From ancient Greece to TikTok: a short history of the sea shanty spectator.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from spectator.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Henry: Yeah, I m crazy about music, you play beautiful music, beautiful sounds. Beautiful.
Man: Did you like music when you were young?
Henry: Yes, yes, I went to big dances and things.
Man: What was your favourite music when you were young?
Henry: Cab Calloway was my number one band guy I liked.
Man: What was your favourite Cab Calloway song?
Henry: [Sings I ll be Home for Christmas ]
Lynne Malcolm: That s from a documentary called
Alive Inside, when a dementia patient called Henry is awakened from an inert unresponsive state after being played his favourite Cab Calloway music on an iPod. Henry s response to the music was so moving that the film clip of him went viral through social media.
Of all the viral trends to launch 2021, sea shanties seemed the most far-fetched. But here they are, in viral TikTok videos, on BBC Radio, and now, thanks to the Bristol-based group The Longest Johns, in the Official Charts. “It’s been a crazy ride,” says their singer Jonathan “JD” Darley, of all the sudden attention. Their song “Wellerman”, an acapella cover of a New Zealand whaling song from the 19th century, has just placed at No 37 in the UK.
22 January 2021
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On December 23, a video of the 26-year-old Scottish postman-and-singer s cover of The Longest Johns Wellerman went viral and saw #ShantyTok trend on TikTok.
The likes of Gary Barlow, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ronan Keating have since joined Nathan for a duet of the song, and now his debut single has been officially released on Polydor Records (Universal).
Nathan - who has been dubbed the ‘King of Sea Shanty’ - announced on TikTok: See how I was a postman on Friday? I have just signed to the biggest record label in the world. I have just signed a deal with Polydor Records. I’ve done it. It’s done and I’m releasing a single.”
Shiver me TikToks! The best barnacle-busting sea shanties
They re rocking every port from Liverpool to Long Beach, USA. So here are our faves (including The Coral and The Beach Boys). Why? Just for the halibut! We make music for ourselves and if anyone else likes it, that s a bonus. Credit: Getty
Looking for adventures on the high seas without the annoying nausea and having to know your port from your starboard? Do you dream of searching Chatham docks to sign on board the perfect vessel and seek out new exotic lands, spices and STDs? Or maybe you just like thick jumpers and wellies.