| You don't have to be a professional to sound great.
If you're a secret star, send me a recording - an MP3, Real Audio file, or even a tape, and let the world have a listen. |
| Russ Deighton was born in 1959 in Leeds, where he has lived all of his life. He is a painter and decorator, who often works away from home.
Russ became interested in Billy's music in the 1970s, so when he started singing lessons in the late 90s, it was natural for him to start specialising in Fury material. "From learning to sing, I have also learned how good the man was, because there are songs I would like to sing, but which I just can't master," said Russ. The following two tracks are pretty commendable - and Russ tells me he can do even better. |
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 John Hetherington was born in 1957 on the Isle Of Wight, where he still lives.
During his childhood, the jukebox in his father's restaurant was constantly playing hits from the 50s and 60s, so as he lived above the premises, John soon came to know and appreciate the great sounds of Billy, Elvis and Marty Wilde. In the late 90s, John began learning the guitar, and began singing with the aid of a rhythm guitarist, a bass player and backing tracks - just for fun. Then in July 2001, John had a phone call from a member of a local band, The Invaders. Their singer had let them down, and he wanted to know if John could help them out. He agreed to do a guest spot on one evening, and in fact had three 20 minute spots at the Shanklin Beach Hotel. The reception was so good that John was booked for the rest of the season. In the same month, John travelled to Southampton and spent a day in a studio at the university, where he recorded Forget Him, which has been included on an eight-track demo CD that John was kind enough to send to me. Forget Him is a professional performance that stopped me in my tracks, and I have decided to include the track on the Paradise Place page, where it truly belongs. The latest news (August 2001) is that The Invaders have asked John to develop a Tribute to Billy Fury set, to be performed at venues around the island. The only problem is that they want John to find a stage name. John wants us to come up with some ideas. All serious suggestions will be featured on this site, and we'll then have a vote on the best ones, to let John know what Fury fans think. Click here to make your suggestion. If you'd like to form your own impression of John's talent, listen to Forget Him, and to one or both of the tracks below. |
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CHECK WHETHER YOU'RE A SECRET STAR! Click here, take a deep breath, then click here. |
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