I first heard this song years ago when the Levellers covered it on the B side of their 'Bozos' single from 1998. I'd only previously heard of Roy Harper due to his name being featured in the Led Zeppelin song 'Hats Off To Roy Harper', and wasn't aware that 'Don't You Grieve' was originally written and recorded by him. I also didn't realize that I'd been listening to Roy Harper for years, as he was the one who sang lead vocals on Pink Floyd's 'Have A Cigar'. About two years ago I heard Harper's stunning version of 'North Country' on BBC 6Music, and soon began investigating a number of the man's records. Before too long I discovered his brilliant original version of 'Don't You Grieve', although I must say the Levellers are bloody good at doing cover versions...On Wednesday this week, Sky Arts 1 will be showing 'Roy Harper: Man And Myth', an exclusive documentary film, which was shot mainly at his home in the Irish countryside near Cork.
In the documentary, there will be special interviews with fellow legendary musicians, including Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Johnny Marr. The documentary traces his intriguing career as he records new material. 'Man and Myth' is Harper’s first studio album for thirteen years, and is released today on Bella Union records. Roy Harper: Man and Myth will air Wednesday, 25th September at 9pm on Sky Arts 1 HD.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Harperhttps://twitter.com/royharphttp://www.royharper.co.uk/
