Andy M. Stewart

For the Scottish singer, comedian and impressionist, see Andy Stewart (musician).

Andy M. Stewart
Birth nameAndrew McGregor Stewart
Born(1952-09-08)8 September 1952
Alyth, Perthshire, Scotland
Died27 December 2015(2015-12-27) (aged 63)
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist
Instrument(s)Banjo, mandolin, tin whistle

Andrew McGregor Stewart (8 September 1952 – 27 December 2015)[1] was a Scottish singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, formerly the frontman for Silly Wizard. He was born in Alyth, Perthshire.[2] With Silly Wizard he not only sang, but also played the tenor banjo, mandolin and tin whistles.

Andy Stewart came from the Stewart family of Scottish Travellers which included Belle Stewart and Sheila Stewart. He learnt the song "If I were a Blackbird" from the former, his great aunt.[3]

Stewart toured with Silly Wizard until the band broke up in 1988. After this, he recorded four solo albums, as well as three with Manus Lunny. Several of Stewart's songs became well-known within the folk community, including "The Ramblin' Rover", "Golden, Golden", "The Queen of Argyll" and "The Valley of Strathmore". In addition, his renditions of classic Robert Burns songs have been well received.[4]

Failed spinal surgery in 2012 left Stewart paralysed from the chest down. He died from a stroke on 27 December 2015, aged 63.[1]

Discography

Solo

  • By the Hush (1982)
  • Songs of Robert Burns (1991)
  • Man in the Moon (1994)
  • Donegal Rain (1997)

With Silly Wizard

  • Silly Wizard (1976)
  • Caledonia's Hardy Sons (1978)
  • So Many Partings (1979)
  • Wild and Beautiful (1981)
  • Kiss the Tears Away (1983)
  • Live in America (1985)
  • Golden Golden (1985)
  • A Glint of Silver (1987)
  • Live Wizardry (1988)
  • Live Again (2012)

With Manus Lunny

  • Fire in the Glen (1985, also with Phil Cunningham)
  • Dublin Lady (1987)
  • At It Again (1990)

References

  1. ^ a b "Tributes paid to Silly Wizard folk legend Andy M. Stewart". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  2. ^ "The perfect italy packing list for the summer". 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  3. ^ "If I Was a Blackbird / I Am a Young Maiden (Roud 387; Henry H79)". mainlynorfolk.info. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  4. ^ Steve Winick. "Songs of Robert Burns – Andy M. Stewart | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 December 2015.

Andy M Stewart Official Website

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