Strawbs: From Folk Roots to Progressive Rock Pioneers

Strawbs is one of the most unique and evolving bands in British rock history, seamlessly transitioning from folk music to progressive rock and beyond. Originally rooted in traditional folk, they developed a complex, symphonic sound that aligned them with progressive rock giants while maintaining their storytelling and acoustic sensibilities.

With a career spanning over five decades, Strawbs has explored everything from psychedelic folk to symphonic rock, making them one of the most versatile and enduring acts in progressive and folk rock history.

This article explores their formation, major albums, lineup changes, and lasting influence on the folk-prog movement.

Origins: The Folk Beginnings (1964 – 1968)

Strawbs began in 1964 as a folk trio called the Strawberry Hill Boys, featuring:

• Dave Cousins – Vocals, guitar, dulcimer, the band’s primary songwriter
• Tony Hooper – Guitar, vocals
• Ron Chesterman – Double bass

Initially, the group focused on traditional folk and bluegrass, performing in small clubs across the UK. They soon shortened their name to Strawbs and began incorporating original compositions into their sets.

By 1967, Strawbs had caught the attention of producer Gus Dudgeon (who would later work with Elton John), leading to their first recording sessions.

First Steps into the Rock World (1969 – 1971)

Strawbs’ early releases still leaned heavily on their folk roots, but they began experimenting with a more orchestral, rock-driven approach.

Debut Album – Strawbs (1969)

This self-titled debut was heavily folk-influenced but featured more elaborate arrangements than traditional folk acts.

Key tracks:

• The Man Who Called Himself Jesus – A bold, controversial song with religious themes
• Oh How She Changed – A melancholic folk ballad with lush orchestration

Collaboration with Sandy Denny – All Our Own Work (recorded 1967, released 1973)

Before joining Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny recorded an album with Strawbs that blended folk with subtle rock elements. This recording showcased early signs of the band’s progressive direction, though it remained unreleased until 1973.

Dragonfly (1970) – A More Ambitious Sound

Strawbs took a significant step forward by introducing string sections and more experimental songwriting.

Key track:

• The Vision of the Lady of the Lake – An epic, multi-sectioned piece hinting at their progressive ambitions

By 1970, the band was transforming into something much bigger than a folk group, setting the stage for their progressive rock breakthrough.

The Progressive Rock Era (1971 – 1975)

The early 1970s marked Strawbs’ transition from folk to full-fledged progressive rock, with a harder, more electric sound and dramatic conceptual storytelling.

From Folk to Prog – Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios (1970) and From the Witchwood (1971)

Strawbs added Rick Wakeman (later of Yes) on keyboards, who brought a classical influence and virtuosic organ work to their sound.

Key tracks:

• Where is This Dream of Your Youth? – Showcased Wakeman’s dazzling keyboard solos
• A Glimpse of Heaven – A celestial folk-prog anthem

Wakeman’s departure to Yes after From the Witchwood pushed Strawbs to fully embrace their progressive rock identity.

Breakthrough Album – Grave New World (1972)

This album marked a defining moment in Strawbs’ evolution, featuring a rich, symphonic sound with political and philosophical themes.

Key tracks:

• Benedictus – A spiritual, uplifting anthem with lush Mellotron arrangements
• New World – A dark, apocalyptic vision of war, featuring one of Cousins’ most powerful vocal performances

Bigger, Bolder, and Harder – Bursting at the Seams (1973)

Strawbs achieved commercial success with this album, which balanced progressive rock, folk ballads, and hard rock influences.

Key tracks:

• Lay Down – A chart-topping rock anthem with soaring harmonies
• Part of the Union – A political protest song that became their biggest hit in the UK

However, internal conflicts led to the departure of key members, altering the band’s trajectory.

Lineup Changes and Continued Experimentation (1974 – 1978)

With a new lineup, Strawbs continued exploring symphonic rock, progressive storytelling, and even theatrical elements.

Hero and Heroine (1974) – Their Most Acclaimed Prog Album

Widely regarded as Strawbs’ masterpiece, Hero and Heroine blended symphonic rock, Mellotron-heavy arrangements, and dark lyrical themes.

Key tracks:

• Autumn – A three-part epic, fusing haunting melodies with dynamic shifts
• Hero and Heroine – A dramatic and intense piece with a stunning instrumental buildup

Ghosts (1975) – A Conceptual Approach

Continuing their progressive streak, Ghosts was a concept album with deeply introspective and spiritual themes.

Key tracks:

• Ghosts – A mysterious and layered progressive suite
• The Life Auction – A dark, theatrical piece with spoken word sections

By the late 1970s, musical trends were shifting, and progressive rock was falling out of favor with mainstream audiences. Strawbs moved toward a more mainstream rock sound, but they struggled to maintain the same level of success.

Later Years and Resurgence (1980 – Present)

The 1980s and 1990s saw Strawbs go through various reunions, acoustic revivals, and folk-rock collaborations.

Key Events in the Later Years

• The band continued releasing new music while also embracing their folk roots in acoustic settings.
• Albums like Deja Fou (2004) and The Ferryman’s Curse (2017) showed they could still craft intricate, thought-provoking music.
• Strawbs remained a strong presence on the live circuit, performing at folk and progressive rock festivals.

Why Strawbs Matter in Folk and Progressive Rock

✔ Bridging Folk and Progressive Rock: Strawbs seamlessly blended folk storytelling with symphonic rock, making them pioneers of the folk-prog subgenre.
✔ Unforgettable Songwriting: Dave Cousins’ lyrics combined mysticism, politics, and deep human emotions.
✔ Influence on Later Prog Bands: Their work inspired bands that fused folk elements with rock, such as The Decemberists, Big Big Train, and Mostly Autumn.
✔ Enduring Legacy: Despite numerous lineup changes, Strawbs continues to create music and perform, proving their lasting influence on progressive and folk rock.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Strawbs

Strawbs is more than just a progressive rock band or a folk group—they are a musical chameleon, adapting and evolving over the decades while staying true to their artistic vision.

Whether in their folk beginnings, progressive masterpieces, or later rock adaptations, Strawbs remains one of the most unique and underappreciated bands in rock history.

For those new to their music, start with Hero and Heroine, Grave New World, and Bursting at the Seams to experience the full depth of what Strawbs has to offer.