Dick Gaughan at St Andrews Folk Club 27- 10-74 (artiste only)

DICK GAUGHAN

Dick Gaughan needs no introduction to those who’s interest in folk music began in the latter half of the 20th century.

A professional musician and singer since Jan 1970, he has been playing guitar since the age of seven and made his first solo album in 1971/72.

The eldest of three children, Gaughan grew up surrounded by the music of both Scotland and Ireland. His mother, a highland Scot from Lochaber had, whilst still at school in Arisaig, won a silver medal for singing at a Gaelic Mòd. His father, a native of Leith, born of an Irish father, played guitar. His Irish grandfather, from Doohoma in Co. Mayo played fiddle, and his grandmother a button accordionist and singer.

Dick’s debut solo LP, “No More Forever”, was released in 1972. He then joined folk group the “Boys of the Lough”, replacing Mike Whellans and releasing the bands 1973 self-titled LP, before returning to his solo career with his 1976's “Kist o Gold”. Returning again to a group format, he then formed the electric folk band “Five Hand Reel” featuring himself, Bobby Eaglesham, Tom Hickland, Barry Lyons, Dave Tulloch (and later Sam Bracken).

In the mid-90’s he also led the eight-piece “Clan Alba”, a group of leading Scottish musicians that for a time flew the flag for Scotland throughout the UK and Europe releasing one album, produced by Gaughan in another of his varied roles – singer, guitarist, composer, songwriter, actor, musical director, and radio presenter.

Through the 1990’s and into the early 21st century Dick Gaughan toured as a politically active singer and guitarist, known for his heartfelt playing and singing and by the new millennium, he was lauded as one of Scotland’s greatest living troubadours.

He has been the subject of three television documentaries and in December 2009 was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. In February 2010 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at BBC Radio Two's annual Folk Awards ceremony.
Unfortunately, in 2016, Dick suffered a stroke and announced that he was cancelling all public performances until further notice – his illness resulting in a great loss to the Scottish music scene.