Malcolm was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, in 1964 to parents Helen Grewar and Erick Malcolm.[5] His mother, Helen, was involved in the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland. Jim learnt the guitar while at school.[6] After moving to Perth to live with his grandmother, he attended Perth High School.[7][8]
After secondary school he attended the University of Edinburgh, initially studying Chemistry before switching to a General Arts degree. He started his career as a professional musician after graduating from the university.[7]
Musical career
During his eight years as lead singer of the established folk-rock band the Old Blind Dogs, Malcolm toured various music festivals in Europe and North America.[9]
As a solo musician, Malcolm blends Scots vocals with simultaneous acoustic guitar, and harmonica playing.[10][11] His work is inspired by old Scots songs, poems, and tunes, and he writes new lyrics for old tunes.[12][13] Malcolm also draws influence from Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.[9][14][15] He also takes historical inspiration from Scots of the past, such as William Soutar and Tannahill.[12][16] He has been greatly influenced by Scottish folk musician Jim Reid, a singer and guitarist who passed away in 2009.[17]
His solo performance style has been summarised as "Scots troubadour", with his music accompanied by stories, historical accounts, and comedy.[18][19][20]
Highlights
Malcolm was voted Songwriter of the Year at the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards, and was nominated again in both 2005 and 2008.[3]
In 2011, Malcolm was accompanied by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra performing two of his songs: Lochanside and Battle of Waterloo, at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.
Later life
In 1997, Malcolm married Scottish folk musician and journalist Susan Mary Jean Allan (1966–present).[11] They live together in Perth, Scotland, and have two children: Elizabeth Andrea Malcolm (1997–present) and Alexander Andrew Malcolm (2001–present). In recent years, Malcolm has begun touring and recording with his wife Susie and occasionally with his daughter Beth.[10][16][20][21][22]
In 2022, his daughter Beth Malcolm was voted BBC MG ALBA Scots Singer of the Year.[21]
Discography
As of February 2024, Malcolm has released 16 solo albums and one DVD.
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