The Strawbs started existence as The Strawberry Hill Boys, playing American bluegrass in London. They eventually shortened the name and started playing original, and more English, music, first in the realm of folk-rock, then adding electric instruments and leaning towards progressive rock. Lead singer Dave Cousins has been the only constant in the band. Sandy Denny was an early member of the band before she joined Fairport Convention; Rick Wakeman also did a stint for two albums before moving on to Yes.

Their early 70s albums are beloved by many prog-rock fans, and the band has remained active off and on until the present time, both in acoustic and electric configurations.