Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Jun 17 - 05:49 PM

I suppose they will be giving Dylan an award soon, Donovan is a better finger picker guitarist.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jun 17 - 04:07 PM

disagree you obviously haven't heard many of his later albums just the singles maybe? I totally agree all the others are deserving as well....

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 09:25 AM

"WAV I have no doubt that if you were ever given a folk award from an EBC or an ABC there would be a thread with screams of indignation on Mudcat.

And in common with a few others I would rather listen to Donovan than WAV. But keep practising, I'm sure you will improve" (Stu)...

I haven't tuned into the ABC (nor waltzed a matilda anywhere abroad, for that matter) since 1997; but, yes, I will "keep practising" my very English repertoire.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 08:46 AM

John Leonard bends with the wind ? that's the description of a man of straw, yes I suppose it's correct.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 08:42 AM

Good for Donovan.
Not my cup of tea. Haven't seen him in any folk club in the last 30 years.
It's so simple. Smooth Operations/Mike Harding Show are desperate to keep their programme.
With the announcement that the BBC are getting rid of a qurter of it's staff. (about 600 people sacked)
We should all be glad that the Folk Awards have survived at all.
And the reason that they have, is that John Leonard is a savvy person..who bends with the wind...(to quote Donovan!)
Keep the management satisfied. Keep your contract...
Result!
Not my way, but...Hey...You can't blame them. It's their job after all.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 05:29 AM

If I want to know whether someone's a folk singer or not I always look at the top end of their guitar. If there are three of those twirly knob thingies sticking out on each side it's a folk singer. But if all the knob thingies are on one side in a sort of slanty row it's a rock star. Easy. Unless it's Billy Bragg. There's always one awkward sod, isn't there?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Twickfolk
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 05:26 AM

I hope the poster above who says "I thought Steve Earle was a 'country boy'" had his/her tongue firmly in their cheek.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Silas
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 04:56 AM

Just to be clear. This is a lifetime achievement award. It is presented by the BBC via BBC Radio 2 and Smooth Ops.
Now, can I just ask, if Donovan has been such a big part of UK folk music, when was the last time that Fo2 or whatever you call it these days, played one of his songs?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Mick Woods
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 03:50 AM

That's yout choice - to me he is and always has been a folk singer!

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: s&r
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 06:48 PM

WAV I have no doubt that if you were ever given a folk award from an EBC or an ABC there would be a thread with screams of indignation on Mudcat.

And in common with a few others I would rather listen to Donovan than WAV. But keep practising, I'm sure you will improve.

Stu

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 06:41 PM

Mick Woods - the quality of his song writing, singing, performing is not the issue.
It's all about his eligibility for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 FOLK awards.
I remember seeing him on Top of the Pops in the 60s when I was still at school. I never imagined him to be a folk singer. :-)
Derek

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Smedley
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:56 PM

Moon Shadow was Cat Stevens, I think. He'll be up for the award next year!

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:55 PM

"Wav. Yes, I know about the Ramsey stuff. God almighty you've told us enough times." Ralphey...only about as many times as you've called me " an Australian" - as in "Nothing for an Australian to get worried about" (on this thread)...if you are so sure of your stance, why must you use this distraction tactic?

And Stu: we've also been through the visit/passport issue ad nauseum.

"Or WAV - he's a terrible poet, like my dog, who eats folk's slippers" (Harry the dirty dog)...cheers, but I don't digest slippers (nor hair-of-the-dog), and could only ever accept an English Folk Award from an EBC.

MG - Cat.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Tootler
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:50 PM

When I saw the title of the thread, I guessed what the tone of the content would be. I was not wrong.

The BBC Folk awards should not be taken too seriously, they are a bit of publicity, that's all.

Donovan may not be your cup of tea, it's only a matter of personal taste, so good luck to him I say! I don't have any of his records and won't be buying any but I don't begrudge him his award.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:06 PM

Did he write Moon Shadow? I really like that..mg

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Mick Woods
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 08:29 AM

A fantastic writer, player and performer. I saw him many times between 1969 and 2005. You lot may like slagging the man who wrote so many great songs including Mellow Yellow,Colours, Hurdy Gurdy Man, Catch the Wind, Laléna, Epistle to Dippy, Sunshine Superman, There Is a Mountain,Jennifer Juniper, Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Season of the Witch, Atlantis, To Susan on the West Coast Waiting, Barabajagal,Riki Tiki Tavi,Intergalactic Laxative and hundreds more great songs. But I hold up my pint and say "Thanks Donovan for all the beauty that you created!"

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 02:27 AM

Any one who could produce the stellar I Love my Jeans is deserving of whatever badge of honor they lay on him. So what if he's no Dylan; does the world deserve two ?
I like Don, though calling him Don is a bit like calling Liberace "Lee".

