Ralph McTell (born Ralph May; 22 July 1944) is an English singer‑songwriter, guitarist and composer. He is a prominent figure in the British folk and acoustic music scenes, best known for his 1974 song “Streets of London,” which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and earned an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
Early life and education
Ralph May was born in Farnborough, Kent, England. He began playing guitar in his early teens, drawing on American folk, blues, and country influences. He adopted the stage name “Ralph McTell” in the early 1960s, taking the surname from blues guitarist Blind Willie McTell.
Career
McTell’s professional career began in the early 1960s, performing in folk clubs and coffeehouses around London. His first commercial recording, the EP Ralph McTell (1965), was followed by his debut album Eight Frames a Second (1968). Over the subsequent decades he released a prolific catalogue of albums, including Spiral Staircase (1969), Streets of London (1974), Another Star (1975), and Bridge of Sighs (1976).
“Streets of London” brought McTell mainstream recognition; the single topped the UK chart in early 1975 and later became a staple of folk‑rock repertoires worldwide. The song’s narrative style, addressing homelessness and social marginalisation, contributed to its lasting appeal.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s McTell continued to record and tour, collaborating with artists such as Martin Carthy, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and the folk‑rock group Pentangle. He has also composed music for film and television, and performed live broadcasts for the BBC.
Awards and honours
- 1975 – Ivor Novello Award for “Streets of London.”
- 2005 – Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to music.
- 2005 – Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection.
- 2007 – Honorary Doctor of Music, University of Kent.
Personal life
McTell resides in the United Kingdom and remains active in the folk community, mentoring emerging artists and participating in charitable events. He is known for his advocacy on issues related to homelessness, a theme central to “Streets of London.”
Selected discography
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Eight Frames a Second |
| 1969 | Spiral Staircase |
| 1974 | Streets of London (compilation) |
| 1975 | Another Star |
| 1976 | Bridge of Sighs |
| 1985 | The Journey |
| 1990 | A West Country Folk Tale |
| 1999 | The House of the Rising Sun |
| 2005 | From the Road (live) |
| 2015 | Songs of Love and Loss |
Legacy
Ralph McTell is regarded as an influential figure in modern British folk music, noted for his lyrical storytelling and acoustic guitar work. “Streets of London” remains a benchmark for socially conscious songwriting in the UK, and his extensive body of work continues to be referenced by contemporary folk musicians.