Bob Davenport: The Unconventional Voice of British Folk

Bob Davenport, an influential voice in the British folk revival, passed away at the age of 94. He was known for his powerful tenor and a repertoire that defied conventional definitions of folk music, which he preferred to call 'traditional music.'

Davenport's formative years were shaped by music from Northern England and Irish influences from his family. After national service, he settled in London in 1953, immersing himself in the vibrant jazz and blues scene.

A significant moment in his career was his 1963 performance at the Newport Folk Festival in the US, where he appeared alongside Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. It's believed his rendition of 'Nottamun Town' influenced Dylan's 'Masters of War'.

Throughout his life, Davenport held diverse occupations, including working for the Post Office and as a chauffeur, while also pursuing art and sculpture. He hosted concerts featuring a wide array of musicians, reflecting his broad musical interests that included Greek Cypriot artists, Ravi Shankar, and jazz trumpeter Kid Sheik.

His later years saw the release of albums like 'The Red Haired Lad' (1997) and 'The Common Stone' (2004), featuring collaborations with notable musicians such as Richard Thompson and Martin Carthy. Davenport maintained that music should be entertaining, not overly intellectualized.

Bob Davenport was married three times and is survived by his five children: Fiona, Sarah, Joel, Ben, and Katharine.