Kevin Coyne

The Profile

Kevin Coyne (1944–2004) was an English singer-songwriter, guitarist, painter and former psychiatric social worker, known for a raw, blues-inflected voice and songs addressing madness and marginal lives.

Born in Derby; worked as a social worker in a mental illness clinic. Marjory Razorblade (1973) is widely cited among his key albums. Collaborated with Dagmar Krause on Babble (1979). Praised by figures such as Sting, John Lydon, the Mekons and Will Oldham (as noted in DeBaser review).

The DeBaser review praises Kevin Coyne's Marjory Razorblade as a masterpiece of ragged folk-blues and street poetry. Coyne's raw, hoarse voice, social-work background and themes of madness and sincerity are central. The album mixes acoustic lullabies, rockers and warped blues into a uniquely emotional record.