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{{Short description|Australian glam rock singer}}
{{About|the Australian glam rock singer|the English tenor|William Shakespeare (tenor)}}
{{About|the Australian glam rock singer|the English tenor|William Shakespeare (tenor)}}
{{redirect|John Cave}}
{{redirect|John Cave}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}

{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = William Shakespeare
| name = William Shakespeare
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = John Stanley Cave
| birth_name = John Stanley Cave
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1948|11|19}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1948|11|19}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2010|10|5|1948|11|19}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=y|2010|10|5|1948|11|19}}
| alias = Johnny Cabe, Billy Shake
| alias = Johnny Cabe, Billy Shake
| origin = [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]], Australia
| origin = [[Sydney]], Australia
| instrument = [[singing|vocals]]
| instrument = Vocals
| genre = [[Glam rock|glam]], [[Pop music|pop]]
| genre = {{hlist|[[Glam rock|Glam]]|pop}}
| occupation = singer
| occupation = Singer
| years_active = 1966&ndash;1993
| years_active = {{start date|1966}}–{{end date|1993}}
| label = [[Albert Productions|Albert]]
| label = [[Albert Productions|Albert]]
| associated_acts = The Amazons
| associated_acts = The Amazons
| website =
| website =
}}
}}'''William Shakespeare''' (19 November 1948{{spaced ndash}}5 October 2010) was the stage name of Australian [[Glam rock]] [[singer]] '''John Stanley Cave''', also known as '''John Cabe''' or '''Billy Shake'''.<ref name="McF">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop]]|chapterurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040419034226/www.whammo.com.au/encyclopedia.asp?articleid=362 |chapter=Encyclopedia entry for 'William Shakespeare'|last=McFarlane |first=Ian|authorlink=Ian McFarlane|publisher=[[Allen & Unwin]]|year=1999|isbn=1-86448-768-2|accessdate=2009-02-08}}</ref><!--Is he still living?--> He had two Australian hit singles, "[[Can't Stop Myself from Loving You]]" which peaked at No.&nbsp;2 on the [[Kent Music Report]] in 1974 and "[[My Little Angel (William Shakespeare song)|My Little Angel]]" which peaked at No.&nbsp;1 in 1975.<ref name="Kent">{{cite book|title=[[Kent Music Report|Australian Chart Book 1970-1992]]|last=Kent|first=David|authorlink=David Kent (historian)|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=[[St Ives, New South Wales|St Ives]], N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6}} NOTE: Used for Australian Singles and Albums charting from 1970 until ARIA created their own charts in mid-1988.</ref> Both hits were written by [[Vanda & Young]],<ref name="APRA">{{cite web |publisher=[[Australasian Performing Rights Association]] (APRA) |title=APRA search engine |url=http://www.apra.com.au/cms/worksearch/worksearch.srvlt |accessdate=2009-02-08 }} Note: requires user to input song title e.g. CAN'T STOP MYSELF FROM LOVING YOU</ref> who also groomed Shakespeare into a Glam rocker.<ref name="McF"/>

'''William Shakespeare''' (19 November 1948{{spaced ndash}}5 October 2010) was the stage name of Australian [[glam rock]] singer, born as '''John Stanley Cave''', also known as '''John Cabe''' or '''Billy Shake'''. He had two Australian hit singles, "[[Can't Stop Myself from Loving You]]", which peaked at No.&nbsp;2 on the [[Kent Music Report]] in 1974, and "[[My Little Angel (William Shakespeare song)|My Little Angel]]", which peaked at No.&nbsp;1 in 1975. Both hits were written by [[Vanda & Young]], who also turned Shakespeare into a glam rocker. After decades of [[alcohol addiction]] and clinical depression he became destitute; he was assisted by music industry benevolent society, Support Act, from 2001. He died suddenly in October 2010, aged 61.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Shakespeare was born as John Stanley Cave in 1948 and grew up in [[Dulwich Hill, New South Wales]]. He was the only son of Stanley John Cave and Betty May Thursfield. The Cave family lived in Kintore Street, and John lived there for most of his early life.<ref>ABC Television: 'GTK' 1 January 1975 (last episode)</ref>


