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'''P.J. Proby''' (born '''James Marcus Smith''', November 6, 1938) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. In addition to his recording career, he has also portrayed [[Elvis Presley]] and [[Roy Orbison]] in [[Musical theatre|musical theater]] productions. The stage name P.J. Proby was suggested to him by his friend [[Sharon Sheeley]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockabillyhall.com/SharonSheeley1.html |title=Biography |publisher=Rockabillyhall.com |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> who had had a boyfriend of the same name at high school.
'''P.J. Proby''' (born '''James Marcus Smith''', November 6, 1938) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He has also portrayed [[Elvis Presley]] and [[Roy Orbison]] in [[Musical theatre|musical theater]] productions. The stage name P.J. Proby was suggested by a friend, [[Sharon Sheeley]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockabillyhall.com/SharonSheeley1.html |title=Biography |publisher=Rockabillyhall.com |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> who had a boyfriend of that name at high school.


Proby recorded the singles "Hold Me", "[[Somewhere (song)|Somewhere]]" and "[[Maria (1956 song)|Maria]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chartstats.com/artistinfo.php?id=1704 |title=P J Proby UK Chart Stats |accessdate=April 4, 2012|archiveurl=http://archive.is/CVjO|archivedate=July 30, 2012}}</ref> In 2008, Proby celebrated his 70th birthday and [[EMI]] released the ''[[Best of the EMI Years 1961–1972]]''. Proby continues to write and record music on his own [[independent record label]], Select Records, and performs across the UK on various Sixties themed concerts. Proby's latest music release is ''The Enigma in Gold – Volume 1''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pjproby.net/P-J-Proby-The-Enigma-In-Gold-Volume-1-CD.htm |title=P.J. Proby – The Enigma in Gold – Volume 1 |accessdate=October 11, 2013}}</ref>
Proby recorded the singles "Hold Me", "[[Somewhere (song)|Somewhere]]" and "[[Maria (1956 song)|Maria]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chartstats.com/artistinfo.php?id=1704 |title=P J Proby UK Chart Stats |accessdate=April 4, 2012|archiveurl=http://archive.is/CVjO|archivedate=July 30, 2012}}</ref> In 2008, he turned 70 and [[EMI]] released the ''[[Best of the EMI Years 1961–1972]]''. He still writes and records on his own [[independent record label]], Select Records, and performs in the UK in Sixties concerts.


==Youth and early career==
==Youth and early career==
Proby was born in [[Houston]], Texas, United States, and was educated at [[San Marcos Baptist Academy|San Marcos Military Academy]], [[Culver Military Academy|Culver Naval Academy]] and [[Western Military Academy]]. After graduation he moved to California to become a motion picture actor and [[musician|recording artist]]. Given the stage name Jett Powers by top Hollywood agents Gabey, Lutz, Heller and Loeb,<ref>[http://rcs-discography.com/rcs/artists/p/powe6200.htm]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> he took acting and singing lessons, and appeared in movies with small roles. Two singles, "Go, Girl, Go" and "Loud Perfume", were released on an [[independent record label|independent label]]. Proby was brought by Sharon Sheeley to audition at [[Liberty Records]] in 1961 and he recorded a number of unsuccessful singles for the label. In 1962 he began writing songs and [[sound recording and reproduction|recording]] [[demo (music)|demos]] for artists such as [[Elvis Presley]] and [[Bobby Vee]].
Proby was born in [[Houston]], Texas, United States, and educated at [[San Marcos Baptist Academy|San Marcos Military Academy]], [[Culver Military Academy|Culver Naval Academy]] and [[Western Military Academy]]. After graduation he moved to California to become a film actor and [[musician|recording artist]]. Given the stage name Jett Powers by Hollywood agents Gabey, Lutz, Heller and Loeb,<ref>[http://rcs-discography.com/rcs/artists/p/powe6200.htm]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> he took acting and singing lessons and played small roles in films. Two singles, "Go, Girl, Go" and "Loud Perfume" appeared on an [[independent record label|independent label]]. Proby was brought by Sharon Sheeley to audition at [[Liberty Records]] in 1961 and he recorded a number of unsuccessful singles. In 1962 he began writing songs and [[sound recording and reproduction|recording]] [[demo (music)|demos]] for artists such as Elvis Presley and [[Bobby Vee]].


