Biography
Born on 21 May 1949 in Middlesbrough, Cleveland, England, Richard Grainger launched his performing career at age 17 by appearing in Teesside folk clubs and accompanying himself on guitar. After contributing to various ensembles, among them the Teesside Fettlers, he began writing material that quickly established itself on the folk circuit. These pieces frequently address the social difficulties long associated with England’s north-east. Now resident in Whitby, North Yorkshire, he maintains a regular touring schedule across the UK, appearing at both clubs and festivals where his playing is leavened by the dry humour typical of the region. His first album, issued in 1984, met with favourable notices, and he has continued to deliver new songs of consistent quality. Herbs On The Heart included several Grainger originals, among them ‘Whitby Whaler’. Although working as a contemporary songwriter, Richard retains a pronounced affinity for traditional song, audible on ‘Teeside And Yorkshire’. The 1989 album Darklands contains ‘Give Me A Job’, a track that confronts the unemployment then widespread in his home area.
Albums