Shakespeare was born as John Stanley Cave in 1948 and grew up in [[Dulwich Hill, New South Wales]].<ref name="Wilder">{{cite news | url = http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/shakespearean-tragedy-bright-star-of-pop-cut-short-by-scandal-and-alcohol-20101007-169w2.html?autostart=1 | title = Shakespearean Tragedy: Bright Star of Pop Cut Short by Scandal and Alcohol | author = Wilder, Gabriel | work = [[The Age]] | publication-date = 8 October 2010 | via = [[National Library of Australia]] | archive-url = http://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20101011080757/http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/shakespearean-tragedy-bright-star-of-pop-cut-short-by-scandal-and-alcohol-20101007-169w2.html?autostart=1 | archive-date = 11 October 2010 | access-date = 25 April 2020 | url-status = live }}</ref> He was the only son of Stanley John Cave (ca. 1922–1962), a greengrocer, and Elizabeth May ([[Birth name#Maiden and married names|née]] Thursfield, died 1971).<ref name="Ryerson">{{cite web | url = http://ryersonindex.net/search.php | title = The Ryerson Index | publisher = [[Ryerson Index]] | access-date = 25 April 2020 }} Note: User must add 'Cave' into the Surname search parameter and 'Stanley John', 'Elizabeth May' or 'John Stanley' into the Any Given Name(s) parameter.</ref> The Cave family lived in Dulwich Hill for most of his early life.<ref>ABC Television: ''[[GTK (TV series)|GTK]]'', 1 January 1975 (last episode)</ref>
He was [[vocalist]] for [[beat music]] group, The Amazons, with Nick Barlow on [[guitar]], Harry Brus on [[bass guitar]], Chris Carroll on guitar and Dally Carroll on [[drum kit|drums]].<ref name="McF"/> In 1966, they released a single, "Ain't that Lovin' You Baby". After The Amazons, Shakespeare continued performing in Sydney clubs as Johnny Cabe. In early 1974, Shakespeare was in [[Albert Productions|Albert Studios]] where noted Australian [[Record producer|producer]]s/[[songwriter]]s [[Vanda & Young]] (ex-[[The Easybeats]]) were recording "[[Can't Stop Myself from Loving You]]" for another singer who was unable to reach its high notes.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Dave">{{cite book|url=http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3627037|title=Countdown: the wonder years 1974&ndash;1987|last=Warner|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Warner (musician)|date=June 2006|publisher=ABC Books |location=Sydney, N.S.W.|pages=72–73|isbn=0-7333-1401-5|accessdate=2009-02-08}}</ref>

He was vocalist for [[beat music]] group, the Amazons, with Nick Barlow on guitar, Harry Brus on bass guitar, Chris Carroll on guitar and Dally Carroll<!-- familial relationship, if any, between the latter two is not shown in the source --> on drums.<ref name="McF">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop]]|chapter-url=http://www.whammo.com.au/encyclopedia.asp?articleid=362|chapter=Encyclopedia entry for 'William Shakespeare'|last=McFarlane|first=Ian|author-link=Ian McFarlane|publisher=[[Allen & Unwin]]|year=1999|isbn=1-86448-768-2|access-date=8 February 2009|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040419034226/http://www.whammo.com.au/encyclopedia.asp?articleid=362|archive-date=19 April 2004}} Note: McFarlane incorrectly gives last name as Caves and birth year as 1950. </ref> In 1966, they released a single, "Ain't that Lovin' You Baby". After The Amazons, Shakespeare continued performing in Sydney clubs as Johnny Cabe.


==Career==
==Career==


In early 1974, Shakespeare was in [[Albert Productions|Albert Studios]] where [[Record producer|producer]]s and songwriters, [[Vanda & Young]] (ex-[[The Easybeats]]), were trying to record "[[Can't Stop Myself from Loving You]]", however, the singer they were working with was unable to reach its high notes.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Dave">{{cite book | url = http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3627037 | title = Countdown: the Wonder Years 1974–1987 | last =Warner|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Warner (musician)|date=June 2006|publisher=ABC Books | location = Sydney |pages=72–73|isbn=0-7333-1401-5|access-date=8 February 2009}}</ref> Shakespeare's [[falsetto]] voice was suitable and Vanda & Young used him to finish recording the track; they also signed him to Albert Productions and groomed him into William Shakespeare as a [[glam rock]]er along the lines of [[Alvin Stardust]] or [[Gary Glitter]].<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Dave"/> According to ABC-TV series, ''Long Way to the Top'' (2001), he was one of three contenders for lead vocalist of AC/DC.<ref name="LWttT Ep4">{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150214041147/http://www.abc.net.au/longway/episode_4/ | url = http://www.abc.net.au:80/longway/episode_4/ | title = Episode 4: Berserk Warriors 1973–1981 | work = [[Long Way to the Top]] | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | archive-date = 14 February 2015 | access-date = 25 April 2020 | url-status = dead }}</ref> However this was refuted by both of that group's founders, Angus and Malcolm Young.
Cave's [[falsetto]] voice was suitable so Vanda & Young signed him to Albert Productions and groomed him into William Shakespeare as a [[glam rock]]er along the lines of [[Alvin Stardust]] or [[Gary Glitter]].<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Dave"/> "Can't Stop Myself from Loving You" was released as a single in July and peaked at No.&nbsp;2 nationally (No.&nbsp;1 in Sydney & Melbourne) [[Kent Music Report]].<ref name="Kent"/>


In 1974, in the planning stages for the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC-TV]] series ''[[Countdown (Australian TV series)|Countdown]]'', it was suggested that Shakespeare host the show. However, this was rejected, with [[Ian Meldrum]] becoming a regular contributor instead. A number of guest hosts such as [[Graeme Strachan|Shirley Strachan]], [[John Paul Young]] and [[Daryl Braithwaite]] compered the show in its early days on an ''ad hoc'' basis.
"Can't Stop Myself from Loving You" was released as a single in July 1974 and peaked at No.&nbsp;2 nationally (No.&nbsp;1 in Sydney and Melbourne) on the [[Kent Music Report]] singles chart.<ref name="Kent">{{cite book|title=[[Kent Music Report|Australian Chart Book 1970–1992]]|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=[[St Ives, New South Wales|St Ives]], N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6}} Note: Used for Australian Singles and Albums charting from 1970 until ARIA created their own charts in mid-1988.</ref> Also in that year, during the planning stages for the ABC-TV series, ''[[Countdown (Australian TV series)|Countdown]]'', it was suggested that Shakespeare host the show. However, this was rejected, with [[Ian Meldrum]] becoming a regular contributor instead. A number of guest hosts including [[Graeme Strachan|Shirley Strachan]], [[John Paul Young]] and [[Daryl Braithwaite]] compered the show in its early years on an ''ad hoc'' basis.


