The Fortunes

The Fortunes are an archetypal English beat group. Formed in Birmingham, The Fortunes first came to prominence and international acclaim in 1965, when "You've Got Your Troubles" broke into the American and British Top Tens. In 1966, their manager Reginald Calvert was shot dead in a dispute over Pirate radio stations.

Classic band line-up

* Rod Allen - born Rodney Bainbridge, 31 March 1944, Leicester – died 10 January 2008, Coventry [http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,,2241893,00.html The Guardian obituary on Rod Allen - 17 January 2008, by Dave Laing] ] - lead vocalist and bassist
* Glen Dale - born Richard Garforth, 24 April 1943, Deal, Kent - guitarist - up to 1966
* Shel Macrae - born Andrew Raeburn Semple, 8 March 1943, Burnbank, Scotland - co-lead vocalist, guitarist - from 1966
* Barry Pritchard - born 3 April 1944, Birmingham – died 11 January 1999 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kbfuxqy5ld6e~T1 All Music Guide biography - accessed January 2008] ] - guitarist
* Andy Brown - born Andrew Brown, 7 January 1946, Birmingham - drummer
* David Carr - born 4 August 1943, Leyton, London - keyboards

Biography

Following in the wake of Merseybeat, and the R&B of The Rolling Stones, The Fortunes added another dimension to the sound of pop, with their sophisticated orchestration, dual lead vocals and well worked counter-melodies.Fact|date=January 2008

The result was a succession of distinctive hits including "You've Got Your Troubles", "Here It Comes Again" (both 1965), and "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again"; even continuing into the 1970s with more globally successful releases such as "Storm in a Teacup" and "Freedom Come, Freedom Go".

Originally a trio called The Cliftones, they signed to Decca in the UK in 1963. Their first single as The Fortunes, "Summertime, Summertime," was oddly credited to both groups. "Summertime Summertime" went unnoticed, but the follow-up in 1964, "Caroline", was used as the signature tune for the influential pirate radio station, Radio Caroline. However, their next two follow-up singles "I Like The Look Of You" and "Look Homeward Angel") failed. Nonetheless, "You've Got Your Troubles" (1965) got to #2 in the UK Singles Chart and was a worldwide hit, including reaching #1 in Canada. Their next two singles "Here It Comes Again" and "This Golden Ring" sold well, but each less than the previous release. Glen Dale left the band in the summer of 1966 seeking a solo career, and was replaced by the Scottish guitarist, Shel McCrae. Three more singles ("You Gave Me Somebody To Love", "Is It Really Worth Your While?" and "Our Love Has Gone") all failed to chart and at this point, The Fortunes left Decca for United Artists.

They first tried covering The Move's hit "Fire Brigade" for the U.S. market, but with little airplay or sales. Next, they were joined with the record producer, Shel Talmy, for their next release, "The Idol", and although it did get some airplay in the UK, it did not become a hit. In 1970, they recorded an album for the U.S. World Pacific record label, and then signed with Capitol in both the UK and U.S. in 1971.

The Fortunes had a steady succession of singles, some of which were hits outside of the UK and U.S., culminating in 1972, with the release of "Storm in a Teacup". During this period, they had another worldwide hit "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling" (1971). The Fortunes were also the voices for the American Coca-Cola advertisements. [http://www.thefortunes.co.uk/biography.htm The Fortunes official website] ] Their first recording in 1967 was a version of the theme tune, "Things Go Better With Coke", but they are most remembered for introducing the 1969 new slogan recording, used as the main theme for Coca-Cola on both radio and television commercials; "It's The Real Thing".

Present day history

Founding member, and lead vocalist, Allen continued fronting an ever changing version of The Fortunes from 1963 up to his death.

The Fortunes were awarded a gold disc in 1987, for over 100,000 sales of their "All The Hits and More" album.

In March 1995 vocalist/keyboard/guitar player Bob Jackson was added to The Fortunes' ranks. Jackson, who was a former member of the group Badfinger, now leads the band through a tribute to his former group, including a version of the Badfinger penned song, "Without You", made famous by Harry Nilsson, and more recently by Mariah Carey. A more recent addition to The Fortunes present day personnel is Geoff Turton. He was originally a member of the Birmingham based band, The Rockin' Berries who had hits with "He's In Town" and "Poor Man's Son". He also had a certain amount of success under the 'nom de plume' Jefferson both at home and in the U.S.

The Fortunes continue to tour to this day, appearing on the nostalgia circuit. The UK line-up features those who appeared on their popular 1960s recordings; but there is also a touring U.S. group that features none of the original hit-makers.

On 10 January 2008, the last remaining member of the original group, Rod Allen, died after suffering for two months from liver cancer. The remaining members of the band have said they would continue touring and recruited The Dakotas lead singer Eddie Mooney. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7183281.stm BBC.co.uk - website news - accessed January 2008] ]

UK chart hit singles

* "You've Got Your Troubles" - 1965 - Number 2.
* "Here It Comes Again " - 1965 - Number 4.
* "This Golden Ring" - 1966 - Number 15.
* "Freedom Come, Freedom Go" - 1971 - Number 6.
* "Storm in a Teacup" - 1972 - Number 7 (written by Lynsey de Paul and Ron Roker).cite book
first= David
last= Roberts
year= 2006
title= British Hit Singles & Albums
edition= 19th
publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
location= London
pages= p. 208
id= ISBN 1-904994-10-5]

U.S. chart hit singles

* "You've Got Your Troubles" - 1965 - Number 7.
* "Here It Comes Again" - 1965 - Number 27.
* "This Golden Ring" - 1966 - Number 82.
* "That Same Old Feeling" - 1970 - Number 62 (competing with the original version by Pickettywitch).
* "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" - 1971 - Number 15.
* "Freedom Come, Freedom Go" - 1971 - Number 72.

ee also

*List of Capitol Records artists
*List of NME covers
*List of performers on Top of the Pops
*List of artists under the Decca Records label
*Arts in Birmingham

References

External links

* [http://www.thefortunes.co.uk/ The Official Fortunes website]
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:alkmikn6bbf9~T0 The Fortunes biography at the AMG web site]
* [http://www.zoneextra.co.uk/ The Official Fortunes Webpage] Backed by the band on The Zone Website