Frankie Armstrong, folk signer

Frankie has been described as one of the most compelling and beautiful of the folk voices of Britain. She has made 12 solo albums, the latest one having been released earlier this year which has already sold out. She has sung professionally in the folk scene and the peace movements since the 1960s and pioneered community voice workshops in 1975 which she still runs across the UK and beyond. She started losing her sight as a teenager and is registered blind.

Why is artistic expression important to you?

Our voices have been used as an artform for many thousands of years.  We used it as a range of expression for rituals, dance and song, to imitate birds and to tell creation stories.  They’re some of the things which make us essentially human.  We need this kind of expression for our wellbeing.  Music gets straight to the emotions if you surrender to it.

What inspires you?

Politics and social justice inspire what I sing about and why I sing it. I’ve performed for the women’s movement since the 1950s.  I think singing has the power to aid our self-confidence and sense of community and expression which is why I love running voice workshops with all communities.  My love of mountains also inspires my work – I grew up in the Lake District.

What work are you most proud of?

I was invited to perform with American folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger which was one of the greatest moments of my life.

What are you excited about doing next?

I’m excited about performing.  I’m planning a concert with Peggy Seeger for the 40th anniversary of the big Greenham Common march!