FOLK BRITANNIA
Ballads and Blues (1 hour)
First of three programmes celebrating the traditional folk music of the British Isles. The folk revival of the 50s led to political struggles between traditionalists and left-wing modernists. The birth of skiffle subsequently ushered in a more bohemian brand of folk music. Contributors include Peggy and Pete Seeger, Martin Carthy, Bob Davenport and Ramblin' Jack Elliott.
Folk Roots, New Routes (1 hour)
Second of three programmes celebrating the traditional folk music of the British Isles. The 60s saw a boom when the hippie generation repackaged folk to appeal to a wider audience. Folk guitarists like Bert Jansch and Davy Graham led the way while The Watersons and Anne Briggs explored the English tradition. Donovan sailed into the charts and Fairport Convention changed folk forever by inventing folk rock. Contributors include Richard Thompson, Norma Waterson and Roy Harper.
Between the Wars (1 hour)
Last of three programmes celebrating the traditional folk music of the British Isles. During the 80s, artists such as the Pogues and Billy Bragg injected new energy into the ailing British folk movement. The 90s saw the rise of Eliza Carthy and other children of the folk revival. Finally, the recent emergence of the so-called twisted folk generation has made folk trendy again. Featured artists include Dick Gaughan, Shane MacGowan, The Levellers, Beth Orton, Vashti Bunyan and James Yorkston.
Plus exclusive DVD bonus feature: