Tonight's show will be celebrating The Swinging Sixties and the Sensational Seventies
The Fortunes first came to prominence and international acclaim in 1965, when "You've Got Your Troubles" broke into the US, Canadian and UK Top 10s. Afterwards they had a succession of hits including "Here It Comes Again" and "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again"; continuing into the 1970s with more globally successful releases such as "Storm in a Teacup" and "Freedom Come, Freedom Go".
The band are celebrating over 60 years since the release of their 1965 Number one Global Smash Hit "You've Got Your Troubles"
The Fortunes utilised their incredible vocal harmonies to some of the most melodic and enduring pop songs recorded during the 1960s and 70s by showcasing the talents of hit songwriting team Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook amongst others. A second Fortunes single 'Caroline' released the following year was adopted by the pirate radio station "Caroline" as its theme tune.
The Fortunes fifth single was a ballad written by Roger Greenaway & Roger Cook and the recording featured lavish instrumentation as well as the now trademark 3-part harmonies. The song "You've Got Your Troubles", suited the band's image perfectly with the record reaching the top spot in the British charts in August of 1965 and climbing to No. 7 in the U.S. charts.
With a hit formula now established, a follow-up "Here It Comes Again" (also composed by Greenaway and Cook) was released soon after and gained a top 5 chart placing. With this success, The band continued have success throughout the 60's.
In 1971 the group hooked up once again to writers/producers Greenaway and Cook. The result of this partnership was a new single "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" which gained the Fortunes anoth British Smash hit. The comeback was complete when the next single "Freedom Come Freedom Go" made No. 6 in the British charts followed by "Storm In A Teacup" written by Lynsey De Paul a year later also making it into the top ten.
The Band continued to tour constantly. As the 70's declined and the 80's approached, the kind of work open for sixties artists changed. The Cabaret Circuit was 'in vogue' and the grungy 70's look was replaced by the velvet suits and the collar and tie.
Early in 1983, Rod and Barry went to see Michael Smitham perform at a show in Coventry and asked him to join The Fortunes. Sadly Rod and Barry have passed away but After over 40 years Michael Smitham still carries The Fortunes Torch.
The band continued very successfully throughout the 80's, and in '87 especially, The Fortunes had a big success in Holland and The Benelux Countries with a hit album named "All The Hits and More" recorded in Holland.
This record and CD sold over 100,000 copies and earned them a Gold Disc, given live on Dutch television! Lots of TV shows and radio appearances followed and The Fortunes again became very popular in Holland. Up to the 90's, trips to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore, Dubai and other Emirates followed in quick succession.
Throughout the late '90's and the '00's The Fortunes continued to tour the world and built on their reputation as one of the finest harmony bands in Europe. Australia, New Zealand, The Middle East were all re-visited and British and European tours with other artists.
Eddie Mooney of 'The Dakotas' fame, joined the band over a decade ago.
The Fortunes still continue to record new albums to this day and have recently toured Canada, played Las Vegas and have topped the bill in shows in Holland, Belgium, Sweden and Germany.
The latest contribution to the band come in the guise of former 'Marmalade' drummer Glenn Taylor. The band will perform a Marmalade song to showcase this addition.
This band just keeps on going and keeps on giving.
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The 60's and 70's Music helped define the future of Music as we know it today. The Golden era will always be there even though new generations are coming along the love of the original British Beat still pounds in the hearts of everyone.
This will be a great trip down memory lane
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