Hull’s Musical Heritage
David Whitfield
D
avid Whitfield was born in the Drypool area of Hull in 1926, a year that saw John Logie Baird demonstrate his television. It was also the year in which John Coltrane and Dame Joan Sutherland were born. 1926 was a great year for the musical industry. His family lived on Albert’s Terrace, which was located just off Clarence David Whitfield in an early promotional photograph Street. Sadly the house and street no longer exist. During his formative years, the Whitfield’s also At the end of 1945, David relocated to the Far East, and was part of the lived in Harcourt Street, and Entertainment Division that Beaumont Street. performed for the soldiers based David attended St. Peter’s School on overseas, and he left the Royal Church Street, and it was there that Navy in 1949, a process known as he gained links to St. Peter’s Church being Demobbed. where his love of singing started. During this time, David entered a After leaving school, he joined the talent show in Southampton, but he Royal Navy. Aged 17, serving in the was disqualified because the rules stated that the act had to complete Far East, and also on HMS Ramillies during the Second World their act in it’s entirety. David was unable to complete his because the War. As a seaman gunner on the audience applauded so loudly, and Ramillies, David was part of the D-Day Landings, protecting the area therefore the judges were unable to hear the last part of his song. known as Sword Beach A major turing point in David’s career was being persuaded to enter a heat of the popular talent show, Opportunity Knocks.
HMS Ramillies - A Battleship on which David Whitfield served during the D-Day Landings
The show was hosted by Hughie Green, and broadcast on Radio Luxembourg, a commercial station in the days of BBC radio having complete control of broadcasting.
His contact with Hughie Green, led to a one off performance at the Criterion Hotel, London in December 1951. After this show, David was offered a regular singing role by Cecil Landau, a local impresario, at the Washington Hotel in London’s West End, where he was earning in the region of £10 per week.
David Whitfield, in a more relaxed promotional photograph
David was offered the opportunity to tour with Opportunity Knocks, and he also broadcast regularily on Radio Luxembourg, but at the end of his 8 month contract, David unfortunately found himself without work. David returned north to Hull, and worked as a coalman’s assistant, before moving into the world of concrete preparation, where he spent his working life loading cement onto lorries to be dispatched out to the new housing and infrastructure contracts that were so prevalent in post-war Britain. During that time, singing was still a huge part of David’s life, and he continued to perform in Working Men’s Clubs around Hull and the East Riding, earning around 30 shillings, or around £2 per performance, a figure that would equate to around £80 in 2015’s money.
During his time at the Washington, one of the executives at the Decca Recording Company was in the audience, and approached David to offer him a test recording. After this recording had taken place, Decca offered David a full recording contract.
Decca Records with whom David Whitfield released all of his singles and albums.
The start of 1953 saw David in the Decca Studios recording his first platter, “Marta” together with Nat Temple and his orchestra. In it’s first month after release, single sales had reached 20,000, which was considered to be very good considering that it was the first record from a relatively unknown artist. The second release, “I Believe”, sold better than the first, and espite strong competition from Frankie Laine, it sold 75,000 copies.
With “I Believe”, David also entered and won the International Song Festival, a forerunner to the present day competition, the Eurovision Song Contest”, which took place in Knokke-le-Zoute, in Belgium. Throughout 1953, David continued to tour around the United Kingdom, and, in many of his venues, was given top billing, through his links to Decca, and the quality of his voice. The next track, “Answer Me”, beat Frankie Laine to the top spot in the charts, and went on to sell 700,000 copies, despite the BBC initially banning it from their playlist, due to the religious context of some of the lyrics. 1954, saw David increase his profile in the UK, with further appearances in Variety Theatre, this saw him fly to Belfast to appear in the Songwriters Guild Concert, performing with the orchestra and company of London’s Victoria Palace Theatre.
