Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist from Notting Hill, London, born in 1949. He is associated with British folk rock, contemporary folk, folk, rock and singer-songwriter traditions, and is widely noted for his guitar technique and songwriting.

Career

Thompson makes his recording debut in September 1967 as a member of Fairport Convention. He leaves the group in 1971 and then records with his wife as Richard & Linda Thompson until their marriage ends in 1983. After that, he maintains a solo career and continues to write and record material while performing regularly in Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia.

Recognition and honours

His guitar playing earns him the Orville H. Gibson award for best acoustic guitar player in 1991. His songwriting also brings an Ivor Novello Award, and in 2006 he receives a BBC Radio lifetime achievement award. He is appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to music, and the University of Aberdeen awards him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in 2011.

Associated acts and labels

His associated acts include Fairport Convention, Richard & Linda Thompson, The GP’s, French Frith Kaiser Thompson, The Bunch, Mirage, Thompson, Richard Thompson Band and David Thomas and The Pedestrians. His label associations include Elixir Records and Beeswing Music.