Freddy Marks
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Freddy Marks was born in Birkenhead, Merseyside England. He is best known for being part of the musical trio Rod, Jane and Freddy which appeared in children's programming on the British TV channel ITV in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Freddy Marks has always been interested in music and the theatre from a very young age. He played in various bands in his hometown and often appeared in different shows and amateur productions at his local youth theatre. He studied at The Central School of Speech and Drama in London from 1968 - 1971, he then appeared as lead characters in various pantomimes and plays throughout the country.
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[edit] Rainbow
In 1979 Freddy auditioned to join the cast of Rainbow after a friend of his mentioned that the show was looking for a temporary replacement musician to fill in for Roger Walker, who had quit the show mid – series in order focus on acting. Freddy impressed the rest of the cast at his audition and was almost immediately accepted. He was given a week to rehearse with the other two musicians on the show Rod Burton, and Jane Tucker, and the trio of Rod, Jane and Freddy was formed.
[edit] The Rod, Jane and Freddy Show
Towards the end of 1980 the trio were approached by ITV to do their own show, plans went through and The Rod Jane and Freddy show aired its first episode on 15 January 1981. Freddy wrote many of the Trios most memorable songs during this period, including "Chinese take away" which he penned while sitting in an Italian restaurant a few blocks from the studio. Rod Jane and Freddy appeared in both their own show and Rainbow until 1991 when they left their position as musicians on Rainbow to focus solely on The Rod Jane and Freddy Show.
[edit] Touring
After the Rod, Jane and Freddy Show finished in 1990, Rod, Jane and Freddy took their show on the road and toured extensively across the UK playing every major theatre for the next six years. They won the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters (BACS) Gold Badge Award for outstanding contribution to the music industry in 1996.
[edit] Present
Since 1996 Freddy has gone back to his roots and performed in a large number of pantomimes.
Today Freddy still writes and records music, he is currently living in south west London with his wife, fellow trio member Jane Tucker, and his son Dominic. He considers himself to be partially retired and enjoys tending to his garden.
