Biography
Born Heather Williamson on 26 December 1950 in Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, the ballad singer developed a clear, resonant delivery that steadily built her standing within traditional music circles. Although she had sung informally at home for years, an encounter with a Martin Carthy recording prompted her to explore a wider range of material. Around 1968 she attended her first folk club in Irvine and soon afterward gave an initial floor spot, while also absorbing the styles of Lizzie Higgins and fellow Scottish singers. Several years passed before she began accepting engagements under her own name, starting with appearances in local Scottish venues. In 1970 she married Pete Heywood, editor of The Living Tradition magazine. As a performer and interpreter, she draws primary influence from Dick Gaughan. Her debut recording enhanced her local profile, yet the subsequent album By Yon Castle Wa’ drew wider attention to her abilities. Comfortable with both traditional and contemporary songs, the record featured contributions from Brian McNeill on fiddle, guitar, concertina and bouzouki, Dougie Pincock of Battlefield Band on highland pipes, whistle, flute, low whistle and soprano saxophone, and Colin Matheson of Ceolbeg on piano. Williamson also performs with the group Quadrille and, in 1993, received the Artist Of The Year award from Glasgow’s Star Club.