Walking Encyclopedia

Everyone knew and loved Danny Spooner, a legend of the Australian folk scene for more than 50 years... Often referred to as a 'walking encyclopedia of folk song', he seemed to know every song English, Irish, Scottish, Australian, American, traditional or newly composed. He not only sang songs, he told us how they were created. His workshops at festivals were all about the people who created the songs, the world they lived in, the joys and hardships of the past.

He was the most committed and approachable of singers, always ready to share. The song was important, not the singer, who he saw as the carrier of the tradition. His voice, honed and crafted, had a quality that commanded attention and carried throught he largest hall or over the noisiest pub scene...

Michael Manhire, The Living Tradition UK