Musical national treasures

Posted by: Kevin-W on 02 March 2010

We all now about the (very British) concept of a National Treasure - Judi Dench, David Attenborough, Twiggy and the like. The main criteria for being a National Treasure are:
*You are very good at what you do
*You are admired/popular
*You are likeable/approachable
*You may be slightly eccentric

But what about Musical National Treasures?

The two greatest, John Peel and Humphrey Lyttleton, are no longer with us. Others could have been Tony Wilson, the recently-departed Mr Dankworth, dear old Ronnie Scott and George Melly.

Here are my nominations among the still-living:
Jarvis Cocker
David Bowie
Guy Garvey
Peter Hook
Scott Walker (not British, but I feel he's one of us now)
Robert Plant
Kate Bush
John Lydon

Anyone have their own nominations?

I was thinking about Mark E Smith but he may be a bit too abrasive
Posted on: 02 March 2010 by Guido Fawkes
Shirley Collins
Ray Davies
Karine Polwart
Kate Rusby
Ray Davies
Rachel Unthank
Rolf Harris (not British, but I feel he's one of us now)
Ray Davies
Sir Paul
Sir Ray Davies
Dame Shirley Collins
Robert Calvert (unfortunately no longer with us)
Kevin Coyne (unfortunately no longer with us)
Sandy Denny (who wrote the best song I've ever heard, but unfortunately is no longer with us)
Ritchie Blackmore
Kevin Ayers
Chas Hodges, Dave Peacock and Albert Lee (arguably Britain's best guitarist)

.......

"Shirley Collins is without doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures" - Billy Bragg - please click here

Oh yes and, of course, Lord Nigel Blackwell MBE (Britain's greatest ever songwriter .... not 'arf) of the mighty, seldom mentioned on this forum, Half Man Half Biscuit - please click here unless you work at an all night garage

And I agree with Scott Walker
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Lontano
Sir Peter Gabriel
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by DenisA
Christine Collister
Judy Dyble
Jeff Beck
Jack Bruce
Thomas Dolby
Brian Eno
Robert Fripp
Robyn Hitchcock
David Gilmour
Paul Rodgers
Richard Thompson
Rick Wakeman
Robert Wyatt
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Premmyboy
David Bowie
Brian Eno
Kevin Ayers
Terry Reid
Kate Bush
Syd Barrett
Andy Partridge
Robyn Hitchcock
Marianne Faithful
Nick Cave (he's one of us now)
Ian Hunter
Ian Dury
Robert Fripp
Robert Wyatt

That's a few anyway!!!
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Premmyboy
Sorry Forgot Roy Harper!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:

Sandy Denny (who wrote the best song I've ever heard


Which song would that be?

Best,
Fred



Posted on: 03 March 2010 by DenisA
not forgetting...

Paul Buchanan
Johnny Marr
Paddy McAloon
Matt Johnson
Pete Townshend
Steve Winwood
Thom Yorke
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Lontano
and of course, an up and coming treasure - Sir Steven Wilson.
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by fred simon:
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:

Sandy Denny (who wrote the best song I've ever heard


Which song would that be?

Best,
Fred





Hi Fred

Please click here, Sandy wrote it for her original band the Strawbs -

BTW been listening to Since Forever and really like it - excellent - thanks for another great album.

ATB Rotf
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
Sir Peter Gabriel
OK - I'll give you that one
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Derry
Very many minority interest names so far.

Only Cliff Richards would really qualify...
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Derry
Oh, Richard Richards then... Big Grin
Posted on: 03 March 2010 by Lontano
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
Sir Peter Gabriel
OK - I'll give you that one

Well thank you sir Winker - is that for Trespass only?
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by BigH47
He should give his gong back after the last one. Eek
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
Sir Peter Gabriel
OK - I'll give you that one

Well thank you sir Winker - is that for Trespass only?
I like the work of Sir Peter and have a few of his solo elpees.

How did you know I liked Trespass? Big Grin
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by FlipTop
Stevie Winwood for sure, and probably Charlie Watts. But what I'm thinking is that the real national musical treasures are the session men & women, that we rarely hear about.
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by BigH47
Good call FlipTop.