Born in the 40's? We were so LUCKY!
Great memories Mal.
We are discussing on another part of the forum what was the best era to have been born in and it has to be the 40s so that we could enjoy 60s music.
Sad about Rod, a friend of mine is Pauline,widow of Barry Pritchard who co wrote'the Real Thing' whilst with the Fortunes.
Hi Alberta,
Yes, I think really we were very lucky in a lot of respects for being born in the 40's and witnessing, joining in etc the 50's and 60's. I suppose there is so much to remember (especially in Brum) as far as music,socialising,TV,clothing, are concerned, and certainly all of these were very important to us 60's rock'n'roll merchants, if you know what I mean!
The late 50's I remember been threatened with expulsion at my school (Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School, Bournville) for playing 'See Ya Later Aligator' on the brand new school gand piano. Playing for my first group gig with The Deltas at The Taboo in Stirchley along with The Rocking Berries and Jimmy Powell. I remember making sure, after going to the Saturday afternoon Rock'n'Roll dances at both The West End and The Casino (Corporation Street?) that I got home to watch The 6 5 Special on BBC and O'Boy on ATV - both great shows for the time especially the O'Boy show. In fact, I won (along with, unbeknown to me 100 or so others) a competion in The Sunday Mercury (answering questions on Elvis) the chance to go and see the O'Boy show in London. Brenda Lee,Cliff Richard were some of the guest stars on that occasion. For a black and white only TV show I was amazed at the luminous colours worn by Lord Rockinhams Eleven and all the stars in the studio.
It goes on and on, the joy of playing in a group in the 60's was probably (unbeknown to us at the time) the real time to witness the start of so many successful Brummie individual careers in the music scene. I also remember going to see the movie 'The Girl Can't Help It' never thinking that one day I would be either backing or supporting people like Gene Vincent, Chuck Berry etc, who all starred in the movie.
However, the groups signed by EMI in 1963 - Keith Powell and The Valets (I was in that lot!), Mike Sheriden and The Nightriders, Pat Wayne and The Beechcombers, Danny Duke and The Royals, The Cheetars joined by other well known (at the time) local outfits i.e The Rocking Berries,Carl Wayne and The Vikings,The Modernairs (brilliant band at the time!),El Riot and The Rebels and ofcourse Denny Laine and The Diplomats (blond dyed hair - remember?) all of these groups and more started the 60's music scene in Birmingham and I am so proud to have been part of it.
Great to be born in the 40's? Too right!!!
Cheers...........Mal Ford