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Steeleye Span Founding Member Tim Hart Dies at 61

Tim HartTim Hart, a founding member of the British folk revival group Steeleye Span, passed away on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) at his home on La Gomera in Spain's Canary Islands. He was 61. Hart had been diagnosed with lung cancer and spent the year in the U.K. undergoing treatment before returning to the island three weeks ago.

Born Jan. 9, 1948, Hart held jobs in the '60s as a bookbinder, blacksmith and hospital attendant and played at his town's local folk club at night. There he met singer Maddy Prior in 1965, and the pair would record two albums together before teaming with former Fairport Convention bassist Ashley Hutchings to form the highly-successful Steeleye Span. Hart would spend more than a decade with Steeleye Span, releasing eleven albums with the band -- the last being 1980's 'Sails of Silver' -- before leaving the group in 1983.

Following the dissolve of his first marriage and serious health problems, Hart relocated to La Gomera where he became a photographer and writer, snapping photos of the island and penning his own travel guide, 'La Gomera: A Guide to the Unspoiled Canary Island.'

"In what now feels like a previous life, I once spent 16 years as a member of the English folk-rock band Steeleye Span," Hart once wrote on his Web site. Hart would reunite with the band in 1995 for a one-off concert and perform with Prior once more in 2008, months before being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Hart is survived by his wife Conny, and his children, Kim and Sally, from a previous marriage.

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11 Comments

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steve C

So, So Sad, to hear of Tim, was just at a Steeleye Concert at the Beginning of December, Where Maddy had a raffle on to generate some funds for Tim.
Rest in Peace

January 13 2010 at 3:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ul59

Tim was among the very best. He will be dearly missed!

January 01 2010 at 2:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ul59

Tim was among the very best. He will be missed dearly!

January 01 2010 at 2:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Fran

This is a sad loss to the trad music world. Maddy Prior and Tim Hart actually made 3 albums as a duo: Folk Songs of Old England Volumes I and II and Summer Solstice. I still listen to them with great pleasure, along with the whole output of Steeleye Span over the years. (Except I still can't seem to get my hands on a copy of Sails of Silver, which has been out of print for way too long - I hope the masters haven't been lost.) RIP Tim; there's nothing in contemporary music to compare with the authentic, time-tested quality, the drama, romance and humor of the British Isles ballad tradition that was revived and revitalized in the '60s and '70s by progressive folk groups like Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention!

January 01 2010 at 12:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

A sad day indeed. I've enjoyed Steeleye Span since the early 70's and have seen them in concert. Quite a unique group, solid musicianship, and Maddy's voice extremely enjoyable with a very distinct, clear, commanding, and lilting style. She, along with Annie Haslam of Renaissance, were my two consistent long term favorite female singers in the 70's through the eighties. Tim - RIP You made a difference in the music world!

January 01 2010 at 11:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marty

A friend introduced me to their music around 1976. He bought all their albums. I did too. We saw them when they played in Hollywood. As good live as recorded. I
am truly sorry to hear of Tim's death. RIP.

January 01 2010 at 11:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Todd LeBaron

Some really amazing folk music came from this band. Those that knew of them in America loved their stuff.
Take an opportunity to find out more of what this band did; you won't regret it. RIP Tim, and all the best thoughts and wishes to his family and bandmates.

January 01 2010 at 10:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave

Steeleye Span created some of the most wonderful music ever. It's a shame more people here in the States don't know their magic. Rest in peace Tim.

January 01 2010 at 10:09 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Richard

It's been many years since I saw Steeleye Span in concert and their music is still a prominent part of my music collection. I have introduced a score of people to them and all have raved about it. My best recollection of Tim was when he had the violin/fiddle perched under his chin, reached back and pulled the hair tie loose, shook his hair out and began to play. The music filled the hall. It is a sad day.

January 01 2010 at 9:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
katydid579

I was introduced to their music when I spent time in England in the early 70s. That music is still one of my favorite memories of spending time with my friends in London and Cambridge. Another wonderful, gifted musician is left to sing with the angels. Rest well, Tim.

January 01 2010 at 8:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply