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{{short description|British pop group}}
{{short description|British pop group}}
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The group were formed after the disbanding of the successful 1960s Australian group [[the Seekers]]. [[Keith Potger]], a member of the Seekers, put together the New Seekers in 1969, featuring Laurie Heath, Chris Barrington, [[Marty Kristian]], and [[Eve Graham]] and Sally Graham (no relation), the latter of whom was a member of ''[[Dougie Squires|The Young Generation]]''. Potger himself also performed and recorded with the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_005.htm|title=Official site – First group line-up, 1969|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>
The group were formed after the disbanding of the successful 1960s Australian group [[the Seekers]]. [[Keith Potger]], a member of the Seekers, put together the New Seekers in 1969, featuring Laurie Heath, Chris Barrington, [[Marty Kristian]], and [[Eve Graham]] and Sally Graham (no relation), the latter of whom was a member of ''[[Dougie Squires|The Young Generation]]''. Potger himself also performed and recorded with the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_005.htm|title=Official site – First group line-up, 1969|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>


Despite their having only released one album with no commercial success, ITV's [[STV (TV channel)|Scottish Television]] gave the group their own TV series ''Finders, Seekers''. The line-up for this version of the group hosting the series was Keith Potger, Eve Graham, Sally Graham, Laurie Heath, Marty Kristian and Chris Barrington. Produced in colour the show was given a prime-time slot, starting on March 27, 1970 ([[Good Friday]]) and continuing for seven shows. The public did not take to the show, with several complaints seemingly targeted at the band. Despite the complaints, the series was shown on several ITV channels, sold to Canada, Australia and Sweden with interest from other countries as a result of being shown at the international television market in Cannes.
Despite their having only released one album with no commercial success, ITV's [[STV (TV channel)|Scottish Television]] gave the group their own TV series ''Finders, Seekers''. The line-up for this version of the group hosting the series was Keith Potger, Eve Graham, Sally Graham, Laurie Heath, Marty Kristian and Chris Barrington. Produced in colour, the show was given a prime-time slot, starting on 27 March 1970 ([[Good Friday]]) and continuing for seven shows. The public did not take to the show, with several complaints seemingly targeted at the band. Despite the complaints, the series was shown on several ITV channels, sold to Canada, Australia and Sweden with interest from other countries as a result of being shown at the international television market in Cannes.


Following the series failure, later in 1970, after one album release, the line-up was reworked to comprise Eve Graham, Kristian, [[Lyn Paul]], [[Peter Doyle (singer)|Peter Doyle]] and [[Paul Layton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_019.htm|title=Official site – 1970 line-up|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This line-up found instant success with their debut release, a cover of [[Melanie Safka]]'s "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma" (titled in the U.S. as "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma"<ref>US Elektra Records release, #45699</ref>), which became a top 20 hit in the US, No. 3 in Canada, and a minor one in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_142.htm|title=Official site – Single releases, 1969–1970|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=26 June 1970|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>
Following the series' failure, later in 1970, after one album release, the line-up was reworked to comprise Eve Graham, Kristian, [[Lyn Paul]], [[Peter Doyle (singer)|Peter Doyle]] and [[Paul Layton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_019.htm|title=Official site – 1970 line-up|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This line-up found instant success with their debut release, a cover of [[Melanie Safka]]'s "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma" (titled in the U.S. as "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma"<ref>US Elektra Records release, #45699</ref>), which became a top 20 hit in the US, No. 3 in Canada, and a minor one in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_142.htm|title=Official site – Single releases, 1969–1970|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=26 June 1970|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>