The statue of David Whitfield, located in Kingston Square, outside Hull New Theatre
Cara Mia - David Whitfield’s biggest hit, at Number 1 for 10 consecutive weeks
The year would also see David record his most successful track, and the track that would become his signature tune, Cara Mia. It was first performed on 26 June 1954, in Blackpool, and at each of the performances, it was received with acclaim and a standing ovation. It was put on general sale by Decca on 1 July. Cara Mia, reached Number 1 by the middle of July, and sold 300,000 copies by the end of July. It stayed at Number 1 position for 10 consecutive weeks, the first track to ever achieve this, and it is a feat that has only been equalled or bettered on 5 other occasions since the UK singles chart started in 1952. The track eventually went on to sell 2.5 million copies, and for that achievement received a gold disc. Gold discs in the 1950’s had to sell a million copies, rather than the 400,000 that artists have to sell to receive one today.
After his appearances in America, David was invited for a film test by Joe Pasternak, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated producers. David passed this audition, and was offered a contract, meaning that the boy from Hull, would be moving over the Atlantic.
David and Sabrina at the 1956 Royal Variety Perfomance before it was cancelled.
David continued to tour the UK, and was invited to perform for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance on 3 separate occasions. Other performers on the bill that included Noel Coward, Bob Hope, Howard Keel, and Frankie Laine.
David decided not to take up this offer, and there are various reasons that have been mooted for this, from home sickness, to causing problems on the Variety Circuit back in the UK. Whatever the reason, Hollywood called, but it couldn’t tempt David to move away. Towards the end of 1954, the razzle dazzle of America, was replaced with the calming influences of Switzerland. David was suffering with throat problems, and a period of convalescence followed.
After the success of Cara Mia in the UK, the success continued across the Atlantic, and David was invited to perform on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town. America was, and continues to be, a difficult market to break. David’s first performance on the show was just two songs, but that was enough to jam the switchboard of CBS, the show’s maker, all wanting more information about this talented singer. He performed on a show a further 6 times, and on the 7th and final appearance, the US audience rating for the programme was over 65 million people.
David Whitfield, a powerful tenor, with a worldwide following of loyal fans
After David returned to England, he returned to more chart success with 4 more releases, all of which reached the Top 20. “Beyond the Stars”, “Mama”, and “When You Lose The One You Love” all sold well, but the track “Everywhere” was the most successful of the quartet, reaching Number 3. Throughout the 1950’s, David continued to have hits that reached the Top 10, but with Rock and Roll now having more of an influence over music, the ballad style was harder to sell in the large numbers that were required to make an impact on the chart. The last release to make the Top 10 was “The Adoration Waltz” which reached Number 9 in March 1957. After this, the only major success was the theme song to the film “Sea Wife”, which starred Richard Burton, and Joan Collins, which gave great exposure in cinemas, but only reached Number 27 in the chart.
David Whitfield provided the theme song “Sea Wife” in 1957
One of David Whitfield’s many albums, that sold all across the world
As the sales declined, David returned to touring the country, performing in stage performances, and roles in pantomimes. The first pantomime role came at the end of 1957, as Robinson Crusoe opposite Arthur Askey and Tommy Cooper. Other pantomimes included Humpty Dumpty and Sleeping Beauty at venues across the North of England, Sheffield and Leeds being two of the cities visited. After his final chart success, a re-release of “I Believe” in 1960, David toured with various stage shows, the first of which being “Rose Marie”, which started in London’s Victoria Palace, before touring around the country taking in venues such as the Bristol Hippodrome, and Sheffield Lyceum. Whilst touring the UK, David toured the world, adding to the global following he had. Between 1954 and 1980, his travels took him to places such as the Far East, New Zealand and Australia. David also returned to North America, where his worldwide career started, and there was also a Forces tour taking in Malta, Libya and Cyprus.
His untimely death in January 1980, robbed the music industry of one of it’s earliest stars, but his music lives on in recordings, early video footage and photos from around the world.
