BRENDA WOOTTON

Music Arts

1928 - 1994⁠

Suggested by Tina Searle, Frances Hocking, Sue Ellery-Hill, Jan Wills, Sue James & Linda Prout

"Cornwall's First Lady of Song" was just one of the names Brenda was known by. It seems each country Brenda visited and performed in gave her their affectionate nickname: in France, she was La Grandmere du Celtes, in Germany, Mama Cornwall, in Ireland, Herself - the Cornishwoman. At home in her native country, she was honoured as the Voice of Cornwall, and was made a Bard of the Gorsedh Kernow, taking the name 'Gwylan Gwavas' - Seagull of Newlyn'.⁠
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She was the first lady of song in Cornwall. She was a wonderful ambassador for Cornwall singing songs that took Cornwall to the world. Her collaborations with artists like John the Fish are legendary.⁠
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I grew up in Penzance where Brenda was from, actually she was from Newlyn our neighbours. Always loving music, her voice fascinated me as a child. Later in life, I have played her songs to many a visitor to the area. She was famous and inspired us as kids.⁠
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Brenda had a voice like an angel and sang about her beloved Cornwall."⁠