A Talented Singer Who Missed the Peak: The Untold Story of a Musician’s Journey
Early days of The Banshees and the rise of Roxy Music have me reflecting on what might have been. While Bryan Ferry led the band to fame, I, the original singer, always wondered what my life could have been like if talented and hard work had combined effectively.
From Sunderland to The Banshees
Growing up in the middle 60's in Sunderland, there was a vibrant music scene. Two bands were making waves in the area: This Year Girl and The Banshees. The Banshees were more RB in style, while This Year Girl had a strong pop sound. It was during a rehearsal that I was invited to This Year Girl to teach them some blues. I agreed, but little did I know that my life would take a different turn.
The Meeting of Minds
During that visit, I met Geoff Docherty, the greatest band booker the North had ever seen. Geoff organized numerous top acts in Seaburn and Newcastle, and even wrote books about his life. His influence would be significant in my musical journey.
The El Cubana and Internal Strife
The Banshees became the resident band at the famous El Cubana club in Sunderland, playing every Thursday night. By then, I had expanded my talents to include the harmonica in addition to singing. Life was looking up until internal strife threatened to break the band apart. Bruce, our drummer and the band leader, was aware of Bryan Ferry, who was also a member of Houghton Cycle Club.
The Vocalist's Quandary
Bert, the manager and Bruce’s dad, informed me that I had to perform for my job as another vocalist was auditioning. That vocalist was Bryan Ferry. To everyone's surprise, Ferry could not even perform the blues, and I outdid him. I took the job, but the constant squabbling and lack of unity led to the band's disbandment. Denny on the lead guitar, George on rhythm guitar, and Ken, myself as vocalist/harmonica, all left the band. Bruce kept the name Banshees and invited Bryan Ferry to join.
The Rise of Roxy Music
With Bryan Ferry's new direction, the band evolved into Roxy Music. Ferry's ability to write, coupled with his 'sound,' transformed the band into a critical success. Roxy Music's music was innovative and groundbreaking, and they quickly made a name for themselves in the music industry.
A New Chapter
While Roxy Music was ascending the charts, I was left to pursue my own path. After the end of The Banshees, I married, moved to the Midlands for work, and began performing an Elvis act in clubs. As a stand-up performer, I found moderate success, recording a comedy version of 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' which was played twice on Capitol radio. I am grateful for the work I did, but I can't help but wonder about my potential.
What If?
Reflecting on my experiences, I often wonder about the 'what if's' - what if I had continued with The Banshees, or if I had pursued a more mainstream pop sound? What if I had received the same opportunities that Bryan Ferry did?
Lessons Learned
Despite the missed opportunities, my journey is a reminder of the importance of talent, hard work, and the right opportunities. While I may not have reached the heights of Bryan Ferry, my experiences have made me a better musician and teacher. If there's one thing I want Bryan Ferry to acknowledge, it's that I was the original singer in The Banshees and played a significant role in their early success.
As we look back on my journey, it's clear that talent alone is not enough. It takes a combination of opportunities, support, and hard work to achieve success. And for those who are still struggling to find their path, my story serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, we can still reach for the stars with the right mindset and determination.