In the words of my elderly mother, "Ian Campbell has played a big part in our lives". Through the traditional songs he sang and songs he wrote, he expressed many different experiences of families like ours. He also expressed our political views. As working class people, it was important to have an eloquent spokesman.

Ian, his sister Lorna and their parents,taught me much about music, history and performance. This interest provided a buttress against the worst things that those in power have done.

That's before I even begin to reflect on the energy, passion and beauty of his music. It moved us deeply and I will be eternally grateful.