David Cyril Eric Swarbrick, a renowned English folk musician and singer-songwriter, was born on April 5, 1941, and passed away on June 3, 2016. His distinctive style has been emulated or built upon by nearly every British and numerous international folk violinists who followed in his footsteps.
As one of the most esteemed musicians to emerge from the second British folk revival, Swarbrick made significant contributions to some of the most influential groups and projects of the 1960s. His exceptional talent as a session musician led to collaborations with numerous prominent figures in folk and folk rock music throughout his career.
Swarbrick's association with Fairport Convention, which began in 1969, played a crucial role in the production of their landmark album Liege & Lief, released in 1969. This album marked the beginning of the British folk rock movement and had a profound impact on mainstream rock. Following 1970, Swarbrick became the leading figure of Fairport Convention, guiding the band through a series of important albums until its disbandment in 1979.
In addition to his work with Fairport Convention, Swarbrick was also a member of smaller, acoustic units and engaged in solo projects. Throughout his career, he maintained an impressive output of recordings and maintained a significant profile, making a substantial contribution to the interpretation of traditional British music.
