Keith Kelly (singer)

He was born in Selby, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. In the mid-1950s, Kelly spent three years serving in the Royal Air Force.[3] After leaving military service, in 1957 he became an original member, vocalist,[5] and rhythm guitarist of The John Barry Seven.[4][6] He left Barry's group in early 1959,[6] and sang at The 2i's Coffee Bar in Soho, London, where he was noticed by the watching record producer George Martin. Martin signed Kelly to Parlophone[3] and his first single release, "Tease Me (Must You Always)" reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1960.[1] Kelly wrote his own hit on a London Underground train travelling towards his flat in Shepherd's Bush, London.[3]

His fledgling career was dealt a blow when a car accident delayed the release of his follow-up single.[4] "Listen Little Girl" (written by Claus Ogerman and Vee Bond)[7] was released in July 1960, but only reached number 47 in the same chart, and the momentum was lost. It was to prove to be his last chart entry.[3] When Matt Monro recorded "Portrait of My Love", he did so in the afternoon after Kelly had the morning session recording in the same studio.[8] Kelly's "With You" b/w "You'll Break My Heart", was issued by Parlophone in November 1960.[4] Kelly composed the A-side while the flip was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman.[9] His public profile was at its height in 1960; he performed "I'll Take Romance" (written by Ben Oakland, Oscar Hammerstein II) on BBC Radio's Saturday Club,[6] appeared in episode 1.71 of Juke Box Jury as a mystery guest,[10] plus he undertook a nationwide tour, which included dates at the Town Hall in Bridgwater, Somerset,[11] in Grantham,[12] plus at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, the Birmingham Hippodrome,[13] and the New Theatre, Cardiff.[14] In November 1960, Parlophone issued Saturday Club, a compilation album which included Kelly's recordings of "I'll Take Romance" and "To Be With You".[15]

In June 1961, Parlophone released Kelly's single "Cold White and Beautiful" b/w "When You First Fall in Love".[16] On 23 April 1962, Kelly performed at the California Ballroom, Dunstable.[17] He momentarily re-appeared in July 1965, with the single, "Laurie (Strange Things Happen)" b/w "Save Your Love For Me" on CBS.[18] Kelly later joined the Hull based band, the Keith Herd Rhythm Group.[4]

The 2011 compilation album, 1960 British Hit Parade, Vol. 1: January To June, had two Kelly songs, including "Tease Me (Must You Always)".[19]

Source:[1]

• Image
• Discogs.com entry
• YouTube