The origins of the Harry Browns can be traced back to the late sixties. John Broomhead & Nobby Dye first sang together at the Nova Scotia Folk Tradition Club in Bristol, after hearing shanties being sung by that wonderful old Bristol seaman, Eric Illot.

The two began singing together just for the fun of it, at first calling themselves  "The Sand Diamonds " (another Bristol sand dredger) and sometimes, " The Melodious Larks ". The Harry Browns were born, however, when they performed at the Albion dockyard from where their inspirational namesake had been launched in 1962. 

Over the next few years Steve Hawkins, John Knowler, & David Francis sang with them more & more frequently, until they also became an established part of the permanent crew. Fast forwarding to 1994 Steve Derrick & Ian Greening were drafted in as an emergency crew for a gig and decided to stay. Steve & Ian complemented Johns Knowler's harmony singing style and between them they have many years professional singing experience.

Unfortunately since the late '90's, Broom had been unable to sing as often as he would like, because of failing health and sadly died in 2005. In 2001 Darren, our youngest Harry joined - which means that the Harrys are getting a younger audience.He was shortly followed by Maurice Boye, who had  recently completed his seven years apprenticeship as the gopher !  However Darren had to take extended shore leave because of work commitments .

Knobbler  decided to take permanent shore leave  and retired in 2005.    His songs , his personality and commitment  gave a different perspective to the Harrys.  However there's still life in the olde seadog yet, as he still makes  the odd guest appearance.

 The Harrys grabbed the opportunity to draft in Chris Fry from The Shanty Crew, when he moved to Somerset. In December 2005 Helen the fiddle player came aboard on a full-time basis.

After many years as performer and arranger of all our material Ian Greening decided to take permanent shore leave in the summer of 2009. Ian's drive and musical experience  helped to  shape us into the group we are today and the contribution he brought to the Harrys will be missed.

 
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     "  BATTERED - BUT NOT BEATEN.   THE HARRYS CARRY ON ! "