The same way we marked the anniversary of John Martyn's death in Ireland earlier this year, today we’re celebrating the day this progressive folk genius was born.

Cited as an influence by bands and artists such as U2, Portishead and Eric Clapton, Martyn had that (solid) air on his compositions, a unique and comforting atmosphere that would take you to the undiscovered corners of blues folk. His folder in our photo archive is a big one, with photos of well known snappers like Anton Corbijn, Colm Henry, Keith Morris and Allan Titmuss, so play one his records and delve into the life and career of this brilliant songwriter.