Ralph McTell is a revered figure in British folk music, best known for his timeless song “Streets of London.” Born in Kent in 1944, McTell began performing in the 1960s, drawing inspiration from American blues and country artists such as Blind Willie McTell, after whom he took his stage name. His debut album Eight Frames a Second was released in 1968 and quickly established him on the UK folk circuit.
“Streets of London” was first recorded in 1969 but became a major hit when re-released in 1974, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has since been covered by hundreds of artists and remains a poignant reflection on homelessness and urban isolation. Over the decades, McTell has released more than 20 albums and has also written music for children’s television. He received an Ivor Novello Award and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Lifetime Achievement, cementing his legacy as one of Britain’s great musical storytellers.
