Hank Marvin

Hank B. Marvin
Hank B. Marvin live on stage 22 April 2005 in Esbjerg, Denmark
Background information
Also known as	Brian Robson Rankin
Born	28 October 1941 (1941-10-28)
Genres	Rock, instrumental rock, rock & roll
Occupations	Musician
Instruments	Guitar, banjo, piano
Years active	1956–present
Associated acts	The Shadows, Cliff Richard
Notable instruments
Hank Marvin Signature Stratocaster Burns "The Marvin" and the "Shadows Custom Elite Guitar"

Hank Brian Marvin (born 28 October 1941) is an English guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist for The Shadows. The group, which primarily performed instrumentals, was formed as a backing band for vocalist Cliff Richard. Marvin has a distinctive guitar sound and appearance, primarily using a clean sound with very distinctive echo and vibrato giving a dreamy effect.

Personal life

He was born Brian Robson Rankin on 28 October 1941 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. As a child, he played the banjo and piano. After he heard one of Buddy Holly's songs, he decided to also learn the guitar.

He chose the name Hank Marvin while launching his music career. The name is an amalgamation of his childhood nickname of Hank, which he used to differentiate himself from a number of friends also named Brian, and Marvin Rainwater, a country and western singer.

When Marvin was 16, he travelled with his Rutherford Grammar School friend Bruce Welch to London, where he met Johnny Foster, Cliff Richard's manager, at The 2i's Coffee Bar in Soho. Foster was looking for a guitarist for Richard's upcoming tour of the U.K., and Marvin agreed to join as long as there was also a place for Welch. Foster had actually been looking for guitarist Tony Sheridan at the 2i's, but by chance he encountered Marvin. Marvin and Welch joined The Drifters, as Cliff Richard's group was then known, beginning their careers as professional guitar players.

Marvin met Cliff Richard for the first time at a nearby Soho tailor's shop, where Richard was having a fitting for a pink stage jacket. They had their first rehearsal with him at his parents' home in Cheshunt.

Marvin lived in the hills above Perth, Western Australia from 1986 but has since relocated to a luxury apartment in East Perth. He is a committed Jehovah's Witness. When not relaxing at his home in Perth, Marvin runs a successful recording studio: Nivram studios (part of Sh-Boom studios in Tiverton street owned by Trevor Spencer and Gary Taylor) where he is happy(?) to receive correspondence from die-hard Shadows fans.

In the UK, his name is often humorously recognised as cockney rhyming slang for the word "starving".

Professional background

Hank Marvin and Jean-Pierre Danel, 2007

Equipment

Marvin played and owned the first Fender Stratocaster in the UK, serial number 34346, finished in Fiesta Red, with gold hardware. This guitar, with its tremolo arm, contributed to the Shadows' sound. The guitar was imported from America by Cliff Richard.

Marvin almost immediately customised this guitar's red paintwork with three simple cheap aluminium sticky back transfers or decals of his initials viz: "H", "B", "M", bought from a local hardware shop in London and simply stuck them on top.

Marvin's original sound was achieved with this Stratocaster, a Vox amplifier (initially an AC15 and later on an AC30 models) and a tape echo machine Meazzi Echomatic that was shown to him by Joe Brown.

He later used a Vox-badged Meazzi, then a Binson Echorec (Drum) Echo Machine and finally another tape-loop machine, the Roland 301 Space Echo, before moving on to digital electronic units like the Alesis Quadraverb 2 and Q20 Professional digital multi-effects units, loaded with the EFTP (Echoes from the Past) patches developed by Charles Hall which precisely emulate the old drum and tape echo units such as the Meazzi, Binson, Vox and Roland.

In 1959, Marvin and Richard searched through a Fender catalogue to find the model of guitar played by James Burton, Ricky Nelson's lead guitarist. They assumed that Burton's guitar was a Stratocaster, because the most expensive guitar in the brochure was a gold-plated example with a red body and a one-piece Maple neck. Burton, however, played the Telecaster, and the Stratocaster was a relatively new model, available only to special order.

Richard made the arrangements and the chosen guitar was imported specially for Marvin, who used it between 1959 and 1961. It remained Richard's property and was returned to him when Jennings Musical Instruments outfitted the whole group with matching Fiesta Red Fender guitars, which featured necks with rosewood fingerboards. Marvin continued borrowing the original Stratocaster for recording.

