Ed Sheeran’s Rediscovery Revives Forgotten Folk Record

Ed Sheeran found this record—*The Traveller* by Allan Taylor—while browsing a second-hand store in Williamsburg, New York. The moment sparked a surprising resurgence for the English folk artist, whose 1978 album had long fallen into obscurity. Now, thanks to Sheeran’s recent admiration and public praise, Taylor’s work is gaining a new audience. The 80-year-old singer, who once played alongside Fairport Convention and even shared a stage with Bob Marley, has become an unexpected advocate for a forgotten piece of music history.

A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Ingenuity

Taylor’s story mirrors Sheeran’s in its raw, DIY spirit. After leaving his family, girlfriend, and job as a telephone engineer in 1966, he embarked on a solo journey, surviving on the road with nothing but a guitar and determination. “I had that foreboding of what life was going to be,” Taylor recalls. “I was getting pretty good on the guitar, so I sold my birthday presents to raise the money to go to Sweden.” Sheeran, who began his career in the UK’s pub circuit, echoes this path, having found inspiration in similar humble beginnings. The connection between the two artists deepens with their shared narrative of perseverance.

Ed Sheeran found this record not just as a collector but as a storyteller. His Instagram post highlighted the album’s unique charm, noting how it felt “familiar” and “special.” This casual endorsement has led to a renaissance for *The Traveller*, with Taylor’s music now available on Spotify and reaching listeners beyond the folk niche. “It’s flattering that someone of his stature has seen something in what I do,” Taylor says, reflecting on the impact of Sheeran’s rediscovery. The LP, once a quiet artifact of 1970s folk, now holds a place in the spotlight.

A Turning Point at the Royal Albert Hall

Taylor’s breakthrough came in 1967 when he performed at the Royal Albert Hall with Fairport Convention. The experience was transformative, taking him from small clubs to a grand stage in front of 5,000 people. “That was bizarre,” he describes. “I had a van, I used to sleep in the back of the van, wandered through Ireland, never had any money, just was living from day to day.” Despite this success, Taylor’s mainstream recognition never fully materialized. Poor financial decisions led to setbacks, yet the exposure helped shape his career as a respected figure in the folk community.

Ed Sheeran found this record during a time when Taylor was navigating the highs and lows of his own career. The artist’s time in New York, where he played with reggae bands, further influenced his style. However, his solo LPs remained underappreciated until Sheeran’s endorsement. “The LPs I released made little impact,” Taylor admits. “I got out of the deal before signing with Island Records.” His work, though celebrated locally, had been waiting for a moment of rediscovery for decades.

From Forgotten Tracks to Viral Attention

Taylor’s connection with Sheeran began through the latter’s Instagram post, which thrust *The Traveller* into the public eye. “I was settling into retirement, and then all of a sudden, this review appeared,” Taylor shares. “It’s remarkable how someone like Ed Sheeran found this record and brought it back to life.” The post not only revived interest in the album but also inspired its official release on Spotify, expanding its reach beyond informal YouTube channels. This late recognition has given Taylor’s music a second chance to resonate with a wider audience.

Ed Sheeran found this record in a way that underscores the power of personal connection in music. The album’s raw, storytelling quality and Taylor’s distinctive voice have captivated the younger artist, who has since engaged in conversations about the album’s legacy. Taylor’s tales of survival on the road—like his midnight encounter in Stockholm where a bar patron offered him shelter—resonate with Sheeran’s own experiences. These stories, now shared with a new generation of fans, highlight the enduring appeal of Taylor’s work.

A Legacy Reimagined

Taylor’s career, though marked by obscurity, has left a lasting imprint on folk music. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, and his resilience in the face of financial and personal challenges has inspired many. The fact that *The Traveller* has found a renewed audience through Ed Sheeran’s rediscovery speaks volumes about the timeless nature of its music. “There’s something about this record that feels like a connection,” Sheeran wrote, bridging the gap between a 1970s artist and today’s global audience. This unexpected revival serves as a testament to the enduring power of art.