Beverley Martyn, the iconic British folk singer, has passed away at the age of 79. Her family announced that she died peacefully at home. Martyn was celebrated not only for her collaborations with her former husband, John Martyn, but also for her impressive solo career.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Beverley Martyn, born Beverley Kutner in 1947 near Coventry, England, moved to London as a teenager. She attended drama school and quickly immersed herself in the vibrant folk music scene of the early 1960s. During this time, she learned guitar from renowned British folk musician Bert Jansch, who was also her early boyfriend.
Notable Works and Collaborations
- Singles: Martyn released a single with her band, the Levee Breakers, titled “Babe I’m Leaving You.” She also recorded the notable track “Happy New Year,” which featured musicians Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.
- Collaborations: After a relationship with Paul Simon, she performed at the monumental Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. She later appeared on the Simon & Garfunkel album “Bookends,” which topped charts in both the US and UK.
In 1969, she married John Martyn, and the couple became involved in the folk-rock counterculture in the United States. They recorded their first duo album, “Stormbringer!,” in Woodstock, which was released in 1970. They followed it with “The Road to Ruin” later that same year.
Personal Challenges and Later Career
Beverley Martyn and John Martyn had two children together, but their relationship deteriorated due to John’s struggles with addiction. She expressed in a 2014 interview that the situation became unbearable, leading to their separation. Despite facing significant personal challenges, she continued to engage with music, collaborating with artists like Loudon Wainwright III and Wilko Johnson.
A Resilient Return
After years of navigating her personal life, her 2014 solo album, “The Phoenix and the Turtle,” marked a significant return to music on her own terms. She described this project as a dream she had almost given up on. In 2018, she released “Where the Good Times Are,” a retrospective compilation of her work from the 1960s.
Beverley Martyn leaves behind a rich legacy in the music world, remembered for her extraordinary talent and enduring contributions to British folk. Her journey reflects both her resilience and her artistic spirit.