==Success in Britain==
==Success in Britain==
Proby travelled to London after being introduced to [[Jack Good (producer)|Jack Good]] by Sheeley and [[Jackie DeShannon]]. He appeared on [[The Beatles]]' television special in 1964. Under the production of Good, Proby scored a string of exuberantly-styled UK top 20 hits in 1964 and 1965 including "Hold Me", "Together" (featuring session guitarists [[Big Jim Sullivan]] and [[Jimmy Page]]), "[[Somewhere (song)|Somewhere]]" and "[[Maria (1956 song)|Maria]]" (the latter two taken from the musical ''[[West Side Story (musical)|West Side Story]]''). Further, of particular note to Beatles fans, Proby recorded the Lennon–McCartney composition "[[That Means a Lot]]", a song The Beatles had attempted several times before deciding to give it away.
Proby travelled to London after being introduced to [[Jack Good (producer)|Jack Good]] by Sheeley and [[Jackie DeShannon]]. He appeared on [[The Beatles]]' television special in 1964. Under Good, Proby had exuberantl UK top 20 hits in 1964 and 1965 including "Hold Me", "Together" (featuring guitarists [[Big Jim Sullivan]] and [[Jimmy Page]]), "[[Somewhere (song)|Somewhere]]" and "[[Maria (1956 song)|Maria]]" (the last two from ''[[West Side Story (musical)|West Side Story]]''). He also recorded the Lennon–McCartney composition "[[That Means a Lot]]", a song The Beatles attempted several times before giving it away.


Despite these hits, Proby's UK career gradually lost momentum after a number of controversial live appearances—including a notorious trouser-splitting incident at a February 1965 show in Croydon, Surrey—led to performance bans by the ABC theatre chain, its TV namesake and BBC TV.<ref>''Guinness Book of Rock Stars'', Dafydd Rees & Luke Crampton, 1991</ref> A run of minor hits in 1966 was followed by a number of flops, and in March 1968 "It's Your Day Today" gave Proby his last UK chart entry for nearly 30 years.
Proby's UK career lost momentum after controversial live appearances including a trouser-splitting incident at a February 1965 show in Croydon, Surrey. They led to bans by the ABC theatre chain, its TV namesake and BBC TV.<ref>''Guinness Book of Rock Stars'', Dafydd Rees & Luke Crampton, 1991</ref> Minor hits in 1966 were followed by flops, and in March 1968 "It's Your Day Today" gave Proby his last UK chart entry for nearly 30 years.


==Back in the U.S.==
==Back in the U.S.==
In 1967 Proby scored his only [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] [[Top 40|Top 30]] [[hit record|hit]] with "Niki Hoeky". In September 1968, Proby recorded the album ''[[Three Week Hero]]'', which was released in 1969. A collection of [[country music|country]]-style [[ballad]]s mixed with [[blues]], it utilised The New Yardbirds, later to become [[Led Zeppelin]], as Proby's backing band. The album was produced by [[Steve Rowland (record producer)|Steve Rowland]].
In 1967 Proby scored his only [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] [[Top 40|Top 30]] [[hit record|hit]] with "Niki Hoeky". In September 1968, he recorded ''[[Three Week Hero]]'' in 1969. A collection of [[country music|country]]-style [[ballad]]s mixed with [[blues]], it used The New Yardbirds, later to become [[Led Zeppelin]], as backing band. The album was produced by [[Steve Rowland (record producer)|Steve Rowland]].


