Dick Gaughan

Dick Gaughan was born in Glasgow in 1948 and came up during the folk revival of the 1970s. He played festivals and venues around Scotland, developing a reputation as both a skilled guitarist and a singer with strong political convictions. His 1978 album 'No More Forever' included songs like 'Both Sides the Tweed' and 'Freedom Come All Ye,' which reflected his engagement with Scottish identity and social justice.

Gaughan's version of 'Raglan Road,' a poem by Patrick Kavanagh set to music, became one of his most recognized recordings. His take on the song carries a particular weight, a mournful quality that fits the material. He also recorded other songs like 'A Different Kind Of Love Song' and 'All The King's Horses,' which continued to blend traditional folk elements with contemporary commentary.

His outspoken support for causes like Scottish independence sometimes led to friction. In 1983, he was arrested after performing a song about the Easter Rising at an Irish Republican event, an incident that drew considerable attention. Through it all, he kept performing and recording, working with figures like Billy Connolly and Hamish Imlach along the way.