The Fortunes
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The Fortunes are an archetypal English beat group. Formed in Birmingham, The Fortunes first came to prominence and international acclaim in 1965, when "You've Got Your Troubles" broke into the American and British Top Ten.
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[edit] Classic band line-up
- Rod Allen - born Rodney Bainbridge on 31 March 1944 in Leicester - lead vocalist and bassist
- Glen Dale - born Richard Garforth on 24 April 1943, in Deal, Kent - guitarist
- Shel Macrae - born Andrew Raeburn Semple on 8 March 1945, in Burnbank, Scotland - co-lead vocalist, guitarist
- Barry Pritchard - 3 April 1944, Birmingham – 11 January 1999 - guitarist
- Andy Brown - born Andrew Brown on 7 January 1946 in Birmingham - drummer
- David Carr - born on 4 August 1943 in Leyton, Essex - keyboards
[edit] Biography
Following in the wake of Merseybeat, and the R&B of the Rolling Stones, The Fortunes added another dimension to the sound of pop, with their sophisticated orchestration, dual lead vocals and well worked counter-melodies.
The result was a succession of distinctive hits including "You've Got Your Troubles", "Here It Comes Again" (both 1965), and "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again"; even continuing into the 1970s with more globally successful releases such as "Storm in a Teacup" and "Freedom Come, Freedom Go".
Originally a trio called The Cliftones, their first single "Summertime Summertime" went unnoticed, but the follow-up in 1964, "Caroline", was used as the signature tune for the influential Pirate Radio station Radio Caroline. The Fortunes had a steady succession of world-wide hits culminating in 1972, with the release of "Storm in a Teacup". During this period, The Fortunes were also one-time the voices for the US Coca Cola adverts ("It's The Real Thing").
[edit] Present day history
Founding member, and lead vocalist, Rod Allen has continued fronting an ever changing version of The Fortunes since 1963.
The Fortunes were awarded a gold disc in 1987, for over 100,000 sales of their All The Hits and More album.
In March 1995 vocalist/keyboard/guitar player Bob Jackson was added to The Fortunes' ranks. Jackson, who was a former member of the group Badfinger, now leads the band through a tribute to his former group, including a version of the Badfinger-penned classic "Without You", made famous by Harry Nilsson, and more recently Mariah Carey. A more recent addition to The Fortunes present day personnel is Geoff Turton. He was originally a member of the Birmingham based band, The Rockin' Berries who had hits with "He's In Town" and "Poor Man's Son". He also had a certain amount of success under the 'nom de plume' Jefferson both at home and in the U.S..
The Fortunes continue to tour to this day, appearing on the nostalgia circuit. The UK line-up features those who appeared on their popular 60s recordings; but there is also a touring US group that features none of the original hit-makers.
[edit] UK chart hit singles
- "You've Got Your Troubles" - 1965 - Number 2.
- "Here It Comes Again " - 1965 - Number 4.
- "This Golden Ring" - 1966 - Number 15.
- "Freedom Come, Freedom Go" - 1971 - Number 6.
- "Storm In A Teacup" - 1972 - Number 7.
[edit] U.S. chart hit singles
- "You've Got Your Troubles" - 1965 - Number 7.
- "Here It Comes Again" - 1965 - Number 27.
- "This Golden Ring" - 1966 - Number 82.
- "That Same Old Feeling" - 1970 - Number 62 (competing with the original version by Pickettywitch).
- "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" - 1971 - Number 15.
- "Freedom Come, Freedom Go - 1971 - Number 72.
[edit] Reference
- Guinness Book of British Hit Singles - 16th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-190-X
