Paul Tracey - The Wandering Minstrel

“A real Renaissance man in all respects!”

Born in South Africa, raised in England, Paul Tracey has performed internationally, appeared on Broadway and The Tonight Show and written songs for The Muppets. Three of his songs appear on the DVD of the Muppets' 2nd season; one on the Madeline Kahn episode, one with Rudolf Nureyev, and one with Milton Berle. Two of them can be seen on youtube. Look for "Muppets, The Wishing Song" for example. The third season has another of his songs - The Dog Walk.

His Broadway credits include “Wait a Minim!” - the show that he co-authored that ran internationally for 7 years, The Rothschilds, The Boy Friend and Company (in London’s West End.)

A piece of history - recently discovered - can be found here. Ed Sullivan's show from 1966. That's Paul - the tall one in the solar topee!

Since the early ’70’s he has been creating and performing his one man shows generally for school audiences, but also for libraries, women’s clubs and for family audiences.

The California Alliance for Arts Education gave him a “lifetime achievement award” in 1997 and in 2001 he received the “service award” from the California Dance Education Association. He and his wife founded the P.A.S.A. awards which recognize the achievements of professional artists who work in schools.

Dedicated to his oldest grandson, Paul has released a CD of 35 favorite nursery rhymes, guaranteed not to annoy parents but essential to every toddler.

He is married and has 3 adult children and four grandchildren. He lives in Los Angeles where he enjoys his hobbies of gardening and decorating his home-grown gourds.

From the TACOMA REVIEW:
“Paul Tracey, Folklorist, is an incredibly charming and talented pantomimist, guitarist, story-teller, composer, writer and singer. All this may sound a bit much - but it only hits the high spots.” Doyle R. Smith.

Music Center on Tour evaluation: “Paul Tracey is an exceptional talent; his shows are always enjoyable!”

Music Center on Tour’s artistic director: “Paul Tracey is truly an original artist with a wealth of material. He has terrific energy and patience with even the squirmiest of children and never loses his sense of humor or professional decorum. Paul knows how to engage young people and reach them on their level.”

Paul’s Philosophy Behind His Programs:

“When I was a teenager, teaching myself to play guitar from a book, a man called John Runge gave an assembly at my school and blew me away with his skillful playing and singing.

I thought to myself,

“Oh no! I’ll never be that good. I might as well give up right now.”

But I also thought,

“Look what you can do if you set your mind to it!”

John Runge’s inspiring performance has been behind my whole career.

I love performing for children, because I know that if I can do it well enough, I can inspire others like John Runge inspired me.”

Many thanks to Cambiguedesign, Heather and Paul McKay, for creating this website.