A rare colour promotional photo taken of David Whitfield
It was on one of these tours, that David became unwell. On 15 January 1980, during his 13th tour of Australia, that he suffered a cerebral haemorrage. David was transferred to the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, where on admission he fell into a coma and was pronounced dead just over 2 hours after he was admitted into hospital. He was cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium in Sydney, and his ashes were then returned back to Hull. David’s ashes were carried on the frigate HMS Sirius out into the North Sea, and scattered at a point 5 miles southwest of Spurn Point. Looking back over David’s career, there were high and low points, but his legacy is that of a major recording artist, who entertained and wowed audiences all across the globe. The release of Cara Mia, and it’s run of 10 consecutive weeks at Number 1 is something that any artiste would be proud of. This feat has not equalled or beaten since Rhianna achieved it in 2007.
He is remembered in his home city of Hull, by a statue that sits proudly in Kingston Square, just outside the Hull New Theatre. The statue features David in a pose in front of a microphone, a image that sums up a man who performed and shared his music with millions across the world. The statue was unveiled in August 2012, before a show celebrating his life. Hull certainly has a rich heritage of culture, producing acts that have had chart success, but it all started with David Whitfield, a working class guy, born in the Drypool area of the city, who entertained his audiences with his rich, dulcet tones right up to his sad passing 35 years ago.
David Whitfield posing with his car, complete with personalised number plate
Who Followed In David Formed in 1982, Everything But The Girl comprised of Tracey Thorn, and Ben Watt. Although not originally from Hull, they met at the University of Hull, and performed as solo artists in 1982, before forming the duo. The band name came from the slogan for a shop, Turner’s Furniture, that advertised that they sold “Everything But The Girl”.
Mick Ronson
They had chart success from 1983 until 2002, but have not performed publicly since 2000.
As a child, he trained classically to play the recorder, piano, violin, and the harmonium
As a duo, they released 31 singles, 4 of which reached the Top 10 in the UK. The 2 most successful hits were “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” and the Todd Terry remix of a previously released track “Missing”, both of which reached Number 3.
Mick Ronson was a musician who played as a session artist with David Bowie, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Elton John, and John Mellencamp.
Ronson released five singles and six albums in his own right, he also released albums with David Bowie, Ian Hunter, and Bob Dylan. The most successful of Ronson’s albums was Slaughter on 10th Avenue, which reached Number 9 on the UK Album Chart in 1974.
They have also released 11 albums, with “Walking Wounded”, reaching number 3 in the Album Chart.
One of his last public performances was at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert, where he played guitar on Mott the Hoople’s “All The Young Dudes” and David Bowie’s “Heroes” although he was suffering at the time with terminal liver cancer. He died in 1993, aged 46. The Mick Ronson memorial stage was constructed in his honour, and is located in Queens Gardens, Hull.
Everything But The Girl
Whitfield’s Footsteps
The band Sade were formed in 1982 in London, but 3 of the original band members, Stuart Matthewman, Paul Denman, and Paul Cook, were born and raised in and around Hull. The band name is taken from the shortened form of the name of the lead singer, Helen Folasade Adu.
Joe Longthorne
Joe Longthorne’s career started early, as he was born into a show business family, with his parents both being travelling show artistes. Aged 14, he landed a place in, Yorkshire Television’s Junior Showtime, and from there, he started to perform professionally in the Northern club scene. In 1981, Joe worked on the LWT show, Search for a Star, which led to roles at the London Palladium, and The Talk of the Town.
Since being formed, there have also been two other members of the band, Andrew Hale, and Dave Early. Active from 1984, they have released 23 singles, the most successful of which was their debut single “Your Love Is King”, which reached Number 6 in the UK. They have also released 6 studio albums, 2 live albums, and 2 compilation albums, and performed on 6 tours. Their debut album, Diamond Life, sold 6 million copies around the world
A glittering career that could have been cut short, as in 1989, Joe was diagnosed with Lymphoma, and then leukemia. During his treatment, Joe continued to perform at high profile venues across the world. He has released 11 albums, but is more noted for his live shows across the world, and is back on tour in 2016.
