The Corries - Scottish Folk Music Duo
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The Corries
The Corries graced the Scottish folk scene from the early 1960's until Roy's sad death in 1990. Together they were the quintessential Scottish balladeers. Their music spoke to (and for) a generation at a time when the Scottish nation were re-examining their identity. Much of it is relevant today.
Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne met Bill Smith and Paddie Bell while at Edinburgh College of Art in 1955. In a triving folk scene in Edinburgh Roy, Bill and another friend Ron Cockburn joined to form The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell. Ronnie joined when Ron Cockburn left. At that time he played no instruments so had a crash course to bring him up to speed.
All images: The Corries Official Website
Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne met Bill Smith and Paddie Bell while at Edinburgh College of Art in 1955. In a triving folk scene in Edinburgh Roy, Bill and another friend Ron Cockburn joined to form The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell. Ronnie joined when Ron Cockburn left. At that time he played no instruments so had a crash course to bring him up to speed.
All images: The Corries Official Website
Mingulay Boat Song
It's all about the music
a typical Corries performance in a typical setting - for those of us lucky enough to be there - MAGIC!
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Musical Quote
"A person does not hear sound only through the ears;
he hears sound through every pore of his body.
~ from 'Mysticism of Sound' by Hazrat Inayat Khan ~
The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell
the early years of The Corries
very early years!
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History of The Corries
Hoot-Nanny
Their fortunes changed when they were able to turn profession when the BBC introduced a TV show of Scottish folk music called Hoot-nanny - a very successful show intended to reproduce the atmosphere of a typical folk venue. The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell became the resident group for the series.
By 1966 Paddie left to spend time with her family and Bill returned to architecture.
and then there were two - Ronnie and Roy became the much loved Corries.
(HOOTENANNY: DEFINITION according to the Urban Dictionary: hoot'nanny
A party
Much like a shindig only with a hole lot of hoot and just a little bit of nanny
We are gonna have a hoot'nanny tonight! )
By 1966 Paddie left to spend time with her family and Bill returned to architecture.
and then there were two - Ronnie and Roy became the much loved Corries.
(HOOTENANNY: DEFINITION according to the Urban Dictionary: hoot'nanny
A party
Much like a shindig only with a hole lot of hoot and just a little bit of nanny
We are gonna have a hoot'nanny tonight! )
Singer and Songwriter
Roy's Music
Roy was the music genius of the duo. Multi-talented his playing included guitar, banjo, manjolin, bodhran,COMBOLIN, harmonica, flute, lowland pipes and tin whistle. His most famous composition is the Flower of Scotland now granted royal sanction to be used at all Scottish football and rugby international matches. Famiously the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) enthusicastically joined in the singing at Murrayfield in 1990. Scotland's Rugby Anthem
Flower o Scotland
Roy was the music genius of the duo. Multi-talented, his playing included guitar, banjo, manjolin, bodhran,COMBOLIN, harmonica, flute, lowland pipes and tin whistle. His most famous composition is the Flower of Scotland now granted royal sanction to be used at all Scottish football and rugby international matches. Famously Princess Anne enthusicastically joined in the singing at Murrayfield in 1990.
The song is now used as Scotland's anthem for all international rugby games also for The Scottish Football Association and at other games including curling and boxing matches. In fact ... anywhere you find Scots competing.
The song is now used as Scotland's anthem for all international rugby games also for The Scottish Football Association and at other games including curling and boxing matches. In fact ... anywhere you find Scots competing.
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The Writing of The Flower of Scotland
by Roy Williamson
Roy wrote this in the 1960s and was first played in front of Ruthven barracks in Scotland, in 1967,It was adopted by the Scottish rugby international winger in 1974 - a time of increased interest in home-rule for Scotland. When the team returned from South Africa that year, they were voted Team of the Year by BBC TV and they sang this as their team song.
From 1990 onwards the Scottish Rugby Union have used this an an unofficial anthem at the beginning of games, even Princess Anne ( a keen rugby fan) was seen singing it. Roy always loved rugby and he lived to see his song commenorated in his favourite sporting arena.
Since Roy's death, Ronnie has continued to lead fans in the anthem from rugby to boxing to curling and in 1996 - as the official anthem for The Scottish Football Association.
Ronnie designed the Corries' tartan shown here to mark the 40th anniversary of the writing of this wonderful national song "Flower of Scotland"
taken from http://www.corries.com/news.php
photo of Ronnie wearing the Corrie tartan kilt. Photo credit to the Corries Official Website
Musical Instruments
Roy's creation - The Combolins:
Roy was the musician, the instrumentalist and also a skilled wood worker. Famously, they carried around a lot of instruments on tour that they would line up behind them on chairs. Roy had the idea of creating an instrument that would combine several instruments into one and The Combolins was invented. There were two - one which combined a mandolin and a guitar with four bass strings operated with slide. The other was a combination of a guitar and a bandurria, a Spanish instrument Roy was fond of.In reality they never did replace all those instruments on tour, instead they were another two to cart around!
You can find out more detailed information on The Combolins on Wiki
Pictured here is David Sinton with a combolin.
http://combolins.com/index.shtml
Ronnie Browne Biography
The Joker
Both Roy and Ronnie were art teachers when they turned professional. Ronnie became the business manager of the duo and he even ironed their costumes before each gig!He was not in the original line-up but was asked to help out when one of the group became ill before a gig.
The more extrovert of the pair, Ronnie with his distinctive white hair and beard, provided vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica and bodhran. He also whistled!
On Roy's death Ronnie said he could never take another partner but he continued to promote Celtic music as a solo artist until his retirement.
