Biography
Formed in 1975 in Lancashire, England, the Houghton Weavers began as a folk-based quartet consisting of Tony Berry (b. Anthony Berry, 15 January 1950, Bolton, Lancashire, England; vocals), Norman Prince (b. Norman Anthony Prince, 26 April 1946, Eccles, Manchester, England; vocals, guitar), David Littler (b. David George Littler, 13 March 1949, Westhoughton, Lancashire, England; vocals, banjo, guitar, ukulele), and John Oliver (b. Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire, England; vocals). They quickly became regulars at numerous venues across the north west of England, yet Oliver departed within a year. Denis Littler (b. Westhoughton, Lancashire, England; bass, vocals) stepped in as his replacement, remaining until February 1984, at which point Jeff Hill (b. Jeffrey Martin Hill, 14 September 1958 Warrington, Lancashire, England; vocals, bass, guitar) joined. A 1977 appearance on the BBC television programme We’ll Call You secured the group their own series, Sit Thi Deawn, which premiered in January 1978. Radio exposure likewise proved fruitful, yielding five series on BBC Radio 2, the latest of which was being recorded early in 1992. Pantomime success also translated into an annual Christmas schedule under the Christmas Cracker Tour banner, encompassing 20 dates across 24 nights. Their album Keep Folk Smiling marked the ensemble’s tenth anniversary, and despite commanding a loyal regional following, the group has remained surprisingly under-recognised on a national scale.
Albums