==1970s==
==1970s==


===The London stage and winning award===
===The London stage and winning award===
In 1971 he appeared on stage as [[Michael Cassio|Cassio]] in a rock musical version of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Othello]]'', called ''Catch My Soul''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.online.no/~frodebye/dana_gillespie/lp_catch_my_soul.htm |title=Home.online info |publisher=Home.online.no |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> After ''Catch My Soul'',<ref>[http://ourworld.cs.com/ahmiddel/catch.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> he continued to perform mostly in [[cabaret]] and [[nightclub]]s, singing 1960s ballads and [[rhythm and blues]] material. Signing with Good again in 1977, he portrayed [[Elvis Presley]] in a theatrical production of ''[[Elvis (musical)|Elvis – The Musical]]'', winning a Best Musical of the Year award<ref>{{cite web|author=Angie, Fumble |url=http://www.fumbleontheweb.com/sites/elvis.htm |title=Best Musical of the Year |publisher=Fumbleontheweb.com |date=November 28, 1977 |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref>{{Verify credibility|date=August 2009}}.
In 1971 he appeared as [[Michael Cassio|Cassio]] in a rock musical of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Othello]]'', ''Catch My Soul''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.online.no/~frodebye/dana_gillespie/lp_catch_my_soul.htm |title=Home.online info |publisher=Home.online.no |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> He performed in [[cabaret]] and [[nightclub]]s, singing 1960s ballads and [[rhythm and blues]]. Signing with Good again in 1977, he portrayed Elvis Presley in ''[[Elvis (musical)|Elvis – The Musical]]'', winning a Best Musical of the Year award<ref>{{cite web|author=Angie, Fumble |url=http://www.fumbleontheweb.com/sites/elvis.htm |title=Best Musical of the Year |publisher=Fumbleontheweb.com |date=November 28, 1977 |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref>{{Verify credibility|date=August 2009}}.


===Recording with Focus and return to night clubs===
===Recording with Focus and return to night clubs===
In 1978, Proby recorded with the Dutch rock group [[Focus (band)|Focus]] releasing ''[[Focus con Proby]]''. He then returned to singing in [[nightclub|clubs]], before embarking on a change of direction.
In 1978, Proby recorded ''[[Focus con Proby]]'' with the Dutch rock group [[Focus (band)|Focus]]. He then returned to singing in [[nightclub|clubs]], before a change of direction.


==1980s==
==1980s==
In 1985, Proby recorded a version of [[Gloria Jones]]'s "[[Tainted Love]]" for the Manchester based Savoy Records label which was followed by further covers of "[[Love Will Tear Us Apart]]", "[[Anarchy in the UK]]", Prince song "[[Sign o' the Times (song)|Sign o' the Times]]", "[[In the Air Tonight]]", and "Garbageman" for the same label.
In 1985, Proby recorded [[Gloria Jones]]'s "[[Tainted Love]]" for Savoy Records, followed by covers of "[[Love Will Tear Us Apart]]", "[[Anarchy in the UK]]", Prince song "[[Sign o' the Times (song)|Sign o' the Times]]", "[[In the Air Tonight]]", and "Garbageman".


In 1987 his Savoy Records single "M9700 Hardcore"<ref name="Savoy Records PJS6, 1987">Savoy Records PJS6, 1987</ref> credited Madonna as "Second Vocal (Special Guest)" though this was patently untrue.<ref>''Critical Vision'', edited by David Kerekes and David Slater, 1995, ISBN 0-9523288-0-1, page 156</ref><ref>(London) Evening News, September 22, 1987</ref><ref>"Madonna to sue over 'porn' disc", ''Daily Mail'', September 23, 1987</ref> In 1989, the [[Southport]], Lancashire based author/songwriter Ron Ellis recorded Proby singing one of Ellis's compositions, "Hot California Nights"
In 1987 his Savoy Records single "M9700 Hardcore"<ref name="Savoy Records PJS6, 1987">Savoy Records PJS6, 1987</ref> credited Madonna as "Second Vocal (Special Guest)" though this was untrue.<ref>''Critical Vision'', edited by David Kerekes and David Slater, 1995, ISBN 0-9523288-0-1, page 156</ref><ref>(London) Evening News, September 22, 1987</ref><ref>"Madonna to sue over 'porn' disc", ''Daily Mail'', September 23, 1987</ref>


==1990s==
==1990s==
In the early 1990s Proby was offered a [[recording contract]] by John G. Sutton from the [[Preston, Lancashire|Preston]]-based J'Ace Records. This led to the release of a single, "Stage of Fools", and an album, ''Thanks''. It was distributed internationally by [[BMG]].
In the early 1990s Proby, with J'Ace Records, he made a single, "Stage of Fools", and an album, ''Thanks''. It was distributed by [[BMG]]. [[Granada TV]] featured Proby in a documentary.


