Joe Boyd is nowadays principally renowned as one of the fathers of British Folk-Rock, which isn't bad, seeing as he is American. Joe came to the UK as boss of the London branch of the Elektra record label. He then co-founded England's first psychedelic nightspot, the legendary UFO Club. He hired the Pink Floyd as the regular musical attraction at the club and subsequently produced their debut single, the notorious "Arnold Layne"/ "Candy With a Current Bun". Unable to undertake further work with the Floyd following their signing by EMI, Joe established himself as the leading Folk-Rock producer of the 60s, working with the Incredible String Band, Fairport Convention, John Martyn, Nick Drake and many more, forming his own Company "Witchseason" whose releases became synonymous with the Island label.

Joe returned to the USA in the early 70s, working for Warner Bros films. He set up the Hannibal record label and carried on producing many fine artists (REM, 10000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg etc). He's still around, and still contributing to the music scene but for many people, including the HOPS voters, Joe Boyd remains a true 60s visionary. His book about the 60s Underground scene "White Bicycles" is unreservedly recommended.