Naomi Bedford is an English roots singer from Brighton; see http://www.naomibedford.co.uk/

Born into a family immersed in music, Bedford learnt to sing murderous ballads from the age of 5. Her father, Richard Bedford, edited some of the landmark pop videos of the late 70’s & 80’s including ‘Come On Eileen’, ‘Undercover of the Night’, ‘Smooth Operator’, ‘The Great Rock n’Roll Swindle’ & ‘Poison Arrow’…

At night the family’s small Putney flat would reverberate to the sights & sounds of the new; cult movies showing in the living room, Julien Temple & Don Letts holding forth in the kitchen; The Clash, Dolly Parton & Hip Hop blasting from the bedrooms….To fund her illicit gig going & nights at the Mud Club, a teenage Bedford would often baby sit for her downstairs neighbour…a young guitarist called Andy Summers. His famous boiler suit now hangs next to her Cath Kidston dresses…

In the 90s, Bedford continued to form bands, follow bands & party. She also joined the Party, becoming increasingly politicised by the Thatcher/Major Tory administration. A period of activism in Militant was soon followed by a major role in the Anti Poll Tax Movement where she co-ordinated Artist Liaison for the great Hyde Park demonstrations…

In 2000 Orbital heard her singing at a Brighton party & co-opted her to sing & co-write their Top 20 hit ‘Funny Break’. With that record she appeared on Jools Holland’s show alongside REM and across the national media but once again she soon changed paths; first to explore India & then to raise a family…

In 2007, re-enthused by the folk & country songs she had first loved as a child, Bedford re-entered the musical sphere with a Mick Glossop produced album ‘Dark They Were And Golden Eyed’. The beginnings of her unique fusion of English & Americana roots were evident, capturing the enthusiastic attention of Bonnie Prince Billy with her cover of his song ‘Riding’…

Then came ‘Tales From the Weeping Willow’ – a full realisation of her talent & a beguiling new take on this timely & timeless music. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.