Second (and third) Fender Stratocaster Guitar(s)

In 1970 to facilitate a new Shadows' type guitar sound, Marvin and bandmate John Farrar bought electric and two Martin acoustic guitars. Farrar purchased a Fender thinline Telecaster with a Bigsby tremolo arm whereas Marvin purchased a new Fender Stratocaster guitar with a sunburst finish with non-Fender custom pickups and a large headstock.

This Fender Stratocaster guitar was subsequently resprayed in a Black-gloss finish and was used by Marvin during the 1970s and early 1980s Shadows' studio albums and concerts. By the mid-80s Marvin reverted to a third Red Fiesta Fender Stratocaster guitar for studio and concerts. Marvin subsequently gave the Black Fender Stratocaster to his son Ben Marvin who had it resprayed back to its original sunburst finish.

Stratocaster reproduction

Cliff Richard and the Shadows 2009

In 2009, to mark the The Shadows 50th anniversary and "34346", the original Stratocaster is being reproduced in detail by Fender's Custom Shop in California. Built by Fender Master Luthier Greg Fessler, the run is limited to 50 pieces and has been produced within Fender's Dealer Select program. Commissioned by Oasis Musical Instruments (a UK guitar dealer run by "Shads" fan Howard Gillespie) The guitar is a faithful reproduction of the original, down to the mythical colour which Marvin called "Flamingo Pink". This colour is also referred to by Dire Straits Guitarist Mark Knopfler in Alan Yentob's BBC TV series. Fender has always denied the existence of that colour, and remained true to form by naming the colour of the reproduction "U K Custom Red". Exclusive to this guitar the colour is not available to order despite being given a colour code by the Custom Shop. Each one of the limited edition includes a certificate of authenticity from Fender, stating that the instrument is a reproduction of "The first Stratocaster to be imported into the UK" signed by the Master Builder, there is also a signed certificate of endorsement from Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch.

Branding

In the early 1960s, Jennings named a range of guitar accessories after Marvin. The accessories included plectrum, a guitar strap, and a Bigsby-styled tremolo unit. They used the Hank Marvin signature tremolo unit on several of their own Vox guitars. Marvin also worked with Jim Burns, head of the Burns London guitar company, to develop his own signature model, known as the "Burns Marvin".

The "Marvin" appeared in 1964 and a 12-string version called the "Double Six" appeared a little earlier. In 1967, the Burns London company was taken over by the American piano-maker, Baldwin Piano Company, and partly as a result of the takeover, the fewer-than-400 original Burns-made Marvins are now highly sought after. The revived Burns company made a limited reissue of 2004 signature Marvin guitars with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Marvin. Those instruments were promoted on the Shadows' 2004 Final Tour. Marvin's original Burns guitars had been stolen in 1972 and never appeared again.

Marvin influenced many guitarists, including Pete Townshend, Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi, Ritchie Blackmore and John Fogerty. Afrikaa Bambaataa cited the group's first UK number one single "Apache" as a big influence, though it is likely that Bambaattaa was referring to the cover of "Apache" by The Incredible Bongo Band, which was popular among early hip hop DJs, due to the extended bongo break.

In Canada, Cliff Richard and the Shadows met with success, especially 1961-1965 when they enjoyed several top 10 hits. Canadian guitarists Randy Bachman and Neil Young have credited Marvin's guitar work as influential. Carlos Santana's nickname in his formative years was Apache because it was one of the earliest pieces he learned to play.

Solo career

As well as playing with The Shadows, Hank Marvin has had a successful solo career. He has been willing to experiment with styles and material, doing some purely instrumental albums, some with only vocals (e.g. "All Alone With Friends"), one with only acoustic guitars and one with a guitar orchestra ("The Hank Marvin Guitar Syndicate"). In 1970, Marvin and Welch formed Marvin, Welch & Farrar, a vocal harmony trio which failed to appeal to many Shadows fans or to contemporary music fans. They reverted to being The Shadows in 1973, for the Rockin' with Curly Leads album.

