Speedy Keen
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Speedy Keen |
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John David Percy Keen (29 March 1945 – 21 March 2002)[1] also known as John "Speedy" Keene, "Speedy" Keene or John Keen, was a vocalist and keyboard player, best known for his association with the rock band, Thunderclap Newman. He wrote "Something in the Air" (1969) for the band, which reached #1 in the UK Singles Chart.[2]
Career
Keen was born in Ealing, London. Before joining Thunderclap Newman, Keen shared a flat and worked as a chauffeur for Pete Townshend of The Who. He is famous among fans of The Who for writing "Armenia City in the Sky" which was recorded on the album The Who Sell Out (1967).[1] This was the only song The Who ever performed that was specifically written for the group by a non-member. He also wrote "Something in the Air" for Thunderclap Newman and was later a record producer for The Heartbreakers and Motörhead.
As a session musician Keen played for others such as, Rod Stewart, The Lightning Seeds, The Mission and Kenny G. He also provided music for television advertisements and television programmes such as The Zoo.
Keene died of heart failure in March 2002, at the age of 56.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Thedeadrockstarsclub.com - accessed December 2010
- ^ "Thunderclap Newman". NME. nme.com. Retrieved 2008-11-15.