Happy birthday to the late Bert Jansch who would have been 72 today.

The legendary acoustic guitar virtuoso born in Glasgow passed away in 2011.

A founding member of the classic English folk-rock group, Pentangle, Jansch influenced many guitarists on both sides of the Atlantic. His version of “Angie” inspired Paul Simon’s recording of the song that appeared on the album Sounds of Silence. Jansch’ admirers included Nick Drake, Neil Young, Jimmy Page (“I was absolutely obsessed with Jansch”) and Beth Orton, with whom he recorded the traditional song Katie Cruel, on Jansch’s twenty-third and last studio album, The Black Swan.

Jansch loved America’s country bluesmen, and said once that he’d “still be a gardener” if he hadn’t encountered bluesman Brownie McGhee and his music.

Well I do believe I love everyone
Perhaps more than I should
With all my heart I try to please and give
From a foolish little boy
A world of love and joy

Bless him.

Listen to Global Village Bert Jansch Special from KMUW