A chance vinyl discovery by Ed Sheeran in a New York record store has unexpectedly brought renewed attention to veteran singer-songwriter Allan Taylor and his 1978 album The Traveller.
Sheeran recently shared his admiration for the record after picking up a second-hand copy in Williamsburg, describing it as a rare and special find that immediately stood out in his collection. The post quickly sparked curiosity among fans and, unexpectedly, reached the artist behind the album.
For 80-year-old Allan Taylor, the recognition came as a surprise after decades of working largely outside mainstream fame. Speaking about Sheeran’s endorsement, Taylor said he was “flattered” that an artist of such global stature had connected with his work.
Taylor’s early career mirrors the kind of grassroots beginnings often associated with modern singer-songwriters. Starting out in the 1960s, he travelled across Europe with little more than a guitar, performing in pubs, living on floors, and surviving day to day through music.
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His journey eventually led to major opportunities, including touring with Fairport Convention and signing record deals in both the UK and the US.
His 1978 album The Traveller captured those experiences, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of chasing fame. While it did not chart commercially, it later gained recognition in folk circles and won an award at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Following Sheeran’s public praise, The Traveller has now been made available on major streaming platforms for the first time, introducing Taylor’s work to a new global audience.
The two artists have since spoken directly, with Taylor describing Sheeran as “down-to-earth” and deeply interested in songwriting. Their conversations have also led Taylor to revisit memories from a life spent performing across Europe, including his early struggles, chance encounters, and defining musical moments.
Taylor believes his story reflects a disappearing era of travelling musicians who built careers on the road long before the digital age.