== Mainstream success ==
== Mainstream success ==
Over the next year, the group released a number of singles to little recognition, but it was in June 1971 that they released their breakthrough hit, "[[Never Ending Song of Love]]" (the first of many hit songs to be produced by [[David Mackay (Producer)|David Mackay]], and a cover of the American hit by [[Delaney & Bonnie]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_144.htm|title=Official site – "Never Ending Song of Love"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=18 June 1971|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The song became a big hit in the UK, spending five weeks at No. 2 in the [[UK Singles Chart]],<ref name=occ>{{cite web|title=New Seekers - Full Official Chart History|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14377/new-seekers/|website=Official Charts Company|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> and was one of the biggest selling singles of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everyhit.com/chart3.html|title=Top selling singles on 1971|publisher=Everyhit.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This was their last single released on the [[Philips Records]] label. The huge success of this single was mildly ironic in that prior to the single's release, the group were dropped by Philips and had signed with [[Polydor Records]]. Their first single for Polydor was "Good Old Fashioned Music", which they promoted on television (including an appearance on ''[[Top Of The Pops]]''), but it failed to chart. Towards the end of 1971, the group recorded an adaptation of the Coca-Cola jingle, "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke", which had gained much interest. Reworked as "[[I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]", the song became a worldwide success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_145.htm|title=Official site – "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> It made No. 1 in the UK for four weeks and sold just under a million copies.<ref name="occ"/> In the US, the song was also a hit, reaching No. 7, and in Canada it reached No. 3. It became a No. 1 hit in many other countries and is the most recognised song by the group.
Over the next year, the group released a number of singles to little recognition, but it was in June 1971 that they released their breakthrough hit, "[[Never Ending Song of Love]]" (the first of many hit songs to be produced by [[David Mackay (Producer)|David Mackay]], and a cover of the American hit by [[Delaney & Bonnie]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_144.htm|title=Official site – "Never Ending Song of Love"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=18 June 1971|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The song became a big hit in the UK, spending five weeks at No. 2 in the [[UK Singles Chart]],<ref name=occ>{{cite web|title=New Seekers - Full Official Chart History|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14377/new-seekers/|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> and was one of the biggest selling singles of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everyhit.com/chart3.html|title=Top selling singles on 1971|publisher=Everyhit.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This was their last single released on the [[Philips Records]] label. The huge success of this single was mildly ironic in that prior to the single's release, the group were dropped by Philips and had signed with [[Polydor Records]]. Their first single for Polydor was "Good Old Fashioned Music", which they promoted on television (including an appearance on ''[[Top Of The Pops]]''), but it failed to chart. Towards the end of 1971, the group recorded an adaptation of the Coca-Cola jingle, "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke", which had gained much interest. Reworked as "[[I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]", the song became a worldwide success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_145.htm|title=Official site – "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> It made No. 1 in the UK for four weeks and sold just under a million copies.<ref name="occ"/> In the US, the song was also a hit, reaching No. 7, and in Canada it reached No. 3. It became a No. 1 hit in many other countries and is the most recognised song by the group.


The group were chosen to represent the [[United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest|United Kingdom]] in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1972|1972 ''Eurovision Song Contest'']]. They entered with the song "[[Beg, Steal or Borrow]]", which was chosen by viewers of [[BBC1]]'s ''[[List of Cliff Richard television appearances#It.27s Cliff Richard: Series 3|It's Cliff Richard!]]'' show from six shortlisted songs performed by the group on a weekly basis. They went on to finish in second place at the Eurovision final in [[Edinburgh]], where the group received the biggest cheer of the night from the partisan audience.<ref>O'Connor, John Kennedy. ''The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History''. Carlton Books, UK. 2007 {{ISBN|978-1-84442-994-3}}</ref> The song was a No. 2 hit in the UK and sold well in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_146.htm|title=Official site – "Beg, Steal or Borrow"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Around this time, they also charted highly with their most successful album, ''[[We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]'', which reached No. 2 in the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="occ"/> Another top five hit came with the next single, "Circles" in mid 1972.<ref name="occ"/> At the end of the year, the group took part in the [[BBC]]'s anniversary TV show ''[[Fifty Years Of Music]]''.
The group were chosen to represent the [[United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest|United Kingdom]] in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1972|1972 ''Eurovision Song Contest'']]. They entered with the song "[[Beg, Steal or Borrow]]", which was chosen by viewers of [[BBC1]]'s ''[[List of Cliff Richard television appearances#It.27s Cliff Richard: Series 3|It's Cliff Richard!]]'' show from six shortlisted songs performed by the group on a weekly basis. They went on to finish in second place at the Eurovision final in [[Edinburgh]], where the group received the biggest cheer of the night from the partisan audience.<ref>O'Connor, John Kennedy. ''The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History''. Carlton Books, UK. 2007 {{ISBN|978-1-84442-994-3}}</ref> The song was a No. 2 hit in the UK and sold well in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_146.htm|title=Official site – "Beg, Steal or Borrow"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Around this time, they also charted highly with their most successful album, ''[[We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]'', which reached No. 2 in the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="occ"/> Another top five hit came with the next single, "Circles" in mid 1972.<ref name="occ"/> At the end of the year, the group took part in the [[BBC]]'s anniversary TV show ''[[Fifty Years Of Music]]''.


