finetune artist: Linda Thompson

b. Linda Pettifer, 1948, Hackney, London, England. Singer Linda Thompson was initially best-known for her collaborations with husband Richard Thompson. However, before meeting Richard she had collaborated with pop artists including Manfred Mann and Elton John (on advertising jingles and unreleased demos, respectively). Her relationship with Thompson developed just as he made the decision to leave Fairport Convention. The duo made their debut in 1974 with I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight, a memorable collection on which Linda's supple but deep vocals added resonance to some of her husband's most convincing compositions. Linda and Richard co-wrote songs as their career together developed, including compositions such as "Pavanne' (from 1978's First Light). They toured with former Fairport Convention guitarist Simon Nicol as Hokey Pokey, a group which eventually expanded into a larger unit, Sour Grapes. The Thompsons also recorded their second and third albums (Hokey Pokey and Pour Down Like Silver) within 12 months of their first. Subsequent albums for Chrysalis Records furthered their reputation within the folk community, but it was 1982"s Hannibal Records set Shoot Out The Lights which many acclaim as their greatest set (it was nominated by Rolling Stone as the Best Album of 1982). However, the Thompson's marriage was feeling the strain, and the duo made their final appearances together on a strained US tour.

Listen to Linda Thompson at Finetune.

(2006) One Clear Moment
(1996) Dreams Fly Away: A History Of Linda Thompson

Dimming Of The Day
Walking On A Wire
Telling Me Lies
I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
Les Trois Beaux Oiseaux De Paradis