BS: Roy Bailey - MBE

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GUEST,Bruce from Bathurst
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 07:42 PM

In the 1970s, when Australian state governments could still nominate people for British imperial honours, my uncle was approached to see whether he would accept one, if nominated, for various good deeds he'd done over the years. He is not politically active at all and his decision to decline wasn't based on any such principles.

He declined because, in his words, "They give those things to bloody footballers!"

Now, an Order of Australia would suit me.

Bruce

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GeorgeH
Date: 10 Feb 00 - 08:29 AM

In theory the Queen; in practice I guess it's the PM. And I also guess you'd never find a definitive answer!

G.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Orwill
Date: 09 Feb 00 - 08:50 PM

I completely agree with George H. It is wonderful to see someone you admire hoisted to the top. I love using the Malcolm X stamps, as another example. But a little voice tells me they didn't put him on a stamp until it was safe. I still have another question about how the Honour's List works. Who has the final say? The PM?

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GeorgeH
Date: 04 Feb 00 - 08:43 AM

andymac, it's not an "imperial award" - it's an award which happens to have a load of imperial and anachronistic baggage attached to it. This whole "honours" scheme is gravely imperfect, but it's all we in the UK have. Had Roy chosen to decline the award then I'd have respected and supported his decision. As it is, I'm DELIGHTED to see MY country honouring one of our outstanding and honourable citizens in the only way we, as a nation, happen to have.

G.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GUEST,andymac
Date: 04 Feb 00 - 05:56 AM

Much as I admire Roy Bailey, his music and his politics, I am slightly disappointed to see his acceptance of an imperial award. HAmish Henderson was offered an award previously by the Wilson government in the 70s but turned it down because of their perceived lack of commitment to a Scottish parliament. Now that I admire.

Andy

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GeorgeH
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 08:07 AM

Why is Leon "down the list"? Because whatever case you could make for Leon you could equally make for any other self-employed person doing a job they clearly find satisfying. OK, you and I may particularly value what Leon does in that job, but that's not the basis for the awards. It's not, nor should it be, an award for "greatist leftist songwriter".

Roy has done much to take British folk music, and the culture it represents, to a wider audience in the UK and elsewhere. He has also striven to ensure that music and culture continues to address issues of contemporary concern, rather than becoming a "safe" museum piece.

You might say the Leon deserves to be much more widely known than he is; I would agree. But until or unless that happens I can't see his claim to "official" recognition!

G.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Lanfranc
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 06:59 PM

British Awards trivia - if anyone's interested.

British Civil Servants aspire to the exclusive membership of the Order of St Michael and St George (MG).

CMG = Commander aka "Call me God" KCMG = Knight Commander aka "Kindly Call me God" GCMG = Guard Commander aka "God calls me God"

There aren't too many left-wing folksinging senior Civil Servants, here or anywhere.

Seven Drunken Knights, perhaps?

Honours in England can include U.

Good to see Roy and Martin recognised, whatever form it takes - pity they couldn't do one posthumously for Peter Bellamy.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Orwill
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 06:45 PM

I'd like to hear how you decided that Leon Rosselson is further down the list. Now, when the nominations are made, who vets those folks?

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 04:51 PM

Mudcat's Best Ever?

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GeorgeH
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 10:40 AM

With respect, Orwill, Leon's place is much futher down the list than Roy's . .

But my guess is that Roy's (well deserved) award comes because someone nominated him for it (yes, these days anyone can nominate folks for UK honours). And it has to be said that this process does lead to some highly idiosyncratic awards. (There's a non-musical one in our local community which has insensed many people . . )

And no, it's not New Labour reaching out to Old Labour - popular nominations for Honours is FAR too radical for New "Labour"; the scheme was put in place by John Major. Far from the only time he showed himself to be more of a Social Democrat than the "New" Labour party.

