Richard Thompson is an English songwriter, musician (primarily a guitarist), singer and record producer. He has played and sung on almost 400 releases to date. His discography consists of around 30 studio albums in which he is a named primary artist, alongside live albums, singles, compilations, fan club and boutique label releases, soundtracks and collaborations. Alongside 20 solo studio albums, he is known for his collaborative releases with first wife Linda Thompson and his work as a member of Fairport Convention. He has also appeared as a guest musician on the releases of numerous other artists.
Only studio albums recorded whilst Richard Thompson was a member of Fairport Convention are listed here. After Thompson left the group, he continued to appear sporadically as a guest musician on subsequent albums, which are listed in the session work discography.
Live, particularly at Cropredy Festival, Fairport often perform in various line-ups of past and present members. Therefore, live albums which feature Thompson after he officially left the band are included here.
For more details of Fairport Convention's album releases see the Fairport Convention discography.
Not listed here are soundtrack albums on which a Richard Thompson recording or composition is merely included, without further involvement from Thompson. Listed here are soundtracks in which Thompson had a significant creative role in creating new music.
Albums on which Thompson has guested or worked as a session musician are not shown here (see sections below). Listed here are albums on which Thompson played a significant creative role as a member of the group or project.
Albums in which Thompson is credited on the front cover as a featured guest (rather than simply in the notes of the musicians playing) are covered here.
Original recordings of new or existing compositions on 'various artist' compilations. Only the first release the recording is on is listed.
These are compilations dedicated to a single musician but featuring their work with several bands and featured artists from across their career. Only releases with newly released material are covered.
Original recordings of new or existing compositions on albums that are not directly for sale (for example, promotional items for radio play, or albums accompanying a book or magazine). Only recordings which do not also appear on an official release are included.