As a writer, Marvin was solely responsible for "Driftin'", "Geronimo", "Spider Juice" (his daughter's name for orange juice), "I want you to Want Me" for The Shadows, and "The Day I Met Marie". As co-writer with Bruce Welch, Brian Bennett, and John Rostill, he wrote other hits, mainly for Cliff Richard, including "Summer Holiday", "I Could Easily Fall in Love with You" and "In the Country".

In 1988, Marvin collaborated with French keyboardist and composer Jean Michel Jarre on the track "London Kid", which appeared on Jarre's "Revolutions" album and took a guest role in the Frenchman's giant Destination Docklands concert at the Royal Victoria Dock. Jarre stated that the Shadows' success had a huge influence on him and his decision to devote the majority of his career to instrumental music.

In 1992, Duane Eddy guested on Marvin's album Into the Light on the track "Pipeline".

Marvin and the Shadows reformed for a 2004 Final Tour, which was so successful that a 2005 European tour was also organised.

Marvin dueted twice with French award-winning guitarist Jean-Pierre Danel, on his 2007 and 2010 albums. Marvin also participated to one of his DVDs and wrote the foreword for Danel's book about the Fender Stratocaster.

While his Shadows colleagues Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett accepted the honour of an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to music, Marvin declined, citing "personal reasons".

Early career groups (pre-Shadows/Drifters)

1956 – Riverside Skiffle group → Crescent City Skiffle Group

• Marvin (banjo), John Tate (guitar), Derek Johnson (guitar), Joe Rankin (bass), Mal Malarky (mandolin), and Howard Muir (wb)

1956–1957 – The Railroaders (#1)

• Marvin (guitar), Welch (guitar), George Williams (guitar), Jim ? (drums)

1956–1957 – The Railroaders (#2)

• Marvin (guitar), Welch (guitar), Eddie Silver (guitar), George Williams (bass), and Jim ? (drums)

1958 – The Vipers (aka The Vipers Skiffle group)

• live concert
• Wally Whyton (vocals), Johnny Booker (guitar), Hank Marvin (guitar), J. Harris (bass), and Johnny Pilgrim (wb)

1958 – The Five Chesternuts

• 7" single – ("Jean Dorothy" on Columbia)
• Gerry Hurst (vocals), Marvin (guitar), Welch (guitar), Neil Johnson (bass), and Pete Chester (drums)

UK solo tours

• 1994 – w/Brian Bennett (drums), Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
• 1995 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
• 1997 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
• 1998 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
• 2002 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)

Production credits

• Spaghetti Junction Work's Nice – If you can get it/Step right Up Columbia DB 8935
• Des O'Connor – Another Side Des O'Connor – LP – NSPL 18559.
• Flair – Stop look & listen – LP – MLP 15611.
• Flair – Fair – LP – CC 227324
• Flair – Fair play – LP – CC 327224

Guest appearances

• 1972: Spaghetti Junction Work's Nice – If you can get it/Step right Up Columbia DB 8935
• 1976: Evita: guitar on "Buenos Aires"
• 1977: Dennis Waterman Waterman album (also features Brian Bennett)
• 1977: Roger Daltrey One of The Boys album – guitar on "Parade" and "Leon"
• 1978: Des O'Connor Another Side of Des O'Connor album
• 1979: Wings Back to the Egg album – "Rockestra Theme" and "So Glad To See You Here"
• 1982: British Electric Foundation Music of Quality and Distinction volume 1
  guitar on "Anyone Who Had A Heart" with Sandie Shaw and "It's Over" with Billy MacKenzie
• 1983: Tracy Ullman You Broke My Heart In 17 Places album: guitar on "Move Over Darling" and "You Broke My Heart in 17 Places"
• 1983: Leo Sayer Have You Ever Been in Love album: guitar on "Don't Wait Until Tomorrow"
• 1984: Shakin' Stevens "Teardrops" single
• 1985: Dire Straits plays "Going Home" ("Local Hero's Theme"), with the band, as a special guest at Live at Wembley
• 1986: Cliff Richard and The Young Ones "Living Doll"
• 1988: Jean Michel Jarre Revolutions guitar on "London Kid"
• 1989: Jean Michel Jarre Destination Docklands: guitar on "London Kid" and "Rendez-Vous IV"
• 1995: Alan Jones A Shadow In Time album: guest on title track "A Shadow In Time"
• 1998: Jane McDonald "You're My World" single
• 2005: Richard Hawley "I'm Absolutely Hank Marvin", b-side of "Coles Corner" single
• 2007: Peter Frampton Fingerprints album: guitar on My Cup of Tea (also features Brian Bennett)
• 2007 Jean-Pierre Danel Nivram (French Chart #15) + Blues jam session on DVD
• 2008 Jason Donovan Let It Be Me on Dreamboats and Petticoats album
• 2008 Le QuecumBar Patrons Stars of Gypsy Swing ("Coquette", "Noto Swing")
• 2010 Jean-Pierre Danel M Appeal

