A 1978 album by British folk musician Allan Taylor is enjoying an unexpected resurgence, nearly half a century after its initial release, following a chance discovery by global music sensation Ed Sheeran. Sheeran recently shared his appreciation for Taylor's LP, 'The Traveller', which he stumbled upon in a second-hand record shop in Williamsburg, New York, describing it as a 'special vinyl in the collection' due to its rarity online.
The unsolicited endorsement from one of the world's most successful artists has brought overdue recognition to the 80-year-old Leeds-based singer-songwriter. Taylor, who began his career performing in pubs and bars, shares a similar early trajectory with Sheeran, albeit decades apart. Despite touring globally and securing major record deals, Taylor's career, unlike Sheeran's, never achieved widespread mainstream success in the UK, although he garnered significant respect within the folk scene and found recognition across Europe.
Sheeran's post, which praised the album and noted its absence from online streaming services, prompted the official release of 'The Traveller' on Spotify. Previously, the album had only been unofficially available via YouTube. This digital release marks a significant moment for an artist who was reportedly preparing to conclude his career with a series of farewell concerts, which were subsequently cancelled due to health issues.
The two musicians have since connected, engaging in lengthy phone conversations. Taylor described Sheeran as 'remarkably down-to-earth, friendly and very interesting as a songwriter', adding that Sheeran has expressed a desire to visit him for a cup of tea. During their discussions, Taylor recounted his colourful life story, including leaving his Brighton home in 1966 at the age of 21 to pursue musical adventures in Europe, where he honed his craft by busking for survival.
Taylor's career highlights include performing at the Royal Albert Hall with folk legends Fairport Convention and spending time in New York's Greenwich Village folk scene, where he met figures like Bob Marley. While major commercial success eluded him, his work has been covered by numerous artists, and he remains a highly respected figure within the folk music community. Sheeran's discovery has now given 'The Traveller' a new lease of life, introducing Taylor's work to a much broader, contemporary audience.