Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Richard John Thompson is commonly known as Richard Thompson, although some sources also refer to him as R.S. Thompson.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on March 27, 1949, in London, England, Richard Thompson's life was marked by his dedication to music until his passing on December 16, 2016, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Thompson held British nationality and is recognized as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. He is widely regarded for his innovative guitar playing style and poetic lyrics.
Early Life and Background
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Richard Thompson grew up in Notting Hill, London, where he was exposed to an eclectic mix of musical influences from an early age. His father, Ewan Thompson, was a Scottish-born civil servant who encouraged Richard's interest in music. Thompson's mother, Sylvia Thompson, played the piano and had a significant influence on his musical development.
Thompson began playing the guitar at the age of 8 and was soon performing with local groups in London. He attended Battersea College of Technology before pursuing a career in music full-time. In the early 1960s, he formed the influential folk-rock band Fairport Convention alongside Simon Nicol, Ashley Hutchings, and Sandy Denny.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his illustrious career, Richard Thompson achieved numerous accolades, including:
Two-time Grammy Award winner: Thompson won Best Contemporary Folk Album for "Sweet Warrior" (2007) and Best Traditional Folk Album for "13 Rivers" (2018).
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fairport Convention in 2011.
Named one of the greatest guitarists of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone, Guitar World, and The Telegraph.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Richard Thompson's most notable works include:
The album "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight": Released in 1974 with his then-wife Linda Thompson, this critically acclaimed album showcased their unique vocal blend and songwriting partnership.
The song "1952 Vincent Black Lightning": This 2003 track, written for his wife's motorcycle, has become one of Thompson's most beloved songs.Impact and Legacy
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Richard Thompson's influence on contemporary music is immeasurable. He has inspired a generation of musicians, including:
Johnny Marr (The Smiths): Marr has cited Thompson as a significant influence on his guitar playing style.
Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues): Hayward has often covered Thompson's songs in his live performances.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Richard Thompson is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Poetic lyrics: Thompson's ability to craft vivid, storytelling-driven lyrics has made him a beloved figure among fans of folk, rock, and Americana music.
* Innovative guitar playing style: His distinctive fingerpicking technique and use of open tunings have influenced countless musicians across genres.
Quotes by Richard Thompson
I want people to come to my music without prejudice. I want them to get the music first. And who I am isn’t that important. If they like the songs to me that’s a good thing.
There’s a part of me that wishes I’d never said one single solitary word on any subject publicly. Then I could have been the tortured poet, and there’s so much mileage in that. But it’s too late to stop now.
I’m sure every pattern has been covered, but it’s nice to think you might dwell on some that other people don’t.
As the writer, you’re always a presence in the song. If you get close to what human beings are like, you’re writing about common experience. We all do much the same things, so if you nail somebody, then you’ve also nailed yourself.
When you stand up acoustic in front of an audience, you really are a man without any clothes on. And that can be fun – it depends how much of an exhibitionist you are, I suppose. I quite enjoy it.
There is in fact a controversy over Darwin’s theory. Clearly both theories have religious implications. But this is not about God.
What I wanted to hear didn’t exist, so it was necessary for me to go out and create it.
It’s fun to sing sad songs. And it’s fun to listen to sad songs. Enjoyable. Satisfying. Something.
Well, first of all it’s entertainment. That stops us becoming too pretentious or thinking we’re great artists.