Brian and Michael

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Brian & Michael were a British music duo best known for their 1978 UK number one hit single, "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs", a tribute to the artist L. S. Lowry, who had died two years previously. The duo originally comprised Brian Burke and Michael Coleman. However, Burke left shortly before "Matchstalk Men" became a hit, and he was replaced by Kevin Parrott, who was the producer, arranger and financier of the record. Mick Coleman and Kevin Parrott had known each other since 1965 and still perform, write and record together under the name of Brian & Michael. Previously they had toured together in a Stax style band called The Big Sound, working mainly in Denmark and Germany. In Denmark, the band were the backing group to the legendary Danish singer, Rock Nalle. Kevin Parrott was also in the Manchester rock band Oscar, who were signed to DJM Records.

For the hit, Mick Coleman drew on his own memories of Salford and Ancoats as well as the paintings of L. S. Lowry. St Winifred's School Choir also appeared on the record, singing the children's song "The Big Ship Sails on the Alley-Alley-O". Tintwistle Brass Band were also featured. Kevin Parrott was living in this Derbyshire village at the time, and recruited the band for the recording session. The single spent three weeks at the top of the UK singles chart.

After their success, Brian and Michael released a follow-up single, "Evensong", and an LP, The Matchstalk Men, followed by a second album named "I Can Count My Frinds on One Hand" (Similarly, St. Winifred's School Choir released an unsuccessful album titled The Matchstick Children.) However, both Coleman and Parrott remain in the music business as karaoke organisers and arrangers for other acts. St Winifred's had their own number one hit with "Grandma we Love You".

Parrott & Coleman were responsible for the chart hits "The Sparrow" and Claire and Friends' "It's 'Orrible Being in Love when You're Eight and a Half".

Preceded by: "Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush

UK number one single April 4, 1978

Succeeded by: "Night Fever" by Bee Gees