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Everyone agrees that she’s one of the most important voices in British folk music, but the bittersweet irony is that Shirley Collins had withdrawn from music decades ago. One thing at a time, though. The singer, born in Hastings, was discovered by the British Broadcasting Corporation when she was still a teenager. As a young woman she went to the US to make unforgettable field recordings of American farmers with Alan Lomax. Back in the UK, she produced numerous folk albums, both solo and with famous collaborators.
Her often-morbid songs told of mysterious killings, wars, and dramatic romances. In the 80s, she turned her back on the music business until the pressure from fans (including Patti Smith and David Tibet) was so great that she couldn’t help but return to the stage. In 2016, this Member of the British Empire released her first album in 30 years. She’ll be supported at »Pop-Kultur« by Ian Karey of Oysterband.