Biography
Barry Dransfield ((born in Harrogate, north Yorkshire, in 1947; died 14 June 2026) was a renowned English folk singer, fiddler, cellist and guitarist. His 1971 album "Lord of All I Behold" was voted Melody Maker folk album of that year.
He performed and recorded with his brother Robin Dransfield. As a duo, Robin & Barry Dransfield built their early following at the Harrogate Folk Club, where they shared the stage with such influential folk artists as Martin Carthy, Ewan MacColl, and the Watersons. Continuing to evolve as a band, the Dransfields moved to an acoustic/electric sound with the addition of vocalist/bassist/keyboardist Charlie Smith and drummer Brian Harrison. Two years of non-stop work peaked with the release of two legendary duo/band albums, "Rout of the Blues" and "Lord of All I Behold".
Read full biography ↓
As well as releasing his own albums, Barry Dransfield has appeared as a session musician on numerous albums by other artists.
He composed music for several films for TV and the wide screen: S.O.S. Titanic, Adelaide Harris, Play Away, Samson an Delilah (1985), Ballymena Opera House and The Wreck of the Julie Plante (1985). He acted the part of the blind fiddler in The Bounty (1984) (with Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins).
In 1986, he changed career to become a so-called "Fiddle Doctor", repairing violins and cellos.
In 1994, he joined the Steeleye Span UK tour.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.