[[Granada TV]] featured Proby in a documentary around this time. Subsequently, Proby suffered a heart attack whilst on holiday in Florida in 1992 which curtailed his activities until the following year. Then he reappeared on stage as himself in the biographical musical ''Good Rockin' Tonight'', followed by playing [[Roy Orbison]] in ''Only The Lonely''. A year later Proby returned to a new production of ''Elvis – The Musical'', and released the album ''Legend''.<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903811/reddevil.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> The album featured songwriting and production contributions from [[Marc Almond]], and Neal X from [[Sigue Sigue Sputnik]]. A resulting single, "Yesterday Has Gone", a [[duet (music)|duet]] with Almond, reached number 58 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] at the end of 1996.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
A heart attack on holiday in Florida in 1992 curtailed his activities until the following year. Then he reappeared on stage as himself in the musical ''Good Rockin' Tonight'', followed by playing [[Roy Orbison]] in ''Only The Lonely''. A year later Proby returned to a new production of ''Elvis – The Musical'', and made the album ''Legend''.<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903811/reddevil.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> It had songwriting and production from [[Marc Almond]], and Neal X from [[Sigue Sigue Sputnik]]. A single, "Yesterday Has Gone", a [[duet (music)|duet]] with Almond, reached 58 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] at the end of 1996.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
| first= David
| first= David
| last= Roberts
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| page= 440}}</ref>


In 1997, Proby toured with [[The Who]] in the United States and in Europe, performing as 'The Godfather' in the road production of ''[[Quadrophenia]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewho.com/index.php?module=movies&movies_item_id=87|title=Tommy & Quadrophenia Live|accessdate=December 23, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kathyszaksite.com/q97euro.html |title=Kathyszaksite |publisher=Kathyszaksite |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> After ''Quadrophenia'', Proby continued singing by doing performances in UK, Sweden,<ref>{{cite web|author=Björn Lund |url=http://home2.swipnet.se/~w-25396/gotakallare.html |title=Home2.swipnet |publisher=Home2.swipnet.se |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> Denmark<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903811/randers.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> and Germany.<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903813/pjinberlin.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref>
In 1997, Proby toured with [[The Who]] in the United States and Europe, performing as 'The Godfather' in the road production of ''[[Quadrophenia]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewho.com/index.php?module=movies&movies_item_id=87|title=Tommy & Quadrophenia Live|accessdate=December 23, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kathyszaksite.com/q97euro.html |title=Kathyszaksite |publisher=Kathyszaksite |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> After ''Quadrophenia'', Proby played the UK, Sweden,<ref>{{cite web|author=Björn Lund |url=http://home2.swipnet.se/~w-25396/gotakallare.html |title=Home2.swipnet |publisher=Home2.swipnet.se |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref> Denmark<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903811/randers.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> and Germany.<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903813/pjinberlin.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref>


===The London stage===
In 1993 Proby appeared in the Jack Good biographical musical ''Good Rockin' Tonite''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://today.answers.com/topic/i-j-good |title=Answers.com: I.J. Good |publisher=Today.answers.com |accessdate=November 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u42210721/goodrockinprogramme.htm] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> – as himself. Two years later in 1995, Proby appeared in the [[Roy Orbison]] tribute show, ''Only The Lonely''. By 1996 Proby was acting again in ''Elvis – The Musical''.


==2000s==
==2000s==
In 2002, [[Van Morrison]] recorded a song for his album ''[[Down the Road (Van Morrison album)|Down the Road]]'' entitled "Whatever Happened to P.J. Proby?".
In 2002, [[Van Morrison]] recorded a song for his album ''[[Down the Road (Van Morrison album)|Down the Road]]'' entitled "Whatever Happened to P.J. Proby?".


