Steeleye Span is an English folk-rock band formed in 1969. Still active today, along with Fairport Convention it is among the best known acts of the British folk revival, and was among the most commercially successful, thanks to its hit singles "Gaudete" and "All Around My Hat". It had three Top 40 albums; it achieved a certified gold record with sales of "All Around My Hat".
Throughout their history, Steeleye Span has seen many personnel changes but has maintained a strong continuity of tradition. Their typical album is a collection of mostly traditional songs with one or two instrumental tracks of jigs and/or reels added; the traditional songs often include some of the Child ballads. In their later albums there has been an increased tendency to include music written by the band members, but they have never got completely away from traditional music, which draws upon pan-British traditions.
This entry is from 
