Matt McGinn
Matt McGinn ( born January 17, 1928 in Glasgow; † 5 January 1977) was a Scottish folk singer -songwriter, author, actor and poet. Born in Glasgow late twenties, McGinn was a prolific songwriter and is known as an influential figure of the 20th century " British Folk Music Revival".
Life
Matthew McGinn was born in 1928 as part of a family of nine in the Ross Street at the corner of Gallowgate in Calton, Glasgow. At age 12, he was sent for two years in a reform school. After this time, he worked for GKN in a factory in Hillington, where he spent his free time with evening classes and reading. At the age of about 20 years, McGinn assured, not least because of his vast knowledge and his astute mind, increasingly recognized as a charismatic political left speaker. With 31 years, he finally received a union scholarship to study economics and political science at Ruskin College, Oxford. After graduation he attended the Teacher's Training College in Huddersfield, to become a teacher. He then worked for three years as a teacher before he became the organizer of the adventure playground in Gorbals.
McGinn joined the folk scene, after he had won a song contest with the song The Foreman O'Rourke. In 1961, he met Pete Seeger, as this just toured over the British Isles. Seeger became involved in the U.S. for McGinns music and gave him the opportunity to attend a concert at Carnegie Hall, where he met Bob Dylan. McGinns music career began during the folk revival of the 1960s, but while others were based above all on traditional songs, McGinn found his own niche as a humorist, playwright and singer-songwriter. He was a prolific songwriter, where he found inspiration for much of his material from his life experiences from Glasgow. He believed passionately in the overthrow of capitalism, supported many union campaigns and stood always on the side of the oppressed and disadvantaged. His performances in clubs and concert halls reached high popularity. The earliest recording of McGinn was in 1962, when he was on the Folkways Records "Revival in Britain Vol.1" presented by Ewan MacColl Collection, compiled by. Moreover, he was next to Bob Dylan & Pete Seeger on " Broadside Ballads Vol 1 " (published in 1963 ) heard. songs McGinn ` s also were published in 2000 compilation "The Best of Broadside 1962-1988 ," which for a "historic Grammy " in the category " Best Album " in 2001 nominated was included.
Matt McGinn coined the " Folksong Revival" of the 60s in a unique manner. He combined this poetic talent, political understanding, a lot of humor and a rich personal experience - especially from the environment of ordinary people of Glasgow and West of Scotland - in a comprehensive musical work of art. It was there never his intention to be seen as a singer / songwriter, but to convey his ideals and political views through music in the first place.
A contemporary description McGinns as a historian of the common people seems very apt. With the help of his versatile skills and a sensitive perception gift McGinn has a history of Scotland, but above all a story of Glasgow and the Scottish West, leave in words and music, which has remained unmatched in this form.
McGinn also wrote children's songs as his Little Ticks of Time, which was played regularly on BBC in the children's program Play School (UK TV series) and its offshoots such as Hokey Cokey. The song was also part in the 2011 published German - French film " Goodbye First Love " ( Un amour de jeunesse ), directed by Mia Hansen - Løve.
In the book " McGinn of the Calton ", which appeared at Glasgow District Libraries in 1987, was a great wealth of information on Matt McGinn, as well as some lyrics and music, by his wife, Janette McGinn, compiled (ISBN 0 906 169 15 1).
McGinns songs are played by folk musicians from Scotland and the United States is still at tribute concerts. McGinn 's songs were, inter alia, recorded by Pete Seeger, The Weavers, Theodore Bikel, The Corries, Luke Kelly, Ian Campbell Folk Group, Barry Dransfield, & Rachel Unthank and the Winterset.