Ewan MacColl, born James Henry Miller on January 25, 1915, in Broughton, Salford, England, was a seminal figure in the British folk music revival of the mid-20th century. Raised by Scottish parents, William and Betsy Miller, who were both politically active socialists, MacColl grew up in an environment rich with political debate and traditional Scottish songs. This cultural backdrop significantly influenced his later work as a folk singer-songwriter, folk song collector, labor activist, and actor.

MacColl left school at the age of 14 during the Great Depression and engaged in various jobs while educating himself. He became involved in political activism, joining the Young Communist League and participating in unemployed workers' campaigns. His political engagement was reflected in his music, as he wrote numerous left-wing political songs and remained a committed communist throughout his life.

In the realm of music, MacColl was a prolific songwriter and collector of traditional folk songs. He is best known for writing "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Dirty Old Town." His efforts in collecting and recording traditional songs were extensive, and he played a crucial role in the 1960s folk revival. He collaborated with other notable musicians, including A.L. Lloyd and his third wife, Peggy Seeger, with whom he pioneered the "radio-ballad," a format combining recorded interviews with songs and narration.

MacColl's contributions to theater were also significant. In 1945, he co-founded Theatre Workshop with Joan Littlewood, serving as the company's artistic director and writing numerous plays. His work in theater was marked by a commitment to creating a "theatre of the people," often focusing on political themes.

Ewan MacColl passed away on October 22, 1989, in Brompton, London. His legacy endures through his extensive discography and the influence he had on the British folk music scene. His daughter, Kirsty MacColl, continued his musical legacy, and his brother-in-law was the renowned American folk musician Pete Seeger.