50s Bands and Singers


Jive and swing were in the ascendancy but the dawning of a new era was fast approaching as Bill Haley and The Comets encouraged audiences around the world to 'Rock Around The Clock' ably abetted by one Little Richard who was performing like no other pianist before him.

The raw edge of rock n' roll was tempered by the smooth, rich bluesy tones of legends Ray Charles, Billie Holliday, Sammy Davis Junior and 'Old Blue Eyes' himself, Frank Sinatra.

With so many exciting musical genres emerging, the 50's offers a diverse and dynamic array of sounds that can complement many a party occasion or classy corporate event. Just say the word and we will make it happen for you.

 

 

50s Bands and Singers Overview

Dr Teeth Big Band
Dr Teeth Big Band The Dr Teeth Big Band is a jump jive orchestra playing original and old swing and jive tunes in a contemporary style. Headed by vocalist and entertainer extraordinaire Dr Teeth, they play the music of the halcyon days of swing and jumping tunes from the likes of Louis Jordan, Ray Charles and Cab Calloway, numbers like Let The Good Times Roll and Minnie The Moocher.

Guaranteed to stir up a storm wherever it plays, the Dr Teeth Big Band is made up of nine talented professional musicians including professor of boogie-woogie piano, Simon Kemp.



Earl Jackson and the Jailbreakers
Earl Jackson and the JailbreakersA very talented 4 piece band with a great mixed and exciting selection of 50's material. A lively and wild jump around show from the Master Showman Earl.
On Double Bass and vocals is 'Junior Jones' - the youngest member of the gang but just as dangerous. Notorious for his acrobatics and agile handling of his instruments. Police are anxious to investigate his unusual coloured double bass.
On Saxaphone and vocals is 'Shorty Johnson' - the newest and most outstanding member of the gang, Shorty's toweing honkin solos soar a foot above the rest. Do not be deceived by this jailbird's apparent baldness. He's masterminded some of the hairiest escapes.



Firebirds (The)
One of Europe's finest Rock 'n' Roll bands - Jim Plummer, Richie Lorriman and Terry Knight, three first class musicians and vocalists. The Firebird's are able to cover the complete spectrum of the 50's and the 60's if required, from Commercial Rock 'n' Roll Songs to Rockability, Harmonized Doo Wop, Instrumentals, Ballads and their own Compositions.

Having backed some of the great American singers of yesteryear including, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Feathers, Ray Campi and Sleepy La Beefe, to name but a few, the band has also played alongside British greats such as Marti Wilde, Lonnie Donegan and Showaddywaddy. During 1992 The Firebirds performed at the official opening of the Euro Disney Theme Park in Paris (The only British band to appear).



The Jets
Formed in the late 70's the Jets have racked us a succession of Rock 'n' Roll records. Made up of the three Cotton brothers, Bob, Tony and Ray, who play guitar, drums and upright bass - and all take turns to vocalise. Their performance features some of the great doo-wop numbers in between the more boppin' stuff. Being among the top Rock 'n' roll bands in the UK, they have performed on more than ten major TV shows (so far), had top 20 hit records and have made 5 appearances on Top of the Pops.

There own hits include, 'Yes Tonight Josephine' - 'Rockin Around The Christmas Tree' - 'Love Makes The World Go Round', to name a few.



Jive Aces
The Jive Ace are a top UK Jive and Swing Band. Since forming in 1989 this professional 6 piece have starred in thousands of major festivals, theatres, clubs and top charity and corporate events throughout Britain and Europe. They are renowned for their high energy Jump Jive music (an exciting and very danceable blend of Swing, R & B, Rock 'n' Roll, Boogie & Jump Blues) and their spectacular stage show.

With their high energy, danceable music, bright suits, incredible live show, irresistible humour and total professionalism, the Jive Aces will quickly get any audience on their feet - or dancing in their seat. Each and every show is guaranteed to go with a swing!



Maria Vincent & The Millionaires
Maria Vincent & The MillionairesAn unmissable, authentic 50's style Swing/R 'n' B outfit, delivering foot stompin Jump Jivin' Rock & Roll. Maria Vincent

On Drums is 'Flash' - simply one of the most talented and respected, Pete's work with Rico and his own Herbert Spliffington All Stars, as well as many jazz and ska combos has established him as a leading talent. Whether it's the sound of a piano or gospel Hammond Organ, this guy gets into the groove with his boogie woogie style.

On Double Bass, 'Richie Vincent' - A great performer, even when standing on his bass, Richie lays down cool grooves and with a rock steady rhythm, helps provide the essential under pinning of the band.



Mark Gillbanks Swing Orchestra
Mark studied at the Royal Northern College of Music from 1969-1973 and has since enjoyed a successful and varied professional career as a trumpet player with many famous orchestras. During the 1980's he played for many theatre shows, and did recordings for TV, Radio and Films and was lead trumpet player for the 'Shades of Kenton Jazz Orchestra' from 1983-2003.

In 1988 Mark joined the American Rock Group 'Dr Hook' and for two years was constantly touring the world. Mark began performing as the 'Mark Gillbanks Swing Orchestra' in 1986 and since then has featured some of the world's most famous musicians, including the American trumpet superstar, Maynard Ferguson.



The Rat Pack Experience
The Rat Pack ExperienceProfessional Cabaret artiste and Full Equity performer Steve T appears as Dean Martin and sings the great songs of the Rat Pack - Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior. This act is punctuated with a fine scattering of some of the funniest gags that Dean, Frank and Sammy became famous for.
Steve has over 20 years experience and has performed thousands of gigs internationally in major hotels, casinos, several society wedding and other venues including Buckingham Palace. During the show Steve will take you to the Stylish Las Vegas 50's/60's when the Copa Room at the Sands Hotel hosted Rat Pack performances to sell out audiences.



Ray Gelato Giants
Swinging musical entertainment - a band playing exciting original arrangements of music from the Swing era, with a revival of jump music from the 40's and 50's. Ray Gelato is a vocalist, sax player and leader of the band. Ray has played in many bands during his impressive career and appeared playing and singing in the hit British film, Scandal in 1988 and in 1994 he performed on the soundtrack for the BBC drama, No Bananas. Then in 2000 Ray made another celluloid cameo with his appearance in the Jude Law film, Enigma, playing the Sax.

In 2001 Ray and his band opened for Robbie Williams, Swing While You're Winning concert at The Royal Albert Hall in London and played at Bryan Adams' birthday party at the singer's personal request.



That'll Be The Day
That'll Be The DayA Rock 'n' Roll production show formed back in 1987. A fast moving roller-coaster show covering the 50's through to the 80's, including some original comedy sketches and impressions - entertainment for all ages from eight to eighty. Standing ovations with this show are the norm, not the exception.




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