Jim Malcolm

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]

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 died 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]

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]

As of February 2024, Malcolm has released 16 solo albums and one DVD.