Owain Phyfe

Owain Phyfe (1949–2012) was an American musician and vocalist celebrated for breathing new life into Renaissance-era and medieval European folk music. With a warm baritone voice and mastery of the lute, vihuela, and other period instruments, he became a beloved figure in historical music circles. Phyfe co-founded the New World Renaissance Band, blending scholarly rigor with accessible charm to make centuries-old ballads, drinking songs, and courtly tunes feel vibrant for modern listeners. His releases, like *Voice & Vihuela* and *Tales From The Vineyard*, showcased his knack for storytelling through multilingual lyrics and earthy arrangements. A passionate advocate for folk traditions, Phyfe performed at Renaissance fairs and cultural festivals for decades, leaving behind a legacy of music that feels both timeless and warmly human.