ROBB JOHNSON
BIOGRAPHY
Read the Robb Johnson biography and discover the career of a songwriter, musician, author and activist — one of the most distinctive voices in British independent music.
SEE ROBB LIVE
THE STORY SO FAR
This Robb Johnson biography traces the work of a songwriter widely recognised as one of the finest working in the UK today.
“An English original”
Robin Denselow, The GuardianRobb’s songs move between the personal and the political, with a catalogue that ranges from intimate love songs to sharp observations on politics, work, war, class and everyday life.
As this Robb Johnson biography shows, his work has developed through decades of independent songwriting, recording, touring and collaboration. His songs have been performed by artists including Roy Bailey and Barb Jungr, while his work has earned praise across the folk, independent and national press.
He has performed in pubs, clubs, arts centres, festivals, on picket lines and benefit stages, as well as on BBC Radio 3 and 4, Channel 4, Belgian radio and international television.
Whether playing solo, with The Irregulars, collaborating with other artists or appearing with the Anti-Capitalist Roadshow, Robb has built a career around songs with something to say.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Gentle Men
Robb's First World War song suite received major critical acclaim and was named Folk Album of 1998 by The Daily Telegraph.
BBC Folk Britannia
Appeared at the Barbican as part of the BBC's Folk Britannia series, leading the concert finale.
A Reasonable History of Impossible Demands
PM Press released the five-CD career retrospective, spanning decades of Robb's songwriting.
Ordinary Giants
A three-CD song suite based on his father's life and times, featuring more than 30 performers.
Across Britain & Europe
Regular performances in Britain, Belgium, Holland and Germany, alongside festivals, clubs and political events.
Irregular Records
Robb's independent label has released music by a wide range of distinctive song-based artists.
MUSIC, WORDS & POLITICS
A songwriter with an opinion
Robb has never separated songwriting from the world around him. His work frequently explores social inequality, politics, conflict and ordinary people's lives, while remaining grounded in melody, humour and storytelling.
He has toured Britain supporting Chumbawamba and toured the United States with David Rovics. For many years he has also been a regular presence at the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival.
Collaborations & projects
Robb has worked with Leon Rosselson, Hullabaloo Community Quire and a wide range of musicians and performers.
His electric band, The Irregulars, brings another dimension to his catalogue, while projects such as Ordinary Giants and Gentle Men demonstrate the scale and ambition of his longer-form songwriting.
He is also an author and has contributed regularly to music journalism.
WHAT THEY SAY
“The UK's most consistently strong songwriter”
Sean McGhee, Rock'n'Reel“One of Britain's most challenging songwriters.”
The Daily Telegraph“One of this country's most important songwriters”
fRoots“There is no songwriter to compare with Robb Johnson operating in the UK”
R2 Magazine“Love songs as touching as the political material is sharp.”
Red Pepper“The real deal when it comes to songwriting”
Mike HardingEXPLORE MORE
Discover Robb's music, recordings, photographs, videos and upcoming live performances.