| Code | DS/UK/14940 |
| Name | Tawney; Cyril (12 October 1930-21 April 2005); English singer songwriter |
| Dates | 12 October 1930-21 April 2005 |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth/Origin | Gosport, Hampshire, England (born) |
| Biography | Cyril Tawney was an English singer-songwriter and a proponent of the traditional songs of the West of England, as well as traditional and modern maritime songs.
Tawney joined the Royal Navy at the age of sixteen, serving for thirteen years, several of which were spent in submarines. During this period he developed his lifelong interest in English traditional music. Cyril left the Navy early in 1959 to become a full-time professional musician and broadcaster. He earned his living in this way for 44 years, making him Britain's longest-standing professional folksinger.
In the early 1960s he established his first folk club in Plymouth. He founded the West of England Folk Centre and was instrumental in setting up folk clubs in other places in the region. He is often referred to as the Founding Father of the West Country folk revival. |