In August 2004, he also toured in Australia. From February until May 2006, Proby was touring with the 'Solid Silver Sixties Show 2006' – and went through six road managers/drivers<ref>[http://www.flyingmusic.com/ss06_book.shtml]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> – throughout much of the UK, ending at the [[London Palladium]].<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903814/Palladium.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref>
In August 2004, he toured in Australia. From February until May 2006, Proby was with the 'Solid Silver Sixties Show 2006' – and went through six road managers/drivers<ref>[http://www.flyingmusic.com/ss06_book.shtml]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> – throughout much of the UK, ending at the [[London Palladium]].<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903814/Palladium.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref>


In November 2008, Proby celebrated his 70th birthday. To commemorate the year, [[EMI]] released a 25-track retrospective, ''[[Best of the EMI Years 1961-1972]]''. This featured [[A-side and B-side]] of his singles, eight rarities that debuted on the CD format, and two previously unreleased recordings (which were [[Les Reed (songwriter)|Les Reed]] and [[Barry Mason]]'s "[[Delilah (1968 song)|Delilah]]"; and [[Jim Ford]]'s "I'm Ahead If I Can Quit While I'm Behind"). Reed wrote the song "Delilah" for Proby's 1968 studio album ''Believe It Or Not'', but it was omitted from the finished release and instead became a hit single for [[Tom Jones (singer)|Tom Jones]]. Also around this time, Proby wrote and recorded a Christmas single entitled "The Bells of Christmas Day" along with local guitarist and producer, Andy Crump.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pjproby.net/|title=PJ Proby's official website|accessdate=2009-03-12}}</ref>
In November 2008, Proby celebrated his 70th birthday. [[EMI]] released a 25-track retrospective, ''[[Best of the EMI Years 1961-1972]]''. This featured his singles, eight rarities that debuted on the CD format, and two unreleased recordings ([[Les Reed (songwriter)|Les Reed]] and [[Barry Mason]]'s "[[Delilah (1968 song)|Delilah]]"; and [[Jim Ford]]'s "I'm Ahead If I Can Quit While I'm Behind"). Reed wrote "Delilah" for Proby's 1968 album ''Believe It Or Not'', but it was omitted and became a hit for [[Tom Jones (singer)|Tom Jones]]. Proby wrote and recorded a Christmas single entitled "The Bells of Christmas Day" with guitarist and producer, Andy Crump.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pjproby.net/|title=PJ Proby's official website|accessdate=2009-03-12}}</ref>


==2010s==
==2010s==
In 2010 PJ Proby toured in 'Sixties Gold'<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903812/CroydonVideo.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> another revival series of shows.
In 2010 PJ Proby toured in 'Sixties Gold'<ref>[http://web.telia.com/~u83903812/CroydonVideo.html] {{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> another revival series of shows.


In 2011, Proby was charged with nine charges of benefit fraud, including two counts of failing to declare savings and investments, and four of failing to inform the authorities of a change in circumstance. He pleaded not guilty to all of them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352911/60s-pop-star-PJ-Proby-charged-47-000-benefit-fraud.html#ixzz1CqbBxlp9|title=Sixties pop star PJ Proby charged with £47,000 benefit fraud|author=Claire Ellicott|work=Daily Mail |location=UK|date=February 2, 2011|accessdate=2011-02-02}}</ref> He was cleared of all charges at Worcester Crown Court in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-17402140| title=Singer PJ Proby cleared of benefit fraud|work=BBC News |location=UK|date=March 17, 2012|accessdate=March 16, 2012}}</ref> To celebrate the outcome of the trial Proby released a single featuring new songs "I'm PJ." and "We The Jury" (the latter song Proby penned).<ref name="pjproby1">{{cite web|url=http://www.pjproby.net/P-J-Proby-We-The-Jury-Im-PJ-2012-CD-Single.htm| title=P J Proby We The Jury/I'm PJ. (CD single)|location=UK|date=April 4, 2012|accessdate=April 4, 2012}}</ref>
In 2011, Proby was charged with nine charges of benefit fraud, including two of failing to declare savings and investments and four of not telling authorities of a change in circumstance. He pleaded not guilty to all of them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352911/60s-pop-star-PJ-Proby-charged-47-000-benefit-fraud.html#ixzz1CqbBxlp9|title=Sixties pop star PJ Proby charged with £47,000 benefit fraud|author=Claire Ellicott|work=Daily Mail |location=UK|date=February 2, 2011|accessdate=2011-02-02}}</ref> He was cleared of all charges at Worcester Crown Court in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-17402140| title=Singer PJ Proby cleared of benefit fraud|work=BBC News |location=UK|date=March 17, 2012|accessdate=March 16, 2012}}</ref> To celebrate, Proby recorded "I'm PJ." and "We The Jury" (which Proby wrote).<ref name="pjproby1">{{cite web|url=http://www.pjproby.net/P-J-Proby-We-The-Jury-Im-PJ-2012-CD-Single.htm| title=P J Proby We The Jury/I'm PJ. (CD single)|location=UK|date=April 4, 2012|accessdate=April 4, 2012}}</ref>


