Tim Hart, co-founder of the British folk rock group Steeleye Span, died of lung cancer on 24 December 2009. He died in the Canary Islands, where he had lived since retiring from music.

Hart, born on January 9, 1948 in St. Albans in England, became known in 1966 as part of a duo with singer Maddy Prior. The pair recorded two albums, on which Hart accompanied Prior on guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, banjo and fiddle. In 1971, Hart and Prior founded Steeleye Span with Fairport Convention native Ashley Hutchings.

“All Around My Hat”, a 1975 hit, is the group’s best-known song. Hart retired from Steeleye Span in 1983.

In addition to his work with Steeleye Span, Hart released the album Summer Solstice with Prior in 1971. In 1975 he toured the United States and Australia with Steeleye Span. In 1979, Hart’s solo debut was released under the title “Tim Hart”, with his own compositions (with one exception). In 1982 he finally left Steeleye Span.

Also in 1982, Hart produced the album “Eligible Bachelors” by the rock band The Monochrome Set. The following year the album “Drunken Sailor & Other Kid Songs” was released with several English children’s songs. Due to health reasons, he retired to La Gomera in the Canary Islands in 1988.

In 1995 he returned to England for a short time to take part in a concert attended by almost all the members of Steeleye Span.

Hart was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2008. He returned to England for treatment. On 24 December 2009, he died in La Gomera, where he returned to die.

Tim Hart is 61 years old.

(12/31/2009)