A true hero of celtic music must be the late great Sir Jimmy Shand (1908 - 2000). A button accordion player of consumate skill, an amazing traditional musician, and the best known, most popular Scottish musician ever. He was a totally natural musician, completely self taught, and reached the top of his profession as a result of his popularity and the respect he gained from the general public, fellow musicians and programme makers. For well over 50 years the name "Jimmy Shand and his Band" was linked with Scottish dance music, and during the sixties vast audiences tuned in to watch him play his reels jigs and polkas on BBC Television's hugely popular programme, The White Heather Club.
There is an article about Jimmy Shand which tells more about his life here
Check out the book "The Jimmy Shand Story" by Ian Cameron with a foreword by Robbie Shepherd |