The following year the group saw a slight dip, although they did score a top 20 hit with an adaptation of "[[Pinball Wizard]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_148.htm|title=Official site – "Pinball Wizard"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Member Peter Doyle left the group this year and was replaced by Peter Oliver. The New Seekers had enjoyed a number of hits in the US by this time and toured there with [[Liza Minnelli]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_149.htm|title=Official site – "We've Got to Do it Now"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=16 November 1973|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> While there, they recorded the title track of the American [[Marlo Thomas]]'s 1972 album ''[[Free to Be... You and Me]]''. In 1974, the album was made into a landmark television programme designed to teach children how to express themselves and be independent through a series of vignettes.<ref name="imdb">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0194897/|publisher=imdb.com|title=Free to Be... You & Me (TV Movie 1974) - IMDb |access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> Since the special was first broadcast, the song became a cult classic.
The following year the group saw a slight dip, although they did score a top 20 hit with an adaptation of "[[Pinball Wizard]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_148.htm|title=Official site – "Pinball Wizard"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Member Peter Doyle left the group this year and was replaced by Peter Oliver. The New Seekers had enjoyed a number of hits in the US by this time and toured there with [[Liza Minnelli]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_149.htm|title=Official site – "We've Got to Do it Now"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=16 November 1973|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> While there, they recorded the title track of the American [[Marlo Thomas]]'s 1972 album ''[[Free to Be... You and Me]]''. In 1974, the album was made into a landmark television programme designed to teach children how to express themselves and be independent through a series of vignettes.<ref name="imdb">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0194897/|publisher=imdb.com|title=Free to Be... You & Me (TV Movie 1974) - IMDb |access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> Since the special was first broadcast, the song became a cult classic.
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Up to now, the group's biggest success had been as a five-piece harmony, but it was around this time that they began to favour lead singers for their songs with title credits given to Marty Kristian for "[[Come Softly to Me]]" and Eve Graham for "Nevertheless", but it was in late 1973 that this formula found its biggest success when Lyn Paul took the lead on the new single, "[[You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me]]". The song became a big hit over Christmas and eventually peaked at No. 1 in January 1974, becoming their second biggest hit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_149.htm|title=Official site – "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=16 November 1973|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This formula continued with the next single, "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You", which also became a big hit, peaking at No. 5. However, despite this revival, the group announced their split amid much publicity. With allegations that the members were receiving little financial reward for their success, The New Seekers officially disbanded in May 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_150.htm|title=Official site – "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>
Up to now, the group's biggest success had been as a five-piece harmony, but it was around this time that they began to favour lead singers for their songs with title credits given to Marty Kristian for "[[Come Softly to Me]]" and Eve Graham for "Nevertheless", but it was in late 1973 that this formula found its biggest success when Lyn Paul took the lead on the new single, "[[You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me]]". The song became a big hit over Christmas and eventually peaked at No. 1 in January 1974, becoming their second biggest hit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_149.htm|title=Official site – "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=16 November 1973|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This formula continued with the next single, "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You", which also became a big hit, peaking at No. 5. However, despite this revival, the group announced their split amid much publicity. With allegations that the members were receiving little financial reward for their success, The New Seekers officially disbanded in May 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_150.htm|title=Official site – "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>