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 01:03 PM

I like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRxKl0zz2tE
and there was an even better one[rainbow quest] with rev gary davis encountering the Sitar for the first time.
Ralph Jordan why do you have to be so rude to people? your comment to WAV was uncalled for and unpleasant.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,songthrush
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 06:26 AM

of course he should get a lifetime achievement award, rumour has it that he once did a gig in a folk club

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: the spotlight kid
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:40 AM

i am pleased that he is finally being recognised for his outstanding contribution to music in general. he influenced so many people to pick up an instrument.with this and roy harper doing the itv legends real talent is being recognised.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Harry the dirty dog
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 02:09 AM

is this Jason Donovan? Well, that's fair enongh he should win a folk award. Consider:

- he plays an acoustic guitar (folk)
- he dated a pixie (pysch-folk)
- he starred in a programme all about folk (Neighbours)
- erm... that's it.

Maybe they should give it to Jimmy Page instead; afterall he wrote many a fine folk song. Or David "Bull" Mer - he owns LOADs of folk records. Or WAV - he's a terrible poet, like my dog, who eats folk's slippers. Or Prince Charles - he always seems nice enough and doesn't like new buildings much. That's pretty folk. I don't remember the verse in Little Musgrave where they stopped to admire the new stable block.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Guest Betsy
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:02 PM

What the fuck has he done these last 30 years ? 30 years is almost half a life time .

Nonsense

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: s&r
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 07:41 PM

There is something of the Messiah about your projected self-image David - He had a star, which probably trumps a football.

However, being born 200miles away from a football match qualifies your life's mission in no way: it is irrelevant.

As for your study of folk music and matters, your degree (anthropology and fork lift) was out of date and probably forgotten when you gave up 'poetry' and took to folk about four or five years ago. This makes you rather less knowledgeable and experience than I would guess nine out of every ten mudcatters.

Regards

Stu (ps - should you surrender your Aussie passport and driving licence to be a 'repat'?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:00 PM

Wav. Yes, I know about the Ramsey stuff. God almighty you've told us enough times.
What has that got to do with an English awards event?
do you know, when I'm feeling really depressed at my ability to play music...I go to your my space page...I instantly realise that I'm not that bad.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Doug Saum
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 05:49 PM

My, my. Some very protective notions of what constitutes true folk music in this thread. Why don't we all take a deep breath and remember Moe Asch's (of Folkways Records, NYC)definition of folk music? (i. e. any music from the folk, thus any music). Congratulations, Mr. Leitch.
Doug Saum

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: NormanD
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 05:36 PM

Donovan, as you all should know, actually came up with the idea of a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at least fifteen years ago, when he and his buddy Gypsy Davey were in discussion with the Controller of BBC Radio2 at a TM hangout in India. Donovan was teaching him how to finger pick at the time.

Amongst his already existing lifetime achievements, Donovan was wearing a little denim cap *way* before Dylan had even thought about wearing one, drone drone drone (if you've ever seen him in an interview).

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 12:08 PM

Ralphie: I'm an English repat. - actually born in Manchester the day Alf Ramsey's English team won the World Cup of Football; and, coming into folk music after majoring in anthropology, I'm supposed to know what to look for - who's fighting the good fight, etc.

When people lose their own culture, society suffers and our world becomes less-and-less multicultural; or in verse - http://walkaboutsverse.webs.com/#209

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan whittle
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 11:17 AM

I once saw William Boyd who played Hopalong Cassidy. he didn't hop. why was he called Hopalong. did he sing? he had a horse called topper.

At the end of each show on telly, he used to laugh in a very loud manner. I tried to laugh like him. he was a minor influence on me, but I can't see how he would get a lifetime award.

Apart from me, i can't think of nny other folksingers he influenced. And Richard bridge says I'm not even a folksinger.

As for your other nominations, many of them are puppets and do not actually sing.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: breezy
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 11:01 AM

And there was Stan Rogers

Did I see Bob Dylan's name on the list of previous recips

or Pete Seeger's

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: john f weldon
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 10:57 AM

This Canuck loves Donovan and always has, even when he's being ridiculous. At his most absurd, "Remember the Alamo" on his first album. But I love it nonetheless. All of it.

Bravo British Folk Awards.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 09:59 AM

WAV...It's not a blow to anything. The tradition will survive. It's just a marketing excercise. Nothing for an Australian to get worried about.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 09:21 AM

Well the occasional blow job....

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:46 AM

As I've suggested here, another pop-goes-the-folk-singer award/another blow to tradition.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:40 AM

Now you're just being silly.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Vic Smith
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:12 AM

It's not that Donovan has been given the award.... he clearly deserves it. It is just that he has been given it now before all those much more deserving people who, like Donovan, have devoted themselves selflessly all their lives to the promotion of folk music.

