Shep Woolley

Shep Woolley is a former Royal Navy sailor, having served for 17 years, mustering out in 1975.  He has written many popular maritime songs, notably Down by the Dockyard Wall.

b. 15 October 1944, Birmingham, England. From an early age, Woolley loved music, and played ukulele. His mother bought him a guitar in 1958 and he joined 15 others in a local skiffle group. In 1960, he entered the Royal Navy, taking his guitar with him, and continued to play all over the world, at the same time organizing shows and groups. Woolley’s first venture into a folk club came in 1969, when he was inspired by Bob Dylan and the songs of the American Depression. Writing his own songs, Woolley found that he had a natural flair for humorous material, and jokes and monologues began to appear in his act. By 1973, he had essentially become a folk comedian, but he was also still a naval gunnery instructor, so, in 1975, he left the forces to concentrate on performing. In 1974, he appeared on New Faces, the television talent show. From 1975-85, Woolley presented the folk show on Radio Victory in Portsmouth, England. He has played all over the world and is regularly in demand for festivals. Woolley tends to play less folk clubs these days, concentrating on summer seasons and concerts. A naturally funny man, he deserves to become as widely known as others of the genre. [Allmusic]