Photo of Shirley by Katie Vandyck      



 


"Shirley Collins is without doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures"
- Billy Bragg

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Shirley's CDs and copies of 'America Over The Water' are available from this site. Click on 'For Sale' above.

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Shirley receives her Honorary  Degree of Master of the University
Open University at Guildhall, Portsmouth April 14th 2007

Shirley's citation for her Honorary degree, awarded by the Open University:

Ms Shirley Collins (Honorary award of MUniv) - Notable contribution to education and culture 

English traditional singer Shirley Collins is the author of America Over the Water (2004), a vivid account of her 1959 field-recording trip in America's Deep South with folklorist Alan Lomax. In 2006, her UK lecture tour, based on the book, received an Arts Council award. She also lectures on southern English gypsy singers and Sussex folk song. As a singer, she recorded a dozen albums, three of which are considered ground-breaking: Anthems in Eden, with arrangements for early instruments by her composer sister Dolly, with David Munrow as musical director; Folk Roots, New Routes with avant-garde guitarist Davy Graham; and No Roses, with early, traditional and folk-rock musicians. She sang at the National Theatre in Lark Rise and The Passion with The Albion Country Band, which she co-founded. 

In 2004 Shirley was awarded the Gold Badge of The English Folk Song and Dance Society, she is patron of South East Folk Arts Network and of Folk South West. 

 


 

Shirley with her presenter Mr Jonathan Hughes


Shirley with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Professor Linda Jones

 


Shirley with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Jones
and Mr Jonathan Hughes


Photo of Shirley by Katie Vandyck