Julie Felix: The Folk Singer Who Captivated Britain

A Star of 1960s British Television

Julie Felix is best known for her remarkable success as a folk singer on British television in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With her soulful voice and captivating stage presence, she became a household name in the UK, earning the title "Britain's First Lady of Folk."

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born on June 14, 1938, in Santa Barbara, California, Felix grew up in a musical family. Her father, of Mexican and Native American origin, was a professional mariachi musician, and her mother, of English and Welsh ancestry, was an amateur singer who loved the music of Burl Ives. Felix's father taught her to play the ukulele and guitar, and she wrote her first song at the age of seven.

A Musical Journey Across the Globe

After studying speech and drama at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Felix worked as a sports mistress at a school for disabled children. She began her music career by singing in coffee shops in Los Angeles, where she met a young David Crosby. In 1962, she saved up $1,000 from her job and left the USA to travel extensively around Europe, often playing in bars and coffee shops to earn extra money.

A Chance Encounter with Leonard Cohen

During her stay on the Greek island of Hydra, Felix met Leonard Cohen, who was part of the salon that formed around expatriate Australian writers George Johnston and Charmian Clift. This chance encounter would have a lasting impact on her career.

Breakthrough in Britain

In 1964, Felix arrived in the UK and became the first solo folk performer signed to a major British record label, Decca Records. She recorded three solo albums with Decca, and her first major break came with a headlining appearance at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon in 1965. Later that year, she became the first folksinger to fill the Royal Albert Hall, earning her the distinction of being "Britain's First Lady of Folk" from The Times.

Legacy and Impact

Felix's music and charismatic stage presence captivated audiences across Britain, and she remains an iconic figure of the 1960s British folk scene. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Discography

• Julie Felix (1964)
• Julie Felix (1965)
• Florence Road (1966)

Awards and Honors

Felix's contributions to the world of folk music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a prestigious Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Personal Life and Later Years

Felix continued to perform and release albums on her own record label until her passing on March 22, 2020. Throughout her life, she remained true to her artistic vision, inspiring countless musicians and fans with her passion, talent, and dedication to her craft.