Sade
Who Followed In David After the breakup of The Housemartins, two band members, Paul Heaton, and David Hemingway got together with Dave Rotheray and David Stead to form the Beautiful South in 1988.
As with The Housemartins, the band lineup changed throughout the active years between 1988 and 2007. Other band members included Briana Corrigan, Jacqui Abbott and Alison Wheeler
The Housemartins
The band formed in 1983, initially as a duo with Paul Heaton as the singer, Stan Cullimore on Guitar. Throughout the bands active period, 1983-1988, there were various other members of the group, including Chris Lang, Ted Key, and Norman Cook, the latter going on to have chart success with Beats International and as a solo artist, performing as Fatboy Slim.
The band released 34 singles, of which 5 reached the Top 10, and the most successful of those was, A Little Time, which received a gold award on it’s way to Number 1 in 1990. They also released 10 studio albums, and 5 compilation albums. In January 2007, the band split citing “Musical Similarities”, which was a play on a usual phrase used by bands splitting, “Musical Differences”.
The Housemartins had 2 Top Ten hits, “Happy Hour” reaching Number 3, and “Caravan of Love”, which reached Number 1, both released in 1986. Their discography was completed by 7 other singles, and 2 studio albums, “London 0 Hull 4” and “The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death”. In 2009, the band assembled for a photoshoot for Mojo Magazine and stated they were not interested in reforming.
The Beautiful South
Whitfield’s Footsteps
The Paddingtons were a 5 piece indie-rock band from Hull that were active between 2004 and 2008. The band comprised of Tom Atkin, Stuee Bevan, Josh Hubbard, and brothers Lloyd and Grant Dobbs, they toured across the UK, and supported Babyshambles on their tour in 2005.
Roland Gift
Roland Gift, originally from Birmingham, moved to Hull aged 11, where he studied at Kelvin Hall School, before moving to The Hull School of Art, whilst there he was a member of ska band, Akrylykz, as the saxophonist. After unsuccessful chart releases, Gift was approached by two members of “The Beat”, who Akrylykz had supported on tour. Andy Cox and David Steele spoke to Gift, asking him to join a new band, Fine Young Cannibals, as the lead singer. Between 1985 and 1997, the band released 14 singles, 5 of which reached the top 10 in the UK singles chart. The most successful of these was “She Drives Me Crazy”, which reached number 5 in the UK, but got to number 1 in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most importantly, in terms of kudos, the US, where it topped the Dance chart, and the prestigious Billboard Top 100.
They released 6 singles, with the track “Panic Attack” being the most successful, reaching Number 25 in May 2005. In addition to the single releases, the band have released 2 studio albums, First Comes First and No Mundane Options. Two compilation albums followed, “Bring Your Own Poison - The Rhythm Factory Sessions”, and “Back To The Bus”. In February 2010, the band released a 5 track EP, The Lady Boy Tapes, through Mama Bear Records.
The Paddingtons
David Whitfield’s Number One Successes
Cara Mia
Answer Me
Cara Mia why, must we say goodbye? Each time we part, my heart wants to die My darling hear my prayer Cara Mia fair Here are my arms, you alone will share
Answer me, oh my love Just what sin have I been guilty of Tell me how I came to lose my love Please answer me my love
All I want is you forever more To have, to hold, to love above all Cara Mia mine, say those words devine I’ll be your love, till the end of time All I want is you forever more To have, to hold, to love above all Cara Mia mine say those words devine I’ll be your love till the end of time
She was mine yesterday I believed that love was here to stay Won’t you tell me where I’ve gone astray Please answer me my love Is she happier without me Or does she still care If she thinks at all about me Please let her hear my prayer Let her know I’ve been true Send her back so we can start anew In my sorrow may I turn to you Please answer me my love Is she happier without me Or does she still care If she thinks at all about me Please let her hear my prayer Let her know I’ve been true Send her back so we can start anew In my sorrow may I turn to you Please answer me my love Please answer me my love