The group's two UK number one singles are listed as being in the top 30 best selling singles for the 1970s, with "I'd Like To Teach The World To sing" at No. 17 and "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me" at No. 27.<ref name="youtube">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Dnw8dnKZews Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20141103035334/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=Dnw8dnKZews Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnw8dnKZews|publisher=youtube.com|title=Best Selling Singles of the 1970s in the UK - YouTube|access-date=9 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "We've Got To Do It Now" was used in a [[public information film]] about [[littering]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/Nl7FmbrMwjc|title=Keep Britain Tidy - Old Keep Britain Tidy Advert|accessdate=8 May 2023}}</ref>
The group's two UK number one singles are listed as being in the top 30 best selling singles for the 1970s, with "I'd Like To Teach The World To sing" at No. 17 and "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me" at No. 27.<ref name="youtube">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Dnw8dnKZews Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20141103035334/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=Dnw8dnKZews Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnw8dnKZews|publisher=youtube.com|title=Best Selling Singles of the 1970s in the UK - YouTube|access-date=9 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "We've Got To Do It Now" was used in a [[public information film]] about [[littering]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/Nl7FmbrMwjc|title=Keep Britain Tidy - Old Keep Britain Tidy Advert|website=[[YouTube]] |accessdate=8 May 2023}}</ref>


== Reformation ==
== Reformation ==
In 1976, the New Seekers reformed with Kathy Ann Rae and Danny Finn replacing Lyn Paul and Peter Oliver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_062.htm|title=Official site – Reunion, 1976|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Although they never replicated their earlier success, signed to CBS (Columbia in the US) the group did manage to score a few hits with "It's So Nice (To Have You Home)" (1976), "I Wanna Go Back" (1977) and "Anthem (One Day in Every Week)" (1978).<ref name="occ"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_151.htm|title=Official site – "It's so Nice"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=18 November 1976|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This line up remained intact until 1978, when Danny Finn and Eve Graham left the group to marry. Their final single for CBS was "Don't Stop The Music" in 1979, with Kathy Ann Rae on lead vocal, but after it failed to chart, she left the band and the group signed their final contract with EMI.
In 1976, the New Seekers reformed with Kathy Ann Rae and Danny Finn replacing Lyn Paul and Peter Oliver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_062.htm|title=Official site – Reunion, 1976|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Although they never replicated their earlier success, signed to CBS (Columbia in the US) the group did manage to score a few hits with "It's So Nice (To Have You Home)" (1976), "I Wanna Go Back" (1977) and "Anthem (One Day in Every Week)" (1978).<ref name="occ"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_151.htm|title=Official site – "It's so Nice"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=18 November 1976|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This line up remained intact until 1978, when Danny Finn and Eve Graham left the group to marry. Their final single for CBS was "Don't Stop The Music" in 1979, with Kathy Ann Rae on lead vocal, but after it failed to chart, she left the band and the group signed their final contract with EMI.


In 1980, the group attempted to represent the UK again in the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] with the song "Tell Me", but it was disqualified shortly before the British heats were televised due to the fact the group had already performed the song on TV a year earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_514.htm|title=Official site – "Tell Me"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=21 March 1980|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Had they appeared in the 1980 UK contest, the group would have been up against former member Danny Finn, who was the lead singer of the winning group [[Prima Donna (UK band)|Prima Donna]]. In addition, Mick Flinn and Donna Jones of the final New Seekers line-up (2010) were also in the contest, placing fourth under the group name [[Pussyfoot]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://geocities.com/national_finals_70s_80s/UK1980.html |title= National Finals – 'A Song for Europe', 1980 |date=26 October 2009 |access-date=25 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091026233553/http://geocities.com/national_finals_70s_80s/UK1980.html |archive-date= 26 October 2009}}</ref> Marty Kristian entered a song in the 1983 UK Eurovision finals, performed by a trio called 'Audio', which included Kathy Ann Rae in the line up. Since then, there have been personnel changes which included Caitriona Walsh, Nicola Kerr and Vikki James ([[Grammy]] Winner [[Victoria Horn]]).<ref name="lynpaulwebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-James.htm|author=Steven Liddle|publisher=lynpaulwebsite.org|title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vikki James |access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> Paul Layton remained with the band throughout this time.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_221.htm |title= Official site – Group line-up chronology |publisher= Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The final tour was 2010.
In 1980, the group attempted to represent the UK again in the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] with the song "Tell Me", but it was disqualified shortly before the British heats were televised due to the fact the group had already performed the song on TV a year earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_514.htm|title=Official site – "Tell Me"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=21 March 1980|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>
Marty Kristian entered a song in the 1983 UK Eurovision finals, performed by a trio called 'Audio', which included Kathy Ann Rae in the line up.
Since then, there have been personnel changes which included Caitriona Walsh, Nicola Kerr and Vikki James ([[Grammy]] Winner [[Victoria Horn]]).<ref name="lynpaulwebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-James.htm|author=Steven Liddle|publisher=lynpaulwebsite.org|title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vikki James |access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> Paul Layton remained with the band throughout this time.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_221.htm |title= Official site – Group line-up chronology |publisher= Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The final tour was 2010.


