- Playing
- Fisherman Friends and Sea Shanties
- From
- Dmae Roberts
The picturesque village of Port Isaac has been highlighted in films and TV shows—mostly recently the popular Doc Martin series. But the Fisherman’s Friends with their masterful harmonies and lively performances remain the heart of local culture.
They started singing sea chanties and Christmas carols to raise money for charity but soon became so popular they got a major recording contract and now have a busy touring schedule. Dmae Roberts talked with them at their ‘headquarters’ at the Golden Lion Pub in Port Isaac about what makes their style of singing unusual. This story originally aired nationally.
You can hear it here on PRI”s The World and see a slideshow of photos by Richard Jensen.
More from Dmae Roberts
Aina - A Hawaiian Youth's Love for the Land
(08:13)
From: Dmae Roberts
A teen combines new farming techniques with traditional foodways at one of Hawaii's remaining agricultural high schools to help his family's farm.
Remembrance: On Time And Distance
(29:01)
From: Dmae Roberts
Dmae Roberts produced a special half-hour radio memorial on the 10th anniversary of her mom’s death. Remembrance: On Time And Distance is part memoir and a collection of ...
Artland: A Pushing Boundaries Special
(59:01)
From: Dmae Roberts
Producer Dmae Roberts embarks on a one-hour exploration of what makes Portland, OR a creative haven for artists, performers, writers and media people. Artland: A Pushing ...
Author Lisa See
(29:01)
From: Dmae Roberts
Dmae Roberts talks with acclaimed author Lisa See about her novels, her research process, and about the horrors of the "Great Leap Foward" in mid-century China.
Ernest Bloch: The Man and His Music
(09:24)
From: Dmae Roberts
Producer Tali Singer presents a feature on composer Ernest Bloch. Editor: Dmae Roberts
Blending Art With Nature
(29:00)
From: Dmae Roberts
Dmae Roberts presents a profile of the 40-year-old Sitka Center for Art and Ecology on the Oregon Coast. The picturesque center nestled in beautiful old growth forest of ...
Ivan Doig's "Work Song"
(28:02)
From: Dmae Roberts
Dmae Roberts features an in-depth and lively interview with Northwest Writer Ivan Doig.
Author Molly Gloss and the Heroines of the American West
(27:52)
From: Dmae Roberts
This show profiles novelist Molly Gloss, whose books have shed light on untold stories of women in the American West.
Ursula K. Le Guin: "Out Here"
(28:57)
From: Dmae Roberts
Dmae Roberts features author Ursula K. Le Guin.
Henry Winkler & Dyslexia
(06:32)
From: Dmae Roberts
Actor Henry Winkler didn't know he had dyslexia till his oldest son was diagnosed with it. Winkler was 31 at the time. He has become the author of 17 young adult books with ...
Related Pieces
Piece Description
The picturesque village of Port Isaac has been highlighted in films and TV shows—mostly recently the popular Doc Martin series. But the Fisherman’s Friends with their masterful harmonies and lively performances remain the heart of local culture.
They started singing sea chanties and Christmas carols to raise money for charity but soon became so popular they got a major recording contract and now have a busy touring schedule. Dmae Roberts talked with them at their ‘headquarters’ at the Golden Lion Pub in Port Isaac about what makes their style of singing unusual. This story originally aired nationally.
You can hear it here on PRI”s The World and see a slideshow of photos by Richard Jensen.
Broadcast History
Aired on the The World. Photo Slideshow here
http://www.theworld.org/2012/06/fishermans-friends-sea-shanty/
Transcript
DMAE: When I first heard the Fisherman’s Friends, I was struck by the wall of sound that marks their harmonies.
(BRING UP A SECTION OF MUSIC ON “COME ALL YE…” FULL UP- HIT ME WITH THE WALL!)
DMAE: Most of the men grew up together in the Cornish village of Port Isaac. They started singing Christmas carols and sea shanties for fun but they soon became so popular they were drawing thousands to their free summer concerts. I met with EIGHT members of the group at their “headquarters.” The Golden Lion pub near the old harbor, which the town calls The Platt.
(MUSIC HAS CROSS FADED WITH PUB SOUNDS)
VOICE: (They introduce themselves) :24
DMAE ROBERTS: (WITH PUB AMBIENCE UNDER ALL MY NARRATION) At 78, Peter Rowe is the elder statesman of the group. He says men in Cornwall love to sing.
PETER ROWE: The Cornish do have a tradition and you can go to any small town, big town and find a g...
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
5 minute story with a music tail with complete song 'Sloop John B' at the end.
Intro and Outro
INTRO:For more than 15, the Fisherman’s Friends have been singing sea shanties as a group in Port Isaac, Cornwall. During the summer, the ten men give free concerts in the old harbor drawing crowds of 3000 or more. The picturesque village has been highlighted in films and TV shows—mostly recently the popular Doc Martin series. But the Fisherman’s Friends with their masterful harmonies and lively performances remain the heart of local culture. With a 1.6 million dollar recording contract (1 million pounds - that’s according to the Guardian) , the group is gaining worldwide attention. Producer Dmae Roberts visited with the singers at their favorite pub in Port Isaac.
OUTRO:Find out more about the Fisherman's Friend at their site. http://portisaacsfishermansfriends.com/ Or see a slideshow of Port Isaac here...
http://www.theworld.org/2012/06/fishermans-friends-sea-shanty/
Related Website
