Ewan MacColl (1915–1989) was a British folk singer, songwriter, playwright, and political activist. Born in England to Scottish parents, he was a central figure in the British folk revival of the mid-20th century. MacColl was known for his powerful voice, deep commitment to working-class and political themes, and for writing both traditional-style ballads and contemporary protest songs. He was also a co-founder of the Critics Group, which focused on folk music as a vehicle for social change. MacColl's influence extended beyond music, shaping modern folk traditions and inspiring generations of performers.