Shirley Collins

Despite being one of the most important voices of the British Folk revival of the 60s and 70s – accompanying Alan Lomax on his renowned ‘Southern Journey’ trip recording songs through the American South, and working with everyone from Folk-rock group Pentangle to avant-garde guitarist Davey Graham, Shirley Collins was nearly lost to obscurity, when an illness in the 80s made it impossible for her to sing. We catch up with the singer and song collector at her cottage in Lewes about finding her voice again, recording her first album in nearly 40 years, and her upcoming Barbican performance with a host of special guests.