RIP Alex Beaton

Sad news today: Scottish folk-singer Alex Beaton has died at age 77.

I have been a huge fan of his singing since I saw him perform at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in July 2010.



I had never heard of him before then, but after hearing him perform, I decided then and there that I had to have a CD of his songs. I bought his "Personal Favorites" album (a 2-CD set of some of his favorite songs), and quickly became thoroughly addicted. (I literally will happily listen to him sing for hours! His voice is very soothing and easy to listen to.)

In July 2011, Alex Beaton suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a freak accident at home, and he became a quadriplegic. He continued to stay in touch with his fans via an email newsletter, which is how I learned the news of his passing this morning.

Here is his obituary. You can order CDs and download songs on his website here.

If you want to get a flavor of his singing, check out Alex Beaton singing "These are My Mountains", one of my favorites from the first album of his songs that I bought. When I listen to this song, I always imagine him performing for a large crowd at a Gathering or other Scottish festival.



RIP, Alex Beaton, and thank you!!