20 Facts About Maddy Prior

Madeleine Edith Prior MBE was born on 14 August 1947 and is an English folk rock singer, best known as the lead vocalist of Steeleye Span.

Maddy Prior was born in Blackpool and moved to St Albans in her teens.

Maddy Prior was married to Steeleye bass guitarist Rick Kemp, and their daughter, Rose Kemp, is a singer.

Maddy Prior then performed with Tim Hart and recorded two albums with him, before they helped to found the group Steeleye Span, in 1969.

Maddy Prior left Steeleye Span in 1997, but returned in 2002, and has toured with them since.

Maddy Prior toured with the Carnival Band, in 2007, and with Giles Lewin and Hannah James, in 2012 and 2013.

Maddy Prior has released singles and albums as a solo artist, with these bands and in several collaborations.

Maddy Prior became a roadie for visiting American musicians, including Reverend Gary Davis.

Maddy Prior sang the title song, which was released as a single in 1985.

Maddy Prior plays the tambourine, spoons and ukulele, and always gives a sprightly performance of her individual dances.

Maddy Prior married bassist Rick Kemp, though they have since divorced.

Maddy Prior left Steeleye Span in 1997 but returned in 2002.

The 1999 album The Journey was recorded in 1995, when Maddy Prior was still in the band, but not released until four years later.

Since 2003 Maddy Prior has run and hosted an Arts Centre called Stones Barn in Cumbria.

In 1983, Maddy Prior became the namesake for Madelyne Pryor of the X-Men, created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith.

Maddy Prior took to the road with The Carnival Band in May 2007 for their "Music for Tavern and Chapel" tour.

Maddy Prior made a guest appearance with The Levellers at the Solfest Festival in Cumbria in August 2007.

In 2008 Maddy Prior appeared at the BBC's "Electric Proms".

In November and December 2013 Maddy Prior toured with Steeleye Span, on the Wintersmith Tour, following the release in October of their album Wintersmith, a collaborative project based on the novel of the same name by Terry Pratchett.

In 2001 Maddy Prior was awarded the MBE for services to folk music.