In addition to the above, Marvin also plays guitar on the following tracks of library music recorded for Bruton Music:

• "Fighter Plane" (with Alan Hawkshaw) on Top Of The Range
• "Conquest of Space" (with Alan Hawkshaw) on Grandiose Impressive Panoramic
• "Human Desert" (with Alan Hawkshaw) on Human Desert

Discography

See also: The Shadows discography

Singles

(V) – Vocal

Year	A-side	B-side	UK Singles Chart	Notes
1968	London's Not Too Far (V)	Running Out Of World (V) (The Shadows)	–	Columbia DB 8326
1969	Goodnight Dick	Wahine	–	Columbia DB 8552
1969	Sunday For Seven Days	Sacha	–	Columbia DB 8601
1969	Throw Down A Line (V)	Reflections	#7	Columbia DB 8615 (Cliff and Hank)
1969	Slaughter on 10th Avenue (The Shadows)	Midnight Cowboy	–	Columbia DB 8628
1970	The Joy Of Living (V)	Leave My Woman Alone (V) Boogatoo	#25	Columbia DB 8657 (Cliff and Hank)
1970	Break Another Dawn	Would You Believe It (V)	–	(Unreleased, promo only)
1970	Break Another Dawn	Morning Star	–	Columbia DB 8693
1970	Morning Star	Evening Comes	–	(Australia and New Zealand only)
1977	Flamingo	Syndicated	–	EMI 2744 (Hank Marvin Guitar Syndicate)
1981	Sacha / Sunday For Seven Days	Morning Star / Evening Comes	–	(New Zealand only) Hank Marvin EP
1982	Don't Talk (V)	Life Line (V)	#49	Polydor POSP420
1982	The Trouble With Me Is You (remix) (V)	Captain Zlogg	–	Polydor POSP479
1983	The Hawk and the Dove (V)	Janine	–	Polydor POSP581
1983	Invisible Man (V)	All Alone With Friends	–	Polydor POSP618
1986	Living Doll		#1	(Cliff Richard and The Young Ones featuring Hank B. Marvin)
1989	London Kid		#52	(Jean-Michel Jarre featuring Hank Marvin)
1992	We Are The Champions (with Brian May)	Moontalk / Into The Light (CD)	#66	Polydor PO 229
1993	Wonderful Land (with Mark Knopfler)	Hot Rox (CD) / Nivram	–	Polydor PO297

Studio and live albums

• 1969 Hank Marvin #14
• 1977 Hank Marvin Guitar Syndicate (no chart position)
• 1982 Words and Music #66
• 1983 All alone with friends (no chart position)
• 1992 Into the light #18
• 1993 Heartbeat #17
• 1995 Hank plays Cliff #33
• 1996 Hank plays Holly #34
• 1997 Hank plays Live #71
• 1997 Plays the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber #41
• 2000 Marvin at the Movies #17
• 2002 Guitar Player #10
• 2007 Guitar Man #6

Compilation Albums

• 1987 Would You Believe It...Plus (reissue of 1969 LP with bonus tracks)
• 1994 The Best of Hank Marvin & The Shadows #19
• 1995 Handpicked (no chart position)
• 1997 The Very Best of Hank Marvin & The Shadows The First 40 Years #56
• 1998 Another Side Of Hank Marvin (no chart position)
• 2001 The Singles Collection 'The 80's & 90's' Hank Marvin & The Shadows (no chart position)
• 2004 Shadowing The Hits (no chart position)
• 2004 Guitar Ballads (no chart position)
• 2007 Hank Marvin & The Shadows Play The 60's (no chart position)
• 2008 The Solid Gold Collection (no chart position)