Shirley Collins & Jackie Oates

Posted by Christopher Friedenthal 01 October 2013

In the fourth of our In the Footsteps series of interviews, Shirley Collins tells Jackie Oates about her memories of Cecil Sharp House in the 1950s, Ewan MacColl & The Critics Group and her unusually English banjo style. They also compare what’s like being a jobbing folk artist then and now.

Shirley Collins collaborated with a number of artists including her sister Dolly and Davy Graham and released a number of albums through the 1960s and 1970s. During the 1970s she was a member of The Albion Band and the Etchingham Steam Band before retiring from singing. Shirley has been president of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) since 2008.

Jackie Oates is a singer and fiddle player whose unique treatment of English ballads and songs, and pure, haunting singing style has established her at the forefront of the new English folk revival. She has released a string of highly acclaimed solo albums and is a member of The Imagined Village.

Recorded in Lewes on 28 May 2013 and at Sidmouth Folk Week 2012. Thanks to Shirley Collins for hosting the interview and Jim Moray for use of the Sidmouth footage.