Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames

Georgie Fame b. Clive Powell, 26 June 1943; Leigh, Lancashire: vocals and keyboards [See Frame (1997:25) for various lineups.] Left: Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames (John McLaughlin, second from end)   1959   [Fame age 15-16] After playing piano in Lancashire groups, Powell moves to London to pursue his career. Lionel Bart thought enough of Powell to recommend him to pop mogul, Larry Parnes. Parnes renames him Georgie Fame and tries him as a solo singer, but eventually decides that his musical skills are more useful accompanying his other singers. Fame becomes the leader of bands accompanying British singers Marty Wilde and Vince Eager, and supports American Eddie Cochran on his tour. Eventually, he joins Billy Fury’s Blue Flames on a regular basis.

1962   [Fame age 18-19]

In an attempt to capitalize on their success, Fury replaces the Blue Flames with the Tornados. Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames were dissatisfied with Fury's soft rock and ballads and wanted to play more rhythm and blues (Frame 1997:25). Rik Gunnell becomes his manager.

February: GFatBF become regulars at the Flamingo (a Soho jazz club) where they arrive to play twist sessions. However, they win audiences and convert the club from modern jazz to a mix of jazz, r&b, and blue beat (ska).

Lineup: Tex Makins (bass), Speedy Acquaye (congas), Georgie Fame (piano, vocals), Mick Eve (tenor saxophone), Red Reece (drums), Johnny Marshall (baritone sax), John McLaughlin (guitar).

1963   [Fame age 19-20]

As the beat boom spreads across England, Georgie Fame signs with EMI Columbia and records live album at the Flamingo (September).

September: "J. A. Blues" / "Orange Street" (instrumentals)

December: "Stop Right Here" / "Rik's Tune" (instrumentals)

1964   [Fame age 20-21]

January: "Do the Dog" / "Shop Around" March: Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames appear on Ready - Steady - Go, the first ensemble to play live on the influential British television program. The band generates a reputation for their live performances tinged with jazz, blues, and, soon, reggae and ska. ——. Rhythm and Blues at the Flamingo (Columbia): recorded September 1963, produced by Ian Samwell, engineered by Glyn Johns. [Big Jim Sullivan (guitar), Boots Slade (bass)] April: "Do-Re-Mi" / "Green Onions" July: "Bend a Little" / "I'm in Love with You" September: Fame at Last (UK #6) December: "Yeh Yeh" / "Preach and Teach"

1965   [Fame age 21-22]

February: "In the Meantime" / "Telegram" (UK #22)

July: "Like We Used to Do" / "It Ain't Right" (UK #33)

October: "Something" / "Outrage" (UK #23)

Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames taped their appearances on American television in part because the band included a mix of English, Jamaican, and Ghanaian musicians with complicated immigration statuses.

London	Schedule	The Honeycombs
	20-Feb-2012