Ronnie's Tribute to Roy
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Lyrics
Last Night I had the strangest Dream
words and music by Ed McCurdy
Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war
I dreamed I saw a mighty room
Filled with women and men
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again
And when the paper was all signed
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads
And grateful pray'rs were prayed
And the people in the streets below
Were dancing 'round and 'round
While swords and guns and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground
Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd never dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.
TRO-©1950,1951 & 1955 Almanac Music, Inc.
New York, N.Y. Copyrights renewed
Used by permission
Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war
I dreamed I saw a mighty room
Filled with women and men
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again
And when the paper was all signed
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads
And grateful pray'rs were prayed
And the people in the streets below
Were dancing 'round and 'round
While swords and guns and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground
Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd never dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.
TRO-©1950,1951 & 1955 Almanac Music, Inc.
New York, N.Y. Copyrights renewed
Used by permission
The Balladeers
Roy and Ronnie
The Corries were the quintessential Scottish balladeers. Rousing Jacobite songs mixed with quiet traditional songs and humour to provide entertainment second to none. Many may argue they took a romantic view of Scottish history which takes nothing away the music. Some of their most powerful songs were those of the Jacobite rebellions in Scotland and Bonnie Prince Charlie. History now shows it was more of a civil war than than at first appears: as many clans fought against Prince Charlie as those that fought him, and Charlie himself was a bit of a fop who spoke no English or Gaelic, only French and Italian. Nowtheless the songs remain poignant and rousing.
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Buy The Corries music
More of my favourite Corries music
The Corries Recorded: Music from Amazon
Many more available
Come Browse!
UK Readers
The default settings for this page are for USA
to buy The Corries music in the UK
follow the link below
The Corries
Buy The Corries music
on Amazon.co.uk
Westering Home
An old favourite sung round many firesides
This always reminds me how much I miss them!
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THE Link to a Corries Concert on YouTube
There are hours of enjoyment here!
Rather than put in lots of links I have put together a playlist of Corries music on YouTube. I set it up to play in it's own window in the background while I get on with other things - magic. I hope you enjoy it.
A concert with The Corries, whether in a huge theatre or small pub, always involved the audience. Ronnie was famous for telling us to "gae it laldie - the roof's insured"
I miss them.
A concert with The Corries, whether in a huge theatre or small pub, always involved the audience. Ronnie was famous for telling us to "gae it laldie - the roof's insured"
I miss them.
- The Corries
- A playlist of some of my favourite Corries songs.
Which song is your favourite?
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Corriesfan
Other Sites You May Enjoy
Used in the making of this lens
- The Corries, Scotlands Famous Folk Duo by Falconer Museum, Forres.
- The Corries and the history of the Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell, scottish Folk music by
Bill Smith, Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne - Corries
- The Corries official site run by Ronnie's son Gavin
- Combolins
- Home Welcome to combolins.com. I am David Sinton and, as many of you already know, the combolins, those unique, quintessentially Corries instruments, were bequeathed to me by their creator, Roy Williamson of the Corries. When Roy died in August 1990, his wish was for these instruments that he
- The Corries Discography
- The Corries discography. Describes all single, extended play and album releases as well CD re-releases, videos, books, concert programs and other items.
Bodhran Drums Available on Amazon
Popularly used by The Corries
The bodhran is an Irish fold drum played with a wooden 'tipper'. Different sizes produce different sounds and the pitch can be changed by experienced players.
The Corries made this instrument famous in Scotland, giving their ballads an ancient and haunting rhythm as you can hear in the above video.
I had to try one - it ain't as easy as it looks!
The Corries made this instrument famous in Scotland, giving their ballads an ancient and haunting rhythm as you can hear in the above video.
I had to try one - it ain't as easy as it looks!
Trophy 14"" and 18"" Bodhran Set
Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Images
The images used throughout this lens came from
The Corries official website
picture gallery
About AnnMackieMiller
writer, photographer and folk enthusiast
long time devotee of Scotland and Scottish music - well I AM Scottish :0)
Donations: Every penny counts
Child Aid works to alleviate poverty in some of the world's poorest communities by partnering with rural, mostly indigenous communities in Guatemala and helping them create sustainable educational programs for their children.
What do you think of the Corries?
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Upon-Request
Apr 9, 2012 @ 11:07 am | delete
- Scottish folk music is among my favorite. You've highlighted their career and music so well!
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waldenthree.net
Mar 5, 2012 @ 7:48 pm | delete
- I live in a Scottish origin town in Northern Virginia with Celtic Music and Blue Grass still among favorites. I appreicate your topic. Congrads on yor Squidoo trophy. Am going for my next. Conversations helps with new ideas new topics. THanks.
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TheLastResort
Dec 10, 2011 @ 10:25 am | delete
- I've recently been fascinated with Scotland, and the Corries' songs only add to the mystery of Scotland as I perceive it. Thank you for sharing, this is amazing!
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Mujjen
Nov 2, 2011 @ 5:37 pm | delete
- I really enjoyed listening to these videos of the Corries!
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SteveMcGUK
Oct 7, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
- The Corries are an excellent example of Scottish folk music, perfect for my Herman quest!
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by annmackiemiller
Hi I'm Annie and welcome to my tribute to the Corries. Some of my fondest memoriesare of seeing this charismatic duo playing in large halls and tiny... more »
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Download The Corries
The Flower of Scotland
Flower Of Scotland
Amazon Price: $0.89 (as of 05/27/2012)
Download The Corries
from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Come O'er The Stream Charlie
Amazon Price: $0.89 (as of 05/27/2012)
Download The Corries
from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
The Compact Collection
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
