Oh, boy, what a question...the dreaded "List Mania" at work. It doesn't make for good TV, why should it make good reading or conversation subject? And I did read through the thread, so what does that make me... But two names are conspicuous by their absence, to my taste: DAVE WEBBER & ANNI FENTIMAN.

Why? Let's see..
- representing the West and North East of England as they do, they provide the widest coverage both in terms of material and accents
- they represent English music not only in the UK, but internationally; they are pretty well known in the US and Canada, for example
- they show a fine sensitivity to traditional material and are both active in promoting traditional English music (for example through their work with Living Tradition)
- Dave has penned some wonderful songs that are widely sung in folk clubs, and has been in the (un)enviable position of not being able to register for copyright his "'Obby 'Oss" May song because it was deemed "traditional" by the know-alls. And he didn't have to be dead first, even!

Oh, and they're bloody great of course!

PS: Thanks Breezy, I don't think England is ready to hand over stewardship of its music to the cradle of civilisation yet, though ;->