Richard Hawley

On a stormy late-summer afternoon, a legendary singer-songwriter makes the seismic journey from South Yorkshire to West Yorkshire to drop in on Simon and make sure he's properly kitted out for the wild winds and lashing rain. Richard Hawley is perhaps our greatest living balladeer. As well as having played alongside some of the biggest names in music,  he's also made a major name for himself with his own band, playing countless live shows and producing albums like 'Coles Corner', 'Hollow Meadows' and 'In This City They Call You Love'.  More recently the award-winning musical 'Standing At The Sky's Edge' which is built on his songs has left audiences around the country moved to tears. Over a couple of brews, courtesy of our friends at Yorkshire Tea, Richard tells Simon about his own shed, the importance of love in his life and work, and finally about the cleft palate that would, had he not been through numerous operations, have left him unable to sing. All that and a beautiful rendition of a Buddly Holly classic is more than enough to keep the storm at bay.