The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) is delighted to announce that Kate Rusby is one of the latest recipients of its highest award, the Gold Badge. Gold Badges are presented for unique or outstanding contributions to folk music, dance or song, distinguished service to EFDSS and/or exceptional contributions to EFDSS’ work.
Barnsley born and bred Kate Rusby needs few introductions after a glittering 25 year plus career. Known for her beautifully pure singing voice, good humour and exemplary storytelling gifts, Kate’s classic style and the down-to-earth warmth of her live performances are also complimented by her family-run record label (Pure) and music festival (Underneath The Stars). These qualities have earnt her legions of fans, many accolades and much acclaim. Remarkably, Kate’s latest album, ‘Holly Head’ is her 18th and will be released by Pure Records on 29th November 2019. The album will be supported by an extensive nationwide tour and it’s during her show in Sheffield on 4th December that Kate Rusby’s Gold Badge will be presented to her, with a citation by the playwright (and one of her many admirers), Willy Russell.
Kate joins an illustrious list of Gold Badge holders a scheme which was first introduced in 1923, including EFDSS founder and pioneering folk-song collector Cecil Sharp (1923), composer and collector Ralph Vaughan Williams (1943), Ewan MacCoIl (1987), Peggy Seeger (1987), EFDSS President Shirley Collins (2003) and Vice President Eliza Carthy (2007).
Katy Spicer, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, said: “Kate Rusby has been a wonderful ambassador for the contemporary folk music scene since her teenage years, not only because of her stunning voice and acclaimed live performances but also for impressive achievements alongside her music career, including running her own record company and folk festival.”
Watch Kate performing Halt the Wagons (from her album Philosophers, Poets & Kings) which was written to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Huskar Pit Disaster where 26 children aged from 7-17 from a local village lost their lives. Filmed and recorded with 15 boys and 11 girls aged 7-17 from Barnsley Youth Choir.
Kate Rusby releases her 18th album Holly Head, on Friday 29th November 2019 ahead of her national UK tour from Sunday 1st December – Saturday 21st December 2019.
Tour dates:
December
1 Salford, The Lowry
3 Huddersfield Town Hall
4 Sheffield City Hall
8 Norwich Royal Theatre
9 Colchester, Charter Hall
10 London, Royal Festive Hall
11 Bath, The Forum
13 Leeds Town Hall
14 Birmingham Town Hall
15 Cambridge Corn Exchange
18 York Barbican
19 Liverpool Philharmonic
20 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
21 Gateshead, The Sage
https://www.efdss.org/efdss-about-us/gold-badge-award/