G

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Orwill
Date: 01 Feb 00 - 11:45 PM

Why isn't Leon Rosselson getting an award? Is the award for a voice or for what it said? Or is it just New Labour trying to reach out to old Labour?

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 05 Jan 00 - 07:11 PM

I don't know what Roy feels about the Honours system, but Martin Carthy certainly thought long and hard before accepting his; he decided that it was a recognition of the music as much as it was of him, and if it was good enough for Jeannie Robertson...well. I'd guess that Roy felt the same.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: arkie
Date: 05 Jan 00 - 05:52 PM

Roy Bailey owns the drug store here in town and knows absolutely nothing about music. Somebody's putting me on.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GeorgeH
Date: 05 Jan 00 - 12:14 PM

Brian, why not ask Roy for his views?? Or Martin Carthy for his??

To my mind the current honours are the only ones we have as a nation, the system has been democratised (ok, not nearly enough) and we live in an imperfect world (and society). So I'm delighted to see Roy (and Martin, and Roz, and . . ) being honoured by OUR country, and am pleased they feel able to accept the honours - and confident that they share my misgivings about the whole honours system.

G.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 05 Jan 00 - 08:09 AM

I'm a great admirer of Roy's, but I'm surprised that such a good socialist would want to be a Member of the British Empire!

Brian

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 04 Jan 00 - 10:59 AM

I rather like the sound of Marshall Roy Baily.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: GeorgeH
Date: 04 Jan 00 - 10:17 AM

But which is the greater honour, the MBE or the OBE?? I'd always thought the OBE was higher, in which case the ranking of Ros Rigby and Roy seems perverse . .

Despite which, I don't imagine they will be falling out over it, and both of them deserve any honour bestowed upon them.

And no, the New Year's Honours are NOT the same as the Queen's Birthday ones (although the awards "on offer") are - at least largely - the same.

G.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Jan 00 - 09:57 PM

I may be wrong (like most of the UK about the handgrip for "Auld Lang Syne") but I guess it is "member".

Who is his agent and how do I book him?

Is it still:"FOR BOOKINGS AND FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: BRASS TACKS MUSIC AGENCY, PO BOX 1162, SHEFFIELD S8 9JY TEL: (+44) (0)114 250 9124 FAX: (+44) (0)114 255 4973 EMAIL: [e-mail] "

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Bugsy
Date: 03 Jan 00 - 09:31 PM

Actually I don't it is "Member" after all.

It might be "Marshall"......Can someone HELP??????

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Bugsy
Date: 03 Jan 00 - 09:15 PM

MMario, They are the Queen's Birthday Honours. OBE Order of the British Empire MBE Member of the British Empire

I THINK!!

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 00 - 04:03 PM

*showing much puzzlement upon face*

OBE? MBE? I am assuming _BE = ?? British Empire. What are the awards?

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: bobby's girl
Date: 03 Jan 00 - 03:57 PM

I heard Roy speaking about his career and what had influenced him at a workshop at Whitby this year. The place was packed and most of us were uncomfortably seated but I have seldom known time pass so quickly - he was a fascinating speaker with a highly appreciative audience. His award is very well deserved!

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 06:50 PM

Thank you for posting that, Bugsy. I was lucky enough to have heard Roy in Seattle in the late 80's, and I have never heard such a magnificent voice on any stage in any genre. Add to that his spirit and integrity, and this is an honor well deserved.

Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: clansfolk
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 05:22 PM

Great News and well deserved award,

Maybe now they'll re-release the 3-city-4 Folk Group recordings on a CD.

Pete

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 04:34 PM

Congratulations, Roy Bailey!

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 07:41 AM

Totally agree, Roy Bailey has been a stalwart of the folk scene, his social commentary is excellent as are all his performances. Great to see that folk music has gained some recognition.

Subject: RE: BS: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Stewie
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 03:01 AM

I am not enamoured of these honours lists but, in respect of folk music and the folk music scene, Roy Bailey deserves every honour that can be bestowed upon him. His contribution has been inestimable.