== Recent career ==
== Recent career ==
Today's New Seekers toured from 2006 with the latest line up of Paul Layton, Donna Jones, Francine Rees, Mick Flinn and Mark Hankins. A CD of the 2006 tour was released which includes all of the group's hits along with some cover versions. With a Royal Variety performance at [[St James's Palace]], London for [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] and [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]] and an appearance on ITV's [[This Morning (TV series)|''This Morning'']], they completed 2006. The New Seekers helped host a garden party in 2007 at [[Buckingham Palace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_545.htm|title=The New Seekers at Buckingham Palace|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This was repeated the following year along with a special show at [[The Tower of London]] and a return batch of concerts in British theatres. The 40th anniversary of the group in 2009 was celebrated by a 35-date UK concert tour, which began at London's [[Shaw Theatre]] on 31 January and continued throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_544.htm |title= 2009 40th anniversary tour |publisher=Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> In July 2009, an album was released; ''It's Been Too Long – Greatest Hits and More'', comprising the group's hits and some new recordings. It became a success by entering the UK Albums Chart at No. 17 – their first album to enter that chart for 35 years.<ref name="occ"/>
Today's{{when|date=May 2024}} New Seekers toured from 2006 with the latest line up of Paul Layton, Donna Jones, Francine Rees, Mick Flinn and Mark Hankins.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} A CD of the 2006 tour was released which includes the group's hits and some cover versions. With a Royal Variety performance at [[St James's Palace]], London for [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] and [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]] and an appearance on ITV's [[This Morning (TV series)|''This Morning'']], they completed 2006. The New Seekers helped host a garden party in 2007 at [[Buckingham Palace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_545.htm|title=The New Seekers at Buckingham Palace|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This was repeated the following year along with a show at [[The Tower of London]] and a return batch of concerts in British theatres.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} The 40th anniversary of the group in 2009 was celebrated by a 35-date UK concert tour, which began at London's [[Shaw Theatre]] on 31 January and continued throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_544.htm |title= 2009 40th anniversary tour |publisher=Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> In July 2009, an album was released; ''It's Been Too Long – Greatest Hits and More'', comprising the group's hits and some new recordings. It entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 17, their first album to enter that chart for 35 years.<ref name="occ"/>

In 2011 and 2012 Marty Kristian released two albums of demo recordings from the 1970s and 1980s.
In 2011 and 2012 Marty Kristian released two albums of demo recordings from the 1970s and 1980s.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

== Members ==

=== Vocals ===

* [[Eve Graham]] (born Evelyn May Beatson, 19 April 1943, [[Auchentiber]], [[Scotland]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Eve Graham |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Graham.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Sally Graham (born 1947<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Sally Graham |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Graham02.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* [[Lyn Paul]] (born Lynda Susan Belcher, 16 February 1949, [[Wythenshawe]], [[England]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: Lyn Paul then (Biography and Fact File) ... |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/Then-Biog.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Kathy Ann Rae (born Cathy Logan, 7 March 1957, [[Cambridge]], England, died 11 January 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Kathy Ann Rae |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Rae.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Vivien Banks<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vivien Banks |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Banks.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* Nicola Kerr<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Nicola Kerr |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Kerr.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* Catriona Walsh<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Caitriona Walsh |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Walsh.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* [[Donna Jones (singer)|Donna Jones]] (born 8 April 1949, [[Manchester]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Donna Jones |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Jones.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* [[Victoria Horn|Vikki James]] (born Victoria Horn, 1973<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vikki James |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-James.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Francine Rees<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Francine Rees |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Rees.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>

