During World War II he met American, Polish and Australian servicemen who were based in Glasgow and developed an interest in the songs they sang.
[4] In Paris, Campbell met American folk musician Derroll Adams, who found him a regular engagement playing in a café, although he also continued busking the streets.
He made regular return trips to Britain in the 1950s, appearing at Alexis Korner's Blues and Barrelhouse Club, and other skiffle and folk music venues which were opening around the country.
[4] She has described the wedding ceremony as "hilarious" -- at the time, she was seven months pregnant with Ewan MacColl's child, and the officiating priest lectured Campbell about his forthcoming lifetime commitment to "the poor girl whom he had got into so much trouble".
[citation needed] In 1986, Rab Noakes wrote the song "Gently Does It" as a tribute to Campbell, contrasting his powerful presence with the realities of his illness, and expressing a wish for him to slow down.
[4] The singer-songwriter Allan Taylor wrote, "Alex Campbell was the most important and influential folk singer of the folksong revival in Europe, admired, respected and loved by his fellow performers and his audiences.
His love for a wide range of music, coupled with his generosity towards young, unknown talent, resulted in albums which were diverse in nature and rich in instrumentation.
Backing musicians included Martin Carthy (Transatlantic recordings) Gerry Loughran (usually spelled 'Lockran'), Royd Rivers, Dave Laibman and Ian McCann.
His 1979 album, Det er godt at se dig (It's good to see you), was recorded in Denmark and featured Danish musicians including Niels Hausgaard.
This was followed by At The Tivoli Gardens, which showcased the work of other writers including Anne Briggs, Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, and Paul Simon.