The Corries, namely Ronnie Browne and Roy Williamson, were a dynamic folk singing duo who, for more than thirty years, combined a unique blend of instruments and songs to create one of the most influential groups of the folk revival in Scotland.
The group started in 1962 when Roy Williamson, Bill Smith, Ron Cockburn and Paddie Bell formed "The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell." Ron Cockburn contracted glandular fever and Ronnie Browne joined the group.
The Corries toured and performed to audiences throughout the country, played on TV and radio and made their first recordings. However the pressures of growing families at home soon took their toll, and on new years day 1966 Roy and Ronnie were left to decide whether to continue on as a duo. After playing as The Corries , at the Royal Jubilee Arms Hotel in Cortachy (Roy armed with guitar and Ronnie with his moothie) to an enthusiastic audience, they made the firm commitment to continue on as a duo.
With Ronnie having to learn how to play guitar, the banjo, the incredible combolins, all to the exacting musical standards of his partner, and Roy having to develop from the shy retiring musician into a stage performer, who delivered one-liners as well as any stand-up comedian.
Through club, television, radio and concert appearances they developed into a multi-instrumental group ,playing accompaniments on guitars, mandolins, boranns, banjo, flutes, whistles, harmonica, concertina, Northumbrian pipes, bandurria, combolins, 28 string guitar, psaltry, english guitars ,fiddle etc. During the years they recorded a number of albums, made countless TV performances, and even performed at the 1970 Edinburgh commonwealth games.
Together they helped banish the myth that Scottish music was all kilts and haggis, bringing new life to "tired" Scottish favourites like Annie Laurie and The Bonnie Lass O' Fyvie . They sang songs of great battles, of dark deeds, of love, sometimes with new melodies and strange instruments, all intermingled with humorous stories and songs, with an intense energy and fantastic stage presence.
In 1990, Roy Williamson sadly died of a brain tumour. However, their music is very much alive and enjoyed by many throughout the world. Now, with many of the old recordings being re-released on CD, Roy's song "The Flower of Scotland" set to become the national anthem of Scotland, and Ronnie pursuing a very successful solo career it looks like The Corries are going to be popular for many a year to come.
A "corrie" is a circular dip in a highland mountain. The name was chosen to evoke the Scottish landscape.