=== Guitar ===

* [[Marty Kristian]] (born Martin Vangas, 27 May 1947, [[Leipzig]], [[Germany]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Marty Kristian |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Kristian.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Laurie Heath<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Laurie Heath |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Heath.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* [[Peter Doyle (singer)|Peter Doyle]] (born Peter John Doyle, 28 July 1949, [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]], died 13 October 2001, [[Castlemaine, Victoria|Castlemaine]], Australia<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Peter Doyle |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Doyle.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Peter Oliver (born Larry Oliver, 15 January 1952, [[Southampton]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Peter Oliver |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Oliver.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Danny Finn (born Kevin Finn, 30 March 1944, [[Oxford]], England, died 22 February 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Danny Finn |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Finn.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Brian Engel<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Brian Engel |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Engel.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* [[Mick Flinn]] (born [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]], Australia<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Mick Flinn |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Flinn.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Mark Hankins<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Mark Hankins |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Hankins.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>

=== Bass ===


* Chris Barrington (born 1950, [[Lancashire]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Chris Barrington |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Barrington.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
Peter Doyle died on 13 October 2001, from throat cancer, aged 52.{{cn|date=October 2022}} Kathy Ann Rae died on 11 January 2011, from cancer, aged 53.{{cn|date=October 2022}} Danny (Kevin) Finn died on 24 February 2016 of pulmonary embolism at the age of 71.{{cn|date=October 2022}}
* Paul Layton (born 4 August 1947, [[Beaconsfield]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Paul Layton |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Layton.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)


===Timeline===
===Timeline===
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* [http://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/Home.htm Lyn Paul] Official web site.
* [http://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/Home.htm Lyn Paul] Official web site.
* {{discogs artist|The New Seekers}}
* {{discogs artist|The New Seekers}}
* {{imdb name|1873499}}
* {{IMDb name|1873499}}


{{s-start}}
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Latest revision as of 19:50, 9 September 2024

The New Seekers
The New Seekers in 1972
The New Seekers in 1972
Background information
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active1969–1974
1976–2010
Labels
Past members

The New Seekers were a British pop group, formed in London in 1969 by Keith Potger after the break-up of his group, the Seekers. The idea was that the New Seekers would appeal to the same market as the original Seekers, but their music would have pop as well as folk influences. They achieved worldwide success in the early 1970s with hits including "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing", "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me" and "Beg, Steal or Borrow."

Formation

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The group were formed after the disbanding of the successful 1960s Australian group the Seekers. Keith Potger, a member of the Seekers, put together the New Seekers in 1969, featuring Laurie Heath, Chris Barrington, Marty Kristian, and Eve Graham and Sally Graham (no relation), the latter of whom was a member of The Young Generation. Potger himself also performed and recorded with the group.[1]

Despite their having only released one album with no commercial success, ITV's Scottish Television gave the group their own TV series Finders, Seekers. The line-up for this version of the group hosting the series was Keith Potger, Eve Graham, Sally Graham, Laurie Heath, Marty Kristian and Chris Barrington. Produced in colour, the show was given a prime-time slot, starting on 27 March 1970 (Good Friday) and continuing for seven shows. The public did not take to the show, with several complaints seemingly targeted at the band. Despite the complaints, the series was shown on several ITV channels, sold to Canada, Australia and Sweden with interest from other countries as a result of being shown at the international television market in Cannes.