How can it be Donovan's turn to be given the 'Lifetime Achievement' Award when there are people and acts that have done so much more spending their lives promoting folk music? I am thinking of the likes of The Seekers, Dusty Springfield, Mary Hopkins, Rolf Harris, Charlie Drake, Pinky & Perky, The Muppets, Roland Rat, Sparky's Talking Piano, Hopalong Cassidy..... the list goes on and on.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Smedley
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 08:06 AM

Keep up, Alan, they broke up *years* ago.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 07:51 AM

Well obviously best folk dance music has got to be SClub7.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: mikesamwild
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 07:42 AM

So lets have the Mudcat poll for various categories.Can it be set up where you trawl for a list Then put it up for votes unseen - then it comes up as a running total, like spiral earth do?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Gail
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 07:35 AM

My problem with this award is that no matter which way it's perceived, whether it's for a lifetime's achievement in folk, soft-pop, flower power, being well known, still being alive, I can't see that Donovan stands out in any way.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:42 AM

One thing to remember is that the show is called " The Mike Harding Show". It ceased to be "Folk On Two" over a decade ago.
It's connection with grass roots folk music ceased at that point, It's an entry level programme for all those listeners may continue listening after the Drivetime show.
It's not in their remit to play anything that will scare the horses is it. And what Dave Eyre says above is basically correct. The Life Time award will always go to someone that a) The controller has heard of, and b) someone who will provide a decent photo opportunity at the ceremony. c) someone who is on tour at the time that we can get cheap.
Call me a cynic......"You're a cynic!!!"

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Silas
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:09 AM

So, the criterea is 'Someone the Controller of BBC2 has heard of'?

OK.

Robbie Williams next year then? - Just about as much relavence as Donovan.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: bradfordian
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:06 AM

To put it into context, previous worthies:-

2010
Lifetime Achievement Award: Nanci Griffith
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dick Gaughan
2009
Lifetime Achievement Award: James Taylor
Lifetime Achievement Award: Judy Collins
2008
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Martyn
2007
Lifetime Achievement Award: Pentangle
Lifetime Achievement Award: Danny Thompson
2006
Lifetime Achievement Award: Paul Brady
Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Thompson
2005
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): Tom Paxton
2004
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dave Swarbrick
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): Steve Earle
2003
Lifetime Achievement Award: Christy Moore
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): John Prine
2002
Lifetime Achievement Award: The Chieftains
Lifetime Achievement Award (Songwriting): Ralph McTell
Lifetime Achievement Award: Fairport Convention
2001
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bert Jansch

source: wikipedia
(PS: Thought Steve Earle was a "country boy")

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,folkiedave
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 05:27 AM

It goes to someone the High Ups/Controller of Radio 2 has heard of. That's the criteria.

We might not like it, we certainly probably won't agree with it and we may be able to think of hundreds of more worthy recipients.

But that is the criteria.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: breezy
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:44 AM

how could I have overlook Eric Bogle

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: brezhnev
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 07:37 PM

I bet bourgeoisie are shitting themselves when Donovan's in town

Dave Spart returns! Brilliant!

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: Folkiedave
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 06:58 PM

Folk Awards John Leonard is set next to Controller BBC2 who knows nothing about folk music.

Who are these people winning things? Folkies, Mr. Controller.

And this Lifetime achievement award? Donovan, Mr. Controller. Ah yes I have heard of him, well done Mr. Leonard have another contract.

Actually I think they got a 3-year contract last year.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 06:18 PM

I bet bourgeoisie are shitting themselves when Donovan's in town. I think I'll storm the palace gates right now.

Look the guy's got his lifetime award. Personally I don't begrudge him it. But lets stay in the land of the vaguely sensible. I accept the gift of his song from a flower to a garden. In fact I'm one of the resident slugs.

But its iike winnie the pooh. Stuck in 100acre wood. Piglet got to go out of the wood. I think Donovan is best left there with Eeyore and Kanga.

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: LadyJean
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 05:44 PM

"Ye sons of England who once were free
Now are slaves of the factory.
Those who live in the land of mole.
Only wish to own your soul"

Airy Fairy hippie dippie?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 05:40 PM

Did a wonderful session with Mr Eldon, on one of the pleasure boats off Flanborough Head in January! Bloody Freezing!. That was for Andy Kershaw. 2002? ish?

Subject: RE: Donovan Lifetime award from BBC 2
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 05:38 PM

Hi Alan...Yes, I'm sure our paths have crossed! (over the decades!)
Check out www.the-attic-tapes.co.uk
for more info!
(You can buy a CD too If you want it. (wasn't nominated for the awards obviously, hence my bitterness Lol!)