Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson

Author: Pushkin Industries May 6, 2025 Duration: 57:00

Richard Thompson is a London-born guitar virtuoso whose career started in 1967 as part of the groundbreaking folk band Fairport Convention. The following decade Richard formed a duo with his former wife Linda Thompson, and together they released six albums, including the critically acclaimed, I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight. Richard then struck out on his own, writing songs that have since been covered by artists like Robert Plant, Elvis Costello and Bonnie Raitt.

On today’s episode Bruce Headlam talks to Richard about his love of traditional Scottish music, and how he’s reworked old folk songs over the years. Richard also plays examples of his unique playing style on the guitar and talks about the time he played alongside Jimi Hendrix.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Richard Thompson songs HERE.


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Imagine a conversation where the only agenda is genuine curiosity about the creative process. That's the space Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond occupies. Hosted by these four distinct voices from the worlds of music production, writing, and journalism, this podcast strips away the standard interview format. Instead, it feels like you're overhearing an insightful, meandering talk between friends who happen to be some of the most fascinating artists alive. The discussions delve into the unglamorous realities of making art-the false starts, the moments of doubt, the sheer stubbornness required to push through. You'll hear legendary musicians and emerging talents alike discuss not just their hits, but the failures and personal stories that truly shaped their sound. It’s less about celebrity and more about the human experience behind the songs we love. Each episode is a deep, unstructured dive into why creators do what they do, offering a rare glimpse into the vulnerability and chaos that fuel great work. Produced by Pushkin Industries, this series connects the dots between music, culture, and the society that inspires it, making it feel like an essential listen for anyone interested in the stories behind the art.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 387

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
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