Lulu and the Luvvers
Lulu: vocals
 b. Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, 3 November 1948, Lennox Castle, Lennoxtown, Glasgow, Scotland.
Ross Nelson: lead guitar
James (Jim) Dewer: rhythm guitar
Alexander (Alec) Bell: guitar/keyboards
James (Jimmy) Smith: saxophone
Anthony (Tony) Tierney: bass guitar
David Miller: drums
 
1963  [age 14-15]
Glasgow: Marie Lawrie entered a number of talent contests as a child singer, but with the sudden explosion of "beat music" in Britain, she joined a group, The Gleneagles and played in clubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Their regular Sunday night spot was at Glasgow's Lindella Club where Marion Massey came in search of an act she could promote.
Massey: "She [Lulu] looked so peculiar that first time I saw her. Her hair was in curlers underneath a fur beret. She had a terrible cold, was very pale and wore three jumpers. But I was very intrigued by her. It wasn't her singing; there was something tremendously magnetic about this girl. I knew she had the makings of a great star."
One of the first things she did was to have them change their name to Lulu and the Luvvers (possibly in imitation of Joe Brown's band, The Bruvvers), and began seeking a recording contract.
After Norrie Paramour at EMI's Columbia rejected them, Decca signed Lulu and veteran producer Peter Sullivan set to build on her talent and on her potential.
 
1964 [age 15-16]
14 May. "Shout" [/"Forget Me Baby"] (Decca F 11884) enters the UK charts. UK #7.
With the success of "Shout," Lulu and the Luvvers begin touring the UK to promote the record. The touring, however, took its toll on the band and the membership began changing.
August. "Can't Hear You No More"/"I Am in Love" (Decca F11965) released. No chart action.
4 October. The film, UK Swings Again opens featuring Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, the Hollies, the Swinging Blue Jeans, Lulu and the Luvvers, the Applejacks, the Animals and the Tornados.
12 November. "Here Comes the Night" [/"That's Really Some Good"] (Decca F12017) enters the UK charts. UK #50.
1965 [age 16-17]
January. "Satisfied"/"Surprise Surprise" (Decca F12128) released. No chart action.
25 May. Brighton/ITV: British Song Festival Lulu and the Luvvers appear with Elkie Brooks, Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders, Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, Manfred Mann, Julie Rogers, and Mark Wynter.
17 June. "Leave a Little Love" [UK #8; Decca F12169] enters the UK charts.
2 September. "Try to Understand" [UK #25; Decca F12214] enters the UK charts.
November? "Tell Me Like It Is" [Decca F12254] released.
Something to Shout About [Decca LP, LK 4719 (Mono)] released.
 
1966 [age 17-18]
5 January. Lulu and the Luvvers appear on BBC-1's A Whole Scene Going television program with Spike Milligan and The Who.
---. "Call Me" [Decca F12326]
After a series of unsuccessful releases, Lulu and her management decide to take her solo and release the Luvvers. The Luvvers release an unsuccessful single and disband. Guitarist Jim Dewer eventually became Robin Trower's bassist as well as a solo artist in his own right.
23 September. "What a Wonderful Feeling" [Decca F12491] released.
Lulu signs with EMI's Columbia and takes on Mickie Most as her producer.
Lulu and Most would have a string of modest hits in 1967-69. She also began appearing on stage. In 1967, she appeared in the hit film, To Sir with Love and sang the title song which would become her biggest trans-Atlantic hit.
Information and image sources:
www.lulu.co.uk/
groups.msn.com/TheSixtiesPleasureZone/lulu.msnw
www.geocities.com/fabgear6366/lulu.htm
Northerners Schedule Londoners