Sydney Carter

While he didn't start recording until well into his 40s, Oxford-educated history teacher Sydney Carter's deceptively simple folk compositions would leave a lasting impression on the music world. Sydney Carter got the bug to change professions after the excitement of serving in World War II. He started writing songs for Donald Swann, working on a series of West End revues and children's musicals. His first album, 1962’s PUTTING OUT THE DUSTBIN, was recorded with the actress Sheila Hancock, while HALLELUJAH featured Martin Carthy. In 1965, he composed his most well-known song, the school children’s’ favourite, "Lord Of The Dance," an adaptation of the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts." His softly elegant songs have been covered by Jackson Browne, the Spinners, Judy Collins and Pete Seeger.