Following the series' failure, later in 1970, after one album release, the line-up was reworked to comprise Eve Graham, Kristian, Lyn Paul, Peter Doyle and Paul Layton.[2] This line-up found instant success with their debut release, a cover of Melanie Safka's "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma" (titled in the U.S. as "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma"[3]), which became a top 20 hit in the US, No. 3 in Canada, and a minor one in the UK.[4]

Mainstream success

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Over the next year, the group released a number of singles to little recognition, but it was in June 1971 that they released their breakthrough hit, "Never Ending Song of Love" (the first of many hit songs to be produced by David Mackay, and a cover of the American hit by Delaney & Bonnie).[5] The song became a big hit in the UK, spending five weeks at No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart,[6] and was one of the biggest selling singles of the year.[7] This was their last single released on the Philips Records label. The huge success of this single was mildly ironic in that prior to the single's release, the group were dropped by Philips and had signed with Polydor Records. Their first single for Polydor was "Good Old Fashioned Music", which they promoted on television (including an appearance on Top Of The Pops), but it failed to chart. Towards the end of 1971, the group recorded an adaptation of the Coca-Cola jingle, "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke", which had gained much interest. Reworked as "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing", the song became a worldwide success.[8] It made No. 1 in the UK for four weeks and sold just under a million copies.[6] In the US, the song was also a hit, reaching No. 7, and in Canada it reached No. 3. It became a No. 1 hit in many other countries and is the most recognised song by the group.

The group were chosen to represent the United Kingdom in the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest. They entered with the song "Beg, Steal or Borrow", which was chosen by viewers of BBC1's It's Cliff Richard! show from six shortlisted songs performed by the group on a weekly basis. They went on to finish in second place at the Eurovision final in Edinburgh, where the group received the biggest cheer of the night from the partisan audience.[9] The song was a No. 2 hit in the UK and sold well in Europe.[10] Around this time, they also charted highly with their most successful album, We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, which reached No. 2 in the UK Albums Chart.[6] Another top five hit came with the next single, "Circles" in mid 1972.[6] At the end of the year, the group took part in the BBC's anniversary TV show Fifty Years Of Music.

The following year the group saw a slight dip, although they did score a top 20 hit with an adaptation of "Pinball Wizard".[11] Member Peter Doyle left the group this year and was replaced by Peter Oliver. The New Seekers had enjoyed a number of hits in the US by this time and toured there with Liza Minnelli in 1973.[12] While there, they recorded the title track of the American Marlo Thomas's 1972 album Free to Be... You and Me. In 1974, the album was made into a landmark television programme designed to teach children how to express themselves and be independent through a series of vignettes.[13] Since the special was first broadcast, the song became a cult classic.

Up to now, the group's biggest success had been as a five-piece harmony, but it was around this time that they began to favour lead singers for their songs with title credits given to Marty Kristian for "Come Softly to Me" and Eve Graham for "Nevertheless", but it was in late 1973 that this formula found its biggest success when Lyn Paul took the lead on the new single, "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me". The song became a big hit over Christmas and eventually peaked at No. 1 in January 1974, becoming their second biggest hit.[14] This formula continued with the next single, "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You", which also became a big hit, peaking at No. 5. However, despite this revival, the group announced their split amid much publicity. With allegations that the members were receiving little financial reward for their success, The New Seekers officially disbanded in May 1974.[15]

The group's two UK number one singles are listed as being in the top 30 best selling singles for the 1970s, with "I'd Like To Teach The World To sing" at No. 17 and "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me" at No. 27.[16] "We've Got To Do It Now" was used in a public information film about littering.[17]

Reformation

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In 1976, the New Seekers reformed with Kathy Ann Rae and Danny Finn replacing Lyn Paul and Peter Oliver.[18] Although they never replicated their earlier success, signed to CBS (Columbia in the US) the group did manage to score a few hits with "It's So Nice (To Have You Home)" (1976), "I Wanna Go Back" (1977) and "Anthem (One Day in Every Week)" (1978).[6][19] This line up remained intact until 1978, when Danny Finn and Eve Graham left the group to marry. Their final single for CBS was "Don't Stop The Music" in 1979, with Kathy Ann Rae on lead vocal, but after it failed to chart, she left the band and the group signed their final contract with EMI.

In 1980, the group attempted to represent the UK again in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Tell Me", but it was disqualified shortly before the British heats were televised due to the fact the group had already performed the song on TV a year earlier.[20]

Marty Kristian entered a song in the 1983 UK Eurovision finals, performed by a trio called 'Audio', which included Kathy Ann Rae in the line up.

