Biography
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Born
10 February 1940
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Born In
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Died
1 January 1996 (aged 55)
Hamish Imlach (1940-1996) was an anti-nuclear activist, comedian, folk-singer, and political satirist. Born in Calcutta of Scottish parents who were serving there, the family moved to Glasgow when he was 13yo. He influenced many other artists, including John Martyn, the incredible string band and Billy Connolly.
A regular on the folk circuit, he began his recording career in 1966 on Transatlantic Records' XTRA label. He performed traditional folk songs but became best known for his comical songs about body functions, politics and booze. His biggest hit was "Cod Liver Oil and the Orange Juice," a take on the American gospel standard "Virgin Mary Had a Little Baby".
He was described by Ewan McVicar, as "a raconteur who taught Billy Connolly, a singer who taught Christy Moore and a blues guitarist who taught John Martyn".
A big man, he loved to smoke & drink and this took its toll. His health prevented him from working much in his last years although he did do vocals and arrangements on Sinead O'Connor's 1990 album Lion In A Cage.
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