Harvey Andrews is an English singer, songwriter and poet from Birmingham, born in 1943. He begins his career in the 1960s, supporting his early work as a singer-songwriter by teaching at a school from 1964, before becoming a full-time professional musician in 1966.

Recording career

Andrews releases 15 albums in which he sings his own material. Many of his songs are also recorded by other artists. His work includes songs that deal with war, loss and everyday life, often through direct narrative and strong emotional contrast.

Notable songs

The Soldier presents the quiet desperation of a soldier facing death in war. Hey Sandy, from the album Writer of Songs, addresses the death of Sandra Scheuer, a student killed by the Ohio National Guard at the Kent State University anti-war demonstration in 1970. The album version features a solo double bass part played by Danny Thompson in the opening verse, and the recording is not issued in America until a commemorative Kent State University CD in 2005. The song reaches number 2 in the New Zealand chart in November 1972. Other songs mentioned include Boothferry Bridge and Gift of a Brand New Day, which reflect contentment in ordinary daily life.