Farewell Johnny Miner (c) Ed Pickford mcps/prs

I wrote this song about the decline of the mining industry.
It has been recorded by quite a few people.
This song is in 'The Ed Pickford Songbook'

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ed Pickford
• George Welch
• Farewell Johnny Miner
• coal
• The Ed Pickford Songbook
• Appletwig Songbook Presents

[Celticzephyr]

I'm so glad to find this video. In good folk tradition, we learned this song from folks who probably learned it from folks and ne'er a composer's name was heard. As I was writing up notes for an upcoming gig, I realized I should best be finding out who wrote this powerful song, so we can give proper credit and sing their praises to the sky, so to speak. Thank you for such a great song and lovely performance.

[folksinger43]

@Celticzephyr

I am not sure I deserve such high praise but I'm glad you like it and even more if you use it. If you get round to recording the song send me an mp3 - I'd like to hear it.

Best wishes always

Ed Pickford

[BeckRD1]

Ed, A young and dear local celtic folk singer recorded this song of yours. It touched me. Thank you for writing. Simply incredible.

Becky

[folksinger43]

@BeckRD1

That is very kind - the singer here - George Welch - is one of the jewels of NE folk music.

If you get the chance - send me a mp3 of the recording you mention and I'll pass it round to a few people.

I have been very lucky with "celtic" artists doing some of my songs. The latest to look out for are 'The Mighty Doonans' - well Tyneside Irish originally - but part of a rich tradition - they have recorded a songs that has its roots in coal mining - called 'Ah Cud Hew' - 'I Could Hew'

Ed

[JohninRosc]

Can anyone tell me where I can get an album that George made with Tristram Robson about 30 years ago?

[folksinger43]

@JohninRosc

I have passed on your request to someone who is in weekly contact with George. George has a connection with 'The Biscuit Factory. in Newcastle.

Ed

[paperkiwi22]

you can contact George Welch on 0775 707 1063 for George and Tristram's album 'From there to here to see how far; or 'live at Dumfries folksong club' 1980s

Thanks for the nice comments.

George

[JohninRosc]

@folksinger43 Thanks folksinger you are very kind. Very sad news in your e mail too. I will most certainly be buying it. By the way, congratulations on writing Johnny Miner - superb song. I've got the Bob Fox/Benny Graham "How are you off for coals" version and I've loved the song since getting that CD 15 or so years ago.

[folksinger43]

@Landstrider2010

George has great quality.

Thanks for your comment.

Ed

[Landstrider2010]

Superb!!