We have a collection of 7 arrangements for Neil Colquhoun - The Wellerman
What 19th-century antipodean folk song became a global viral hit centuries later? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover The Longest Johns: Keeping Sea Shanties Afloat
"The Wellerman" is a sea shanty that gained widespread popularity, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. The Longest Johns, an English folk group, played a significant role in popularizing this traditional maritime song. Here are some interesting facts about their version of "Wellerman":
Viral Success: The Longest Johns' rendition of "Wellerman" went viral on TikTok, leading to a surge in its popularity and inspiring numerous user-generated videos featuring the song.
Collaborations: The success of "Wellerman" led to collaborations between The Longest Johns and other artists. For example, they collaborated with Scottish singer-songwriter, Mànran, to create a version of the shanty that combines English and Scottish musical elements.
Sea Shanty Renaissance: The resurgence of sea shanties, including "Wellerman," on social media marked a unique trend. The Longest Johns played a pivotal role in bringing these traditional maritime songs to a new generation of listeners.
Album Inclusion: The Longest Johns included "Wellerman" on their album "Cures What Ails Ya," which was released in 2019. The song's popularity soared in 2021 when it gained traction on social media.
Folk and Acoustic Roots: The Longest Johns are known for their folk and acoustic sound, and their version of "Wellerman" maintains these musical roots while infusing it with a modern twist that resonated with a broad audience.
The Longest Johns' rendition of "Wellerman" not only contributed to the revival of sea shanties but also demonstrated the power of social media in bringing traditional music to the forefront of popular culture.