P.J. Proby is touring on the UK wide "Sixties Gold Tour" with Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Animals and Steve Ellis (who is replacing Chip Hawkes), between September and December 2012.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chimesinternational.com/artists/sixties_gold/index.htm |title=Chimes International |publisher=Chimes International |date= |accessdate=2012-10-01}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

Revision as of 04:44, 23 December 2014

P.J. Proby
P.J. Proby in 2007
P.J. Proby in 2007
Background information
Birth nameJames Marcus Smith
Born (1938-11-06) November 6, 1938 (age 85)
Houston, Texas, United States
GenresPop music, easy listening, r&b, soul, rock
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, actor
InstrumentVocals
Years active1957–present
LabelsDecca, London, Liberty, EMI, Select
WebsiteOfficial website

P.J. Proby (born James Marcus Smith, November 6, 1938) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He has also portrayed Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison in musical theater productions. The stage name P.J. Proby was suggested by a friend, Sharon Sheeley,[1] who had a boyfriend of that name at high school.

Proby recorded the singles "Hold Me", "Somewhere" and "Maria".[2] In 2008, he turned 70 and EMI released the Best of the EMI Years 1961–1972. He still writes and records on his own independent record label, Select Records, and performs in the UK in Sixties concerts.

Youth and early career

Proby was born in Houston, Texas, United States, and educated at San Marcos Military Academy, Culver Naval Academy and Western Military Academy. After graduation he moved to California to become a film actor and recording artist. Given the stage name Jett Powers by Hollywood agents Gabey, Lutz, Heller and Loeb,[3] he took acting and singing lessons and played small roles in films. Two singles, "Go, Girl, Go" and "Loud Perfume" appeared on an independent label. Proby was brought by Sharon Sheeley to audition at Liberty Records in 1961 and he recorded a number of unsuccessful singles. In 1962 he began writing songs and recording demos for artists such as Elvis Presley and Bobby Vee.

Success in Britain

Proby travelled to London after being introduced to Jack Good by Sheeley and Jackie DeShannon. He appeared on The Beatles' television special in 1964. Under Good, Proby had exuberantl UK top 20 hits in 1964 and 1965 including "Hold Me", "Together" (featuring guitarists Big Jim Sullivan and Jimmy Page), "Somewhere" and "Maria" (the last two from West Side Story). He also recorded the Lennon–McCartney composition "That Means a Lot", a song The Beatles attempted several times before giving it away.

Proby's UK career lost momentum after controversial live appearances including a trouser-splitting incident at a February 1965 show in Croydon, Surrey. They led to bans by the ABC theatre chain, its TV namesake and BBC TV.[4] Minor hits in 1966 were followed by flops, and in March 1968 "It's Your Day Today" gave Proby his last UK chart entry for nearly 30 years.

Back in the U.S.

In 1967 Proby scored his only Billboard Hot 100 Top 30 hit with "Niki Hoeky". In September 1968, he recorded Three Week Hero in 1969. A collection of country-style ballads mixed with blues, it used The New Yardbirds, later to become Led Zeppelin, as backing band. The album was produced by Steve Rowland.