Subject: Roy Bailey - MBE
From: Bugsy
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 01:15 AM

I have just noted the following which was posted in Oz folk, by John McCauslan about Roy Bailey.

And it's well deserved, if I do say so myself.

press release...press release...press release... For immediate use

Professor Roy Bailey FRSA, is awarded the MBE for services to Folk Music, in the Millennium Honours List

Sheffield's adopted son, Roy Bailey, has been awarded the MBE for services to Folk Music in the Millennium Honours List this weekend. He joins a distinguished list of prominent people within the Folk Music sector to have been recognised, including Martin Carthy (MBE) and Folkworks Director, Ros Rigby (OBE). As part of this Government's acknowledgement of the popularity of Folk Music today and it's significance as an art form throughout our history, many see this as a fit and proper honouring of a distinguished career, that has seen Roy Bailey touring this country and the world for the best part of four decades.

Roy Bailey began his singing career in a skiffle group in 1958. For forty years he has sung in folk clubs, concerts and festivals the length and breadth of England, Scotland and Wales and from Sydney to Vancouver, from Cape Town to Stockholm. His career has been hailed as representing "the very soul of folk's working class ideals... a triumphal homage to the grass roots folk scene as a radical alternative to the mainstream music industry." (Colin Irwin - MOJO). He has been described in the GUARDIAN as being the possessor of one of the finest voices in the folk world and has a large,

widespread and very loyal following worldwide.

Roy has also pursued a successful and distinguished academic career. He has lectured in Universities and Colleges in Britain, Germany, Belgium, the USA, Canada and Australia and was instrumental in the development of the Radical Social Work movement in the 1970's. He has published a variety of academic texts which are still relevant to today's students studying social work and related subjects. He has now retired from academic life and is an Emeritus Professor of Sheffield Hallam University. In 1989 he was elected a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts.

Roy has worked with many different people throughout his career and can count many well respected people, from all walks of public life, among his enthusiastic supporters:

BILLY BRAGG ("as powerful as anything I'd heard - it was Roy's voice, the strength of it and the compassion in it."); TONY BENN ("..the greatest socialist folk singer of his generation"); UTAH PHILLIPS ("I've long wanted to share a stage with him"". MARTIN CARTHY ("he is very exciting to play for because he is so strong"); KAREN TWEED ("there's so much to be learned from Roy Bailey in the music that we do.") Introducing Roy at his hugely successful Royal Albert Hall concert in '98, The Rt. Hon. CHRIS SMITH MP, Secretary of State for Culture, described Roy as "one of folk music's finest performers and one of the world's best carriers of the people's message".

Continuing a very prestigious career, Roy is still touring solo and also appearing with TONY BENN MP in their sell out show, The Writing on the Wall - whilst also exercising his knack of bringing together exciting combinations of the best musicians and the finest songwriters, in one-off performances, from time to time.

For further comment on the Millennium Honours List from Roy Bailey please contact FUSE RECORDS on (+44) (0)114 230 6734 Please see below for press comments on Roy's distinguished performing career

"At a time when many folks would be thinking more about their slippers and a chair by the fire, Roy continues to tour, to record and most importantly to sing songs that must be sung. For four decades, he has been using his heart and his voice as tools to bring people together and remind us all that we are part of something bigger. Over the years his voice has aged like good wine, but it has never lost the directness and

honesty that are a hall-mark of everything he has recorded. He remains a vital artist - his voice still rings with compassion and anger, qualities all too rare in many of his younger contemporaries. His repertoire embraces songs of resistance and celebration. Lately, it has

even come to include Child Ballads - a choice of material that could be

viewed as yet another act of resistance in an era of disposable culture. He is always acquiring new songs in his travels, not unlike the troubadours of old, bringing news of what people are singing about to each new circle of friends. He chooses new songs "because they are addressing things that affect me" which remains a pretty good reason for singing, on stage or off." Dugg Simpson, Artistic Director, Vancouver Folk Music Festival July 1998.

