Scotland has produced it’s share of classical music legends. Its most notable composer might be Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) whose famous piece “The Wedding March” has, and still does, accompany many newlyweds as they walk down the aisle.
However, numerous modern pop stars have kept Scotland on the map, starting with some participants of the “British Invasion” of the middle 1960’s. Hailing from Glasgow, folk/rock singer Donovan (Leitch) produced several hits which crossed the ocean. Even though accents cannot, generally, be heard while an artist sings, in the composition “Atlantis,” Donovan recites a part during which his Scottish brogue is very clear. He is sometimes called “the Scottish Bob Dylan.”
Later on, in the 1970’s, Rod Stewart made a major splash. He, even, incorporates bagpipes into one of his many hits “Rhythm Of My Heart.” In the music video, a fully kilted bagpiper is featured in a couple of scenes. Spoiler alert: the video features a Scottish soldier going off to fight in WWII (he returns, safely, to his wife and children at the end).
Also, in the 1970’s, dominating the rock music scene was, “the boy band which turned the world tartan” (as they were dubbed by the BBC). The Bay City Rollers were Scotland’s best entertainment export. Not only did they wear tartans, their global fans, too, sported the famous Scottish fabric design. Fans, also, waved assorted tartan flags and scarves wherever the Bay City Rollers appeared.
Described as a “little lassie from the Lowlands Of Scotland” Sheena Easton filled the airwaves, and the charts, with lovely sounds throughout the 1980’s. Her charming accent was clear during her numerous interviews and acting roles. She even sang the title song for the James Bond movie, “For Your Eyes Only.”
Fast Forward: The Scottish pop music story carries on. Here in 2023, Lewis Capaldi has become the first Scottish solo artist to get to the #1 US spot for almost 40 years with his hit single “Someone You Love.” The last Scottish solo pop star to top American charts was Sheena Easton in 1981.