Since then, there have been personnel changes which included Caitriona Walsh, Nicola Kerr and Vikki James (Grammy Winner Victoria Horn).[21] Paul Layton remained with the band throughout this time.[22] The final tour was 2010.

Recent career

[edit]

Today's[when?] New Seekers toured from 2006 with the latest line up of Paul Layton, Donna Jones, Francine Rees, Mick Flinn and Mark Hankins.[citation needed] A CD of the 2006 tour was released which includes the group's hits and some cover versions. With a Royal Variety performance at St James's Palace, London for Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and an appearance on ITV's This Morning, they completed 2006. The New Seekers helped host a garden party in 2007 at Buckingham Palace.[23] This was repeated the following year along with a show at The Tower of London and a return batch of concerts in British theatres.[citation needed] The 40th anniversary of the group in 2009 was celebrated by a 35-date UK concert tour, which began at London's Shaw Theatre on 31 January and continued throughout the year.[24] In July 2009, an album was released; It's Been Too Long – Greatest Hits and More, comprising the group's hits and some new recordings. It entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 17, their first album to enter that chart for 35 years.[6]

In 2011 and 2012 Marty Kristian released two albums of demo recordings from the 1970s and 1980s.[citation needed]

Members

[edit]

Vocals

[edit]

Guitar

[edit]

Bass

[edit]

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: The New Seekers discography

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Official site – First group line-up, 1969". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  2. ^ "Official site – 1970 line-up". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  3. ^ US Elektra Records release, #45699
  4. ^ "Official site – Single releases, 1969–1970". Thenewseekers.com. 26 June 1970. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  5. ^ "Official site – "Never Ending Song of Love"". Thenewseekers.com. 18 June 1971. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "New Seekers - Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  7. ^ "Top selling singles on 1971". Everyhit.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  8. ^ "Official site – "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing"". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  9. ^ O'Connor, John Kennedy. The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History. Carlton Books, UK. 2007 ISBN 978-1-84442-994-3
  10. ^ "Official site – "Beg, Steal or Borrow"". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  11. ^ "Official site – "Pinball Wizard"". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  12. ^ "Official site – "We've Got to Do it Now"". Thenewseekers.com. 16 November 1973. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  13. ^ "Free to Be... You & Me (TV Movie 1974) - IMDb". imdb.com. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  14. ^ "Official site – "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me"". Thenewseekers.com. 16 November 1973. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  15. ^ "Official site – "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You"". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  16. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Best Selling Singles of the 1970s in the UK - YouTube". youtube.com. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  17. ^ "Keep Britain Tidy - Old Keep Britain Tidy Advert". YouTube. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  18. ^ "Official site – Reunion, 1976". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  19. ^ "Official site – "It's so Nice"". Thenewseekers.com. 18 November 1976. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  20. ^ "Official site – "Tell Me"". Thenewseekers.com. 21 March 1980. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  21. ^ Steven Liddle. "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vikki James". lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  22. ^ "Official site – Group line-up chronology". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  23. ^ "The New Seekers at Buckingham Palace". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  24. ^ "2009 40th anniversary tour". Thenewseekers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  25. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Eve Graham". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  26. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Sally Graham". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  27. ^ "Lyn Paul website: Lyn Paul then (Biography and Fact File) ..." www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  28. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Kathy Ann Rae". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  29. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vivien Banks". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  30. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Nicola Kerr". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  31. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Caitriona Walsh". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  32. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Donna Jones". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  33. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vikki James". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  34. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Francine Rees". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  35. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Marty Kristian". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  36. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Laurie Heath". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  37. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Peter Doyle". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  38. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Peter Oliver". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  39. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Danny Finn". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  40. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Brian Engel". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  41. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Mick Flinn". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  42. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Mark Hankins". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  43. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Chris Barrington". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  44. ^ "Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Paul Layton". www.lynpaulwebsite.org. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by UK in the Eurovision Song Contest
1972 		Succeeded by
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