Record Store Day, alongside The Magic Numbers, Willie Nile and Billy Franks.

In 2016, the band receives three UK Americana Awards: UK Artist of the Year, UK Album of the Year for What Kind of Love, and UK Song of the Year for Clear Water.