1970s

The London stage and winning award

In 1971 he appeared as Cassio in a rock musical of Shakespeare's Othello, Catch My Soul.[5] He performed in cabaret and nightclubs, singing 1960s ballads and rhythm and blues. Signing with Good again in 1977, he portrayed Elvis Presley in Elvis – The Musical, winning a Best Musical of the Year award[6][unreliable source?].

Recording with Focus and return to night clubs

In 1978, Proby recorded Focus con Proby with the Dutch rock group Focus. He then returned to singing in clubs, before a change of direction.

1980s

In 1985, Proby recorded Gloria Jones's "Tainted Love" for Savoy Records, followed by covers of "Love Will Tear Us Apart", "Anarchy in the UK", Prince song "Sign o' the Times", "In the Air Tonight", and "Garbageman".

In 1987 his Savoy Records single "M9700 Hardcore"[7] credited Madonna as "Second Vocal (Special Guest)" though this was untrue.[8][9][10]

1990s

In the early 1990s Proby, with J'Ace Records, he made a single, "Stage of Fools", and an album, Thanks. It was distributed by BMG. Granada TV featured Proby in a documentary.

A heart attack on holiday in Florida in 1992 curtailed his activities until the following year. Then he reappeared on stage as himself in the musical Good Rockin' Tonight, followed by playing Roy Orbison in Only The Lonely. A year later Proby returned to a new production of Elvis – The Musical, and made the album Legend.[11] It had songwriting and production from Marc Almond, and Neal X from Sigue Sigue Sputnik. A single, "Yesterday Has Gone", a duet with Almond, reached 58 on the UK Singles Chart at the end of 1996.[12]

In 1997, Proby toured with The Who in the United States and Europe, performing as 'The Godfather' in the road production of Quadrophenia.[13][14] After Quadrophenia, Proby played the UK, Sweden,[15] Denmark[16] and Germany.[17]


2000s

In 2002, Van Morrison recorded a song for his album Down the Road entitled "Whatever Happened to P.J. Proby?".

In August 2004, he toured in Australia. From February until May 2006, Proby was with the 'Solid Silver Sixties Show 2006' – and went through six road managers/drivers[18] – throughout much of the UK, ending at the London Palladium.[19]

In November 2008, Proby celebrated his 70th birthday. EMI released a 25-track retrospective, Best of the EMI Years 1961-1972. This featured his singles, eight rarities that debuted on the CD format, and two unreleased recordings (Les Reed and Barry Mason's "Delilah"; and Jim Ford's "I'm Ahead If I Can Quit While I'm Behind"). Reed wrote "Delilah" for Proby's 1968 album Believe It Or Not, but it was omitted and became a hit for Tom Jones. Proby wrote and recorded a Christmas single entitled "The Bells of Christmas Day" with guitarist and producer, Andy Crump.[20]

2010s

In 2010 PJ Proby toured in 'Sixties Gold'[21] another revival series of shows.

In 2011, Proby was charged with nine charges of benefit fraud, including two of failing to declare savings and investments and four of not telling authorities of a change in circumstance. He pleaded not guilty to all of them.[22] He was cleared of all charges at Worcester Crown Court in 2012.[23] To celebrate, Proby recorded "I'm PJ." and "We The Jury" (which Proby wrote).[24]


Discography

Albums

  • I Am P.J. Proby (1964) – UK Number 16
  • P.J. Proby (1965)
  • P.J. Proby in Town (1965)
  • Enigma (1966)
  • Phenomenon (1967)
  • Believe It or Not (1968)
  • Three Week Hero (1969)
  • California License (1970)
  • I'm Yours (1972)
  • Focus con Proby (1978)
  • The Hero (1981)
  • Clown Shoes (1987)
  • Thanks (1991)
  • The Enigma in Gold – Volume 1
  • P.J. Proby Reads Lord Horror (1999, spoken word album with musical accompaniment)
  • The Waste Land (1999, spoken word album of T S Eliot's poem)
  • Memories (2003)
  • Sentimental Journeys (2003)
  • Wanted (2003)

Compilations

Early singles discography

Jett Powers

  • "Go, Girl, Go"/"Teen Age Quarrel" (March 1958)
  • "Loud Perfume"/"My Troubles" (September 1959)

