Biography
Audrey Coppard was a traditional folk singer active in England during the mid-20th century, best known for her influential 1956 album 'English Folk Songs' released on Folkways Records. This collection featured 14 traditional English songs, ballads, carols, riddle songs, and London street cries, capturing the essence of England's rich folk heritage. Coppard's clear, unadorned vocal style and authentic interpretations made her a respected figure among folk enthusiasts, particularly for her rendition of 'Scarborough Fair,' which is recognized as the first recorded version using the now-famous melody.
Though details of her early life remain scarce in public records, Coppard's work emerged during a period of renewed interest in English folk music, paralleling the efforts of collectors and performers like Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger. Her recordings contributed to the preservation and dissemination of traditional English repertoire, influencing later generations of folk musicians. Coppard's legacy endures through her Smithsonian Folkways album, which remains a reference point for students and fans of traditional English song.
Fun Facts
- Audrey Coppard's 1956 recording of 'Scarborough Fair' is considered the first to use the melody later made famous by Simon & Garfunkel.
- Her album 'English Folk Songs' was released by Folkways and is now preserved by Smithsonian Folkways, a key institution for folk music archiving.
- Eight tracks on her album feature accompaniment by an American guitarist, though the musician remains uncredited in the liner notes.
- Despite her influence, very little biographical information about Coppard is available, making her a somewhat mysterious figure in folk music history.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Traditional English Folk Singers - Coppard was influenced by the oral tradition of English folk music, drawing on songs passed down through generations. (Traditional repertoire featured on 'English Folk Songs') [pre-1956]
Key Collaborators
- American guitarist (uncredited) - Accompanied Coppard on 8 of the 14 tracks on her 1956 album. ('English Folk Songs' (1956)) [1956]
Artists Influenced
- Simon & Garfunkel - Their arrangement of 'Scarborough Fair/Canticle' was based on the melody popularized by Coppard's 1956 recording. ('Scarborough Fair/Canticle' (1966)) [1960s]
- Ewan MacColl - MacColl recorded his own version of 'Scarborough Fair' after Coppard's, further popularizing the melody. ('Matching Songs of the British Isles and America' (1957), 'The Long Harvest' (1967)) [1957–1967]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| English Folk Songs | 1956-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Scarborough Fair (English Folk Songs)
- Hares on the Mountain (English Folk Songs)
- The Trees Are Getting High (The Sun Never Shines On The Poor)
- The Trees Are Getting High (It Was Dark Until I Found You)
- Hares on the Mountain (Fools Gold)
- Johnny Todd (English Folk Songs)
- Died of Love (English Folk Songs)
- I Will Give My Love An Apple (English Folk Songs)
- The Nightingale (English Folk Songs)
- The Trees are Getting High (English Folk Songs)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Audrey Coppard has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2025 | 00:08 | Died of Lovefrom English Folk Songs | Midnight Music |