Aileen Carr, born in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, into a musical family, has been immersed in the world of singing from her earliest memories. Raised in a household where her father, proficient on the melodeon, possessed a fine Scots voice, and her mother sang and played the piano, Aileen’s interest in music was nurtured despite financial constraints that prevented piano lessons. In true folk singing style, she would joyfully entertain others as a little girl and later found encouragement to sing and perform with a local concert party during her teenage years.
The folk revival of the 1960s brought exciting times to Scotland, but it was Belle Stewart’s performance at the 1967 Blairgowrie Festival that left an indelible mark on Aileen. The gift of Norman Buchan and Peter Hall’s ‘Scottish Folksinger’ during her teacher training college further fueled her passion for traditional song.
A move to Goole in Yorkshire led Aileen to become a floor singer at the South Cave folk club and the Bluebell Club in Hull, where she encountered influential performers like Alison McMorland and Archie Fisher. The 1970s saw her return to Scotland, becoming a regular solo singer at St Andrews and other folk clubs, participating in festivals such as Kinross, and extending her performances throughout Britain and Ireland.
Aileen’s musical journey diversified in the 1980s as she joined the band Ceolbeg and later became a member of the acclaimed a capella group, Palaver. Her current musical venture includes singing in the trio Choras alongside Janice Reavell and Barbara Dymock.
Aileen Carr’s solo career is characterized by clear, disciplined performances and a powerful singing voice. Yet, her most notable attribute lies in her persistent pursuit of fresh and interesting material from both sung and printed sources. Engaging in extensive research of texts, tunes, and history, she has cultivated a wide repertoire, embracing the great classical story ballads, particularly those of Scottish origin. Her dedication to preserving and exploring the rich history of traditional music has solidified Aileen Carr’s place as a respected and influential figure in the folk music scene.