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John Leyton began as an actor and it was as such that he was taken on by Robert Stigwood who was building up a new theatrical agency. His first significant booking from this was in the TV series 'Biggles', but better roles were elusive and Stigwood asked Leyton if he could sing. This led to a series of auditions with various recording studios including that of independent producer Joe Meek. Unlike the other companies, Meek was unconcerned about Leyton's initial lack of singing experience but was impressed by the young actor's good looks. Leyton's first release, the tragedic 'Tell Laura I Love Her' missed out to another version by hitherto unknown singer, Ricky Valance. Similarly, the Meek inspired 'Girl On The Floor Above' was also ignored by record buyers and, although John's confidence as a singer was growing, chances of a career in Pop music then looked thin. However, at this time Leyton had secured the part of 'Johnny St. Cyr' -a pop star -in a new TV series called 'Harper's West One'. Joe Meek's close associate Geoff Goddard had just written 'Johnny Remember Me' and Meek's sound engineering skills gave Leyton's rendition of it a truly ethereal sound. With Stigwood's influence, arrangements were made for John Leyton to sing the song as part of the TV drama. |
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All John Leyton's EPs are very sought after because most of his recordings were made in association with Joe Meek. The one shown on the right (SEG8843) is no exception. |
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This huge hit was followed by further recordings from the Meek/Goddard/Leyton team, and they are certainly among the best examples of work from the remarkable sound producer. However, by the beginning of 1963 Stigwood unwisely decided to transfer Leyton to EMI's Abbey Road. The quality of recorded sound immediately improved and showed that Leyton actually had a good singing voice, but unfortunately the excitement had also gone along with the distortion. Luckily for John Leyton, his acting career had taken off with a part in the film 'The Great Escape'. Despite trying to give John's music more of a 'group' sound by giving him a backing group, 'The Le Roys', his chart career faded out by the beginning of 1964. John Leyton finds time occasionally to return to the stage just to check that his fans really still do remember him. |
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