P.J. Proby

  • "Try To Forget Her"/"There Stands The One" (1961)
  • "The Other Side of Town"/"Watch Me Walk Away" (1962)
  • "So Do I"/"I Can't Take It Like You Can" (1963)

Orville Woods

  • "Wicked Woman"/"Darlin'" (1963)

Selected singles discography

  • "Hold Me" (1964) – UK Number 3, Canada Number 5
  • "Together" (1964) – UK Number 8
  • "Somewhere" (1964) – UK Number 6, Canada Number 17
  • "I Apologise" (1965) – UK Number 11
  • "Rockin' Pneumonia (1965) – Canada Number 34
  • "Mission Bell" (1965) – Australia Number 3
  • "Let The Water Run Down" (1965) – UK Number 19, Canada Number 30
  • "That Means A Lot" (1965) – UK Number 30
  • "Maria" (1965) – UK Number 8
  • "You've Come Back" (1966) – UK Number 25
  • "To Make A Big Man Cry" (1966) – UK Number 34
  • "I Can't Make It Alone" (1966) – UK Number 37
  • "Niki Hoeky" (1967) – US Number 23, Canada Number 22
  • "Butterfly High" (1967)
  • "It's Your Day Today" (1968) – UK Number 32
  • "The Day That Lorraine Came Down" (1968)
  • "Hanging From Your Loving Tree" (1969)
  • "Today I Killed A Man" (1969)
  • "It's Goodbye" (1970)
  • "We'll Meet Again" (1972)
  • "Tainted Love" (1985)
  • "Love Will Tear Us Apart" (1985)
  • "Anarchy in the UK" (1987)[25]
  • "M97002 Hardcore" (1987)[7]
  • "Sign 'o' the Times" (1989)[26]
  • "In the Air Tonight" (1990)
  • "Garbageman" (1990)
  • "Stage of Fools" (1990) – (J'Ace Records)
  • "Yesterday Has Gone" (1996) – UK Number 58 (Credited to P. J. Proby and Marc Almond featuring the My Life Story Orchestra)
  • "Love Me Tender" (2004)
  • "Oh My Papa" (2004)
  • "The Bells of Christmas Day" (2008)
  • "We The Jury/I'm PJ." (2012)[24]

References

  1. ^ "Biography". Rockabillyhall.com. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  2. ^ "P J Proby UK Chart Stats". Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  3. ^ [1][dead link]
  4. ^ Guinness Book of Rock Stars, Dafydd Rees & Luke Crampton, 1991
  5. ^ "Home.online info". Home.online.no. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  6. ^ Angie, Fumble (November 28, 1977). "Best Musical of the Year". Fumbleontheweb.com. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  7. ^ a b Savoy Records PJS6, 1987
  8. ^ Critical Vision, edited by David Kerekes and David Slater, 1995, ISBN 0-9523288-0-1, page 156
  9. ^ (London) Evening News, September 22, 1987
  10. ^ "Madonna to sue over 'porn' disc", Daily Mail, September 23, 1987
  11. ^ [2] [dead link]
  12. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 440. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  13. ^ "Tommy & Quadrophenia Live". Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  14. ^ "Kathyszaksite". Kathyszaksite. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  15. ^ Björn Lund. "Home2.swipnet". Home2.swipnet.se. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  16. ^ [3] [dead link]
  17. ^ [4] [dead link]
  18. ^ [5][dead link]
  19. ^ [6] [dead link]
  20. ^ "PJ Proby's official website". Retrieved March 12, 2009.
  21. ^ [7] [dead link]
  22. ^ Claire Ellicott (February 2, 2011). "Sixties pop star PJ Proby charged with £47,000 benefit fraud". Daily Mail. UK. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
  23. ^ "Singer PJ Proby cleared of benefit fraud". BBC News. UK. March 17, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  24. ^ a b "P J Proby We The Jury/I'm PJ. (CD single)". UK. April 4, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  25. ^ "Savoy Records: Anarchy in the UK". Savoy.abel.co.uk. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  26. ^ "Savoy Records: Sign O The Times". Savoy.abel.co.uk. Retrieved November 13, 2011.

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