Michael Marra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Marra
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Marra |
| Born | 17 February 1952 Dundee, Scotland |
| Died | 23 October 2012 (aged 60) Dundee, Scotland |
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Michael Marra (born 17 February 1952 – died 23 October 2012) was a Scottish singer, songwriter, and musician. He came from Dundee, Scotland. People often called him the "Bard of Dundee." This means he was a famous poet and storyteller from that area.
Michael Marra performed by himself across the UK. He played in many different places. These included arts centers, theaters, folk clubs, and small village halls. While he was best known for his songs, he also worked in theater, radio, and television. His music often talked about Scottish life. He became popular with fans of folk music and beyond. He even supported famous musicians like Van Morrison and The Proclaimers. One of his songs, "Hermless," was even jokingly suggested as a possible Scottish national anthem!
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Michael Marra grew up in the Lochee area of Dundee. His father was a printer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. He first performed in public in the 1950s. This was at a Christmas party for NCR Corporation. NCR used to be a big employer in Dundee. They had a large factory there.
Music Career Highlights
Michael Marra went to Lawside Academy. He left school when he was 15. After school, he tried different jobs. He worked as an electrician, a baker, and a builder. Then, he moved to London to join the folk music scene.
In London, he played in a band called Hen's Teeth. Another Scottish songwriter, Dougie MacLean, was also in this band. Later, Michael formed a band called Skeets Boliver with his brother, Chris. Skeets Boliver played music in the mid-1970s. The band included Brian McDermott on drums and Peter McGlone on saxophone. They released two singles, "Streethouse Door" and "Moonlight in Jeopardy." These songs were well-received by critics. The band also appeared on a BBC TV show called Everyman.
In 2007, Marra released a CD called Quintet. It had five songs about five different musicians. These included Peerie Willie Johnson and Dr. John. That same year, he performed in a play called The Demon Barber. He played all his music live on stage at Perth Theatre. Michael Marra also created an opera called Nan Garland. It was performed at Dundee Rep in 2004. In 2010, his album Michael Marra was released. It was recorded live during a tour with Mr McFall's Chamber.
Marra performed his original songs with several orchestras. These included the Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He also sang duets with famous singers. Some of these were Patti Smith and Eddi Reader.
In 2003, Marra worked with Martyn Bennett on his last album, Grit (Martyn Bennett album). Michael Marra contributed a spoken part to the song "Liberation." Many artists have covered Michael Marra's songs. These include Alan Cumming and Leo Sayer.
Musical Theatre Work
Michael Marra wrote original music for theatre. He also worked as an actor and a musical director. His first show with Wildcat Stage Productions was Fancy Rappin'. He often worked with Alan Lyddiard, who was a director at Dundee Rep.
He wrote and performed in a show called In Flagrant Delicht. He created this show with Scottish writer Liz Lochhead. The show was performed in Washington D.C. and Melbourne, Australia.
Marra's operetta, If The Moon Can Be Believed, was very popular. It played to sold-out audiences at the Dundee Rep. He also worked on a new production of The Demon Barber for Perth Theatre.
His play St Catherine's Day also had full houses. It was performed at Òran Mór in Glasgow and at the Dundee Rep. He also worked with choreographer Frank McConnell. They created dance shows like "Love and Pocket Money."
Songwriting Themes
Michael Marra's songs often had humor. But they also talked about important social and political issues. In 2006, he was in Washington D.C. for Tartan Week. There, he was inspired to write a protest song. This song was about a Scottish police detective.
His song "Lieblings in The Absence of Love" was about tension he saw during riots. Another song, "Chain Up The Swings," talked about a practice in some Scottish Christian communities. They would chain up swings on Sundays. This was to stop children from playing on the Sabbath.
"Happed in Mist" was a song based on a famous Scottish novel, Sunset Song. It was about a soldier who was executed for deserting.
Marra suggested his song "Hermless" as an alternative national anthem. This song is different from typical national anthems. It describes a quiet, innocent person. The song says:
"Ma feet micht be big but the insects are safe
They'll never get stood on by me"
And it ends with:
"Naeb'dy would notice that I wasnae there
If I didnae come hame for ma tea..."
This shows the song's gentle and humble message.
Personal Life
Michael Marra was married to Peggy. Their children, Alice and Matthew, are also musicians. They are part of the Dundee-based band, The Hazey Janes. Jenny Marra, a Labour MSP, is his niece. Michael Marra was also a big fan of Dundee F.C., a local football team.
Death
Michael Marra passed away on 23 October 2012. He was 60 years old. He died at Ninewells Hospital from throat cancer.
Legacy
A large mural of Michael Marra was painted in Lochee. It was finished on 28 May 2021 by artist Michael Corr. This mural helps remember his contributions.
Awards and Recognition
In 2007, Dundee University gave Michael Marra an Honorary Doctorate. This award recognized his important work for his hometown's culture. In 2011, he received another Honorary Doctor of Letters from Glasgow Caledonian University. He also won the Herald Angel Award in 2010. This was for his performance at The Acoustic Music Centre during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Discography
Studio albums
- The Midas Touch (1980)
- Gaels Blue (1985)
- On Stolen Stationery (1991)
- Candy Philosophy (1993)
- Posted Sober (2002)
Live albums
- Pax Vobiscum (1996)
- Recorded Live on Tour 2010 (with Mr McFall's Chamber) (2010)
EPs
- Silence (2003)
- Quintet (2007)
- Houseroom (with The Hazey Janes) (2012)