"... on stage (at the Royal Albert Hall) there's Roy Bailey... cutting effortlessly through the pomp of the venue and the circumstance of the occasion with the simple beauty of voice and the inestimable power of integrity. It's impossible not to feel seriously moved..... 40 years of

unassuming, usually unheralded talent that has consistently engaged fine musicians and visionary ideas, yet remained undisturbed by the distractions of fame, commercialism and promotion that afflict most artists with even a fraction of his ability..." Colin Irwin, Folk Roots May 1998.

"In many ways Roy can rightly be considered the champion of The People's Music.... His ability to welcome and embrace audiences, whether at large festivals or small clubs in pub back rooms, without compromising the integrity of his personal political vision, is in itself a remarkable quality." Robb Johnson, The Living Tradition April 1998.

New Directions In The Old - "Another remarkable aspect of this album is

Roy's use of some of the crop of young traditional musicians (Karen Tweed, Ian Carr & Andy Cutting) who sound totally in sympathy with the songs and the performance. This is an album from a man who served his musical apprenticeship years ago and is in total command of his trade. Surely the pinnacle of his recording output to date - a musical masterpiece from a master craftsman" The Living Tradition, 1998.

Past Masters - An immaculate retrospective of one of folk's unsung heroes.... It's high time Bailey won due credit for his identification and highly individual treatments of a select genre of songs which have something meaningful to say, irrespective of era, culture or even class. His smooth rolling voice invests these songs with unique sensitivity, instinctively offering a range of emotions which frequently reveal hidden depths to the material. Bailey is no ranting polemicist, but a considered interpreter, refusing to let any superficial grandstanding or hyped accompaniment blur the subtle perfection of his vocal technique..... Bailey's message is inspiration... Colin Irwin, MOJO, 1998. Folk Record of the Month: Past Masters

"The famous old hall has witnessed many nostalgic occasions and this was right up there with the best of them. It takes a special kind of person

to become a legend in their own lifetime, but talent, dedication and a determination to stand up and be counted, has endeared Roy Bailey to his fans worldwide. Long may it continue." David Jones, Folk North West Summer 1998.

Business As Usual - "...his best yet. Roy Bailey is the greatest socialist folk singer of his generation. He has the capacity given only

to a few of making history really live and meaningful here and in other

countries - we are fortunate to be able to learn through his supreme and committed artistry" Tony Benn MP, 1994.

"Thank goodness there are singers willing to present well written and interesting songs that deal with our world and our problems - songs about the world we live in! And for my money Roy Bailey is the best of them." Vic Gammon, English Dance and Song - 1994.

"The basis of Roy's appeal is his strong and powerful voice. His singing is perfectly timed with well judged guitar accompaniments providing a delicate underpinning to the song." Phillip Freeman, Taplas, 1994.

"Roy is one the most masterful live performers I've seen, blessed with that rare ability to draw an audience to laugh, sing and participate with him in an atmosphere that becomes a celebration of life and unity." Dave T. Wake Up, 1994.

What You Do With What You've Got - "..an excellent collection that often tells you things are bad but shines through with the hope and determination that they can be made better." Folk Roots, 1993.

Never Leave A Story Unsung - "He can pick sings alright and he can choose a band to play them that send shivers down your spine." Folk Roots, 1992

Why Does It Have To Be Me? - "Brimful of optimism born of opportunity...his singing of Everything Possible must be the definitive

version." Folk Roots, 1990.

FOR BOOKINGS AND FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: BRASS TACKS MUSIC AGENCY, PO BOX 1162, SHEFFIELD S8 9JY TEL: (+44) (0)114 250 9124 FAX: (+44) (0)114 255 4973 EMAIL: [e-mail]

Cheers

Bugsy