| THE
FORTUNES (ARTIST BIOGRAPHY)
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 Ten.
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.
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, their first single
“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. The Fortunes had a steady
succession of world-wide hits culminating in 1972, with the release
of “Storm in a Teacup”. During this period, The Fortunes were also
one-time the voices for the US Coca Cola adverts (“It’s The Real
Thing”).
Present day history
Founding member, and lead vocalist, Rod Allen has continued fronting
an ever changing version of The Fortunes since 1963.
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 classic “Without
You”, made famous by Harry Nilsson, and more recently 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 60s recordings; but there is also a touring US group
that features none of the original hit-makers.
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.
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. |
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