Death in a folk dynasty
RIPNorma Waterson, matriarch of a British folk dynasty, has died at 82.
She formed The Watersons in the 1960s with her brother and sister, then married Martin Carthy. Ther daughter Eliza Carthy continues the singing tradition. The group drew Bob Dylan and Paul Simon into English folk tropes.
Norma was knowledgeable about her songs, and pitch perfect.
Folk royalty. Sympathy to her husband and daughter and all the rest of the dynasty
“Sound, Sound Your Instruments of Joy” is the title of one of the Watersons records I have listened to since the 1970’s. With their vocal harmonies as the instruments, that has meant a lot of joy.
There are so many memorable songs brought to light by the family. As I write this, “Willie’s Lady” by Martin Carthy is sounding from my turntable.
Mr. Lebrecht’s choice of “The Good Old Way” is appropriate.