Description:

Folk-rock singer/songwriter

Comparisons:

Some folks might argue with me on this, but there's something about Richard Thompson's work that calls to mind Johnny Cash. Other more obvious comparisons include Richard Shindell and Dave Carter.

Trivia Fact:

Richard Thompson's breakthrough band, Fairport Convention, were discovered in a small club in London's SoHo neighborhood, by American record executive Joe Boyd.

Starter CDs:

Best of Richard & Linda Thompson (Island, 2000). Live From Austin, TX (New West, 2005). Shoot Out the Lights (Hannibal, 1982).

Quote from Richard Thompson:

"I don't play white blues or white soul music. I'm not Eric Clapton. I'm not Sting."

Richrad Thompson Biography:

Richard Thompson was born in West London in 1949. His family was very musically diverse, and he grew up listening to everything from jazz to early rock and roll. Artists like Buddy Holly and Les Paul intermingled in his record collection with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

As a teenager, Richard became the guitarist in several bands throughout the 1960s, including Fairport Convention (his "breakthrough band"). He remained with the band for three more years, eventually touring America with CSN&Y and Traffic in 1970.

In 1971, Richard released his first solo album, which was followed by his marriage to folksinger Linda Peters, with whom he made several albums as a duo in 1974-78.

Since then, Richard has released an incredible amount of records that are always received famously by his impressively dedicated fanbase.

He's collaborated with folks like Peter Filleul and Tim Finn of Crowded House, and has been covered by artists from REM to Bonnie Raitt, to Del McCoury.
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