John Playford

John Playford was an influential English music publisher and bookseller who lived during the 17th century. He is widely known for his significant contribution to the preservation and dissemination of English dance and popular music. Playford published numerous collections of music, including "The English Dancing Master," which was first published in 1651 and contained popular dance tunes of the time. This collection went through multiple editions and remained popular for many years. Playford's publications played a crucial role in popularizing country dances, as they were accessible and easy to understand for both professionals and amateurs alike. Apart from dance music, Playford also published collections of psalms and hymns. His works not only documented the music of his time but also influenced the development of music in subsequent centuries. With his publications, John Playford became an influential figure in the English music scene, and his legacy continues to be embraced by dancers and musicians today.