Donovan

Having relocated to Hatfield, Hertfordshire from a young age, Donovan developed a love for English folk music. Surrounded by local musicians, it wasn’t long before he took an interest in learning the cross-picking guitar technique a skill he passed onto the late John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney. As Donovan began writing his own original material, he tested out the waters by busking locally in 1964 while honing the craft of traditional folk and blues.

Following an appearance on the TV series “Ready Steady Go” in 1964, Donovan signed a deal with Pye Records. Influenced by Woody Guthrie and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Donovan recorded a ten track demo which featured an early recording of future hit “Catch the Wind”- the beginning of his spectacular rise to fame. With similarities to his American counterpart, Bob Dylan the media created a fictional rivalry between the two, a rumour which would remain a constant throughout both of their careers.

Releasing his debut album “What’s Bin Did and What’s Bin Hid” in 1965, the album peaked in the UK charts at number three and featured his first two singles “Catch the Wind” and “Colours” and marked the beginning of fame.

Donovan contributed with lyrics on The Beatles 1969 hit “Yellow Submarine” and took part in the final orchestral performance on the Abbey Road session of McCartney and Lennon’s collaboration on “A Day in the Life, the grand finale of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. His handiwork continued throughout The Beatles’ career as he helped George Harrison develop his songwriting skills.

Inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and in the 2014 Songwriters Hall of Fame, within his prolific career, Donovan has shared the stage with a few of his fellow folk musician comrades such as: Bob Dylan, Joan Boaz, Pete Seeger and while meandering through genre movements across six decades, Donovan has successfully adapted his style while still remaining an influence to musicians across the world.