In November 1974, Shakespeare released his debut '''album''', [[Can't Stop Myself From Loving You]], produced by Vanda & Young for [[Albert Productions]]. The album peaked in the top 30 on the Kent Music Report.<ref name="Kent"/>
In November 1974, Shakespeare released his debut album, ''Can't Stop Myself from Loving You'', produced by Vanda & Young for Albert Productions. All but one track was co-written by Vanda & Young.<ref name="APRA">{{cite web | publisher = [[APRA AMCOS]] | title = APRA search engine results for 'Can't Stop Myself from Loving You' | url = http://apraamcos.com.au/search?searchtype=works&keywords=cant+stop+myself+from+loving+you | access-date = 25 April 2020 }} Note: For additional work user may have to select 'Search again' and then 'Enter a title:' &/or 'Performer:' </ref> One track, "Time", was co-written by Shakespeare with Chris Gilbey, A&R manager at Alberts. The album peaked in the top&nbsp;30 on the Kent Music Report albums chart.<ref name="Kent"/>


His second single, "[[My Little Angel (William Shakespeare song)|My Little Angel]]" followed in December and peaked at No.&nbsp;1 on the Kent Music Report for three weeks in February 1975 and he became a national pop star.<ref name="Kent"/><ref>Noel McGrath. 'Australian Encyclopedia Of Rock'. Outback Press. Australia, 1977</ref> Shakespeare appeared on teen-orientated ''Countdown'' in his glam rock costume numerous times.<ref name="Dave"/> The two singles and album were followed by two more singles, "Just the Way You Are" in April and "Last Night" in May 1976, but he had no further Top 50 charting success.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Kent"/>
His second single, "[[My Little Angel (William Shakespeare song)|My Little Angel]]", followed in December and peaked at No.&nbsp;1 on the Kent Music Report for three weeks in February of the next year and he became a national pop star.<ref name="Kent"/><ref>Noel McGrath. 'Australian Encyclopedia Of Rock'. Outback Press. Australia, 1977</ref> Shakespeare appeared on the teen-oriented musical program, ''Countdown'', in his glam rock costume numerous times.<ref name="Dave"/> The two singles and album were followed by two more singles, "Just the Way You Are" in April 1975 and "Last Night" in May 1976, but he had no further top&nbsp;50 successes.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Kent"/>


==Criminal conviction and spell in Chelmsford==
==Criminal conviction and spell in Chelmsford==
⚫
In 1975 Cave was convicted of [[carnal knowledge]] with a 15-year-old girl from his [[Melbourne]] fan club, and he received two years probation.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Cockington">{{cite book|last=Cockington|first=James|date=August 2001|title=Long Way to the Top|chapter=Countdown |publisher=ABC Books|location=Sydney, N.S.W.|isbn=0-7333-0750-7|page=202}}</ref><ref name="CountWill">{{cite web|url=http://www.countdown.com.au/the_music.asp?Page=&ArtistID=1|title=Popular ''Countdown'' Acts|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> He left [[Albert Productions]] in 1977 and had no further recordings—his pop music career was over due to his conviction<ref name="Cockington"/> and changes in music styles.<ref name="Dave"/><ref name="CountWill"/>


⚫
In 1975 John Cave was convicted of [[ statutory rape]] of a 15-year-old girl from his Melbourne fan club, and he received two years probation.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="Cockington">{{cite book | last = Cockington | first = James | date = August 2001 | title = Long Way to the Top | chapter = ''Countdown'' | publisher = ABC Books | location = Sydney | isbn = 0-7333-0750-7 | page = 202 }}</ref><ref name="CountWill">{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081224020547/http://www.countdown.com.au/the_music.asp?Page=&ArtistID=1 | url = http://www.countdown.com.au/the_music.asp?Page=&ArtistID=1 | title = Popular ''Countdown'' Acts | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | archive-date = 24 December 2008 | access-date = 25 April 2020 | url-status = dead }}</ref> He left [[Albert Productions]] in 1977 and had no further recordings — his pop music career was over due to his criminal conviction<ref name="Cockington"/> and changes in music styles.<ref name="Dave"/><ref name="CountWill"/>
⚫
In 1978, Shakespeare, who had an [[alcohol addiction]] and [[clinical depression]], was treated with [[Deep Sleep Therapy]] (in combination with [[electroconvulsive therapy]] and other therapies) by Dr [[Harry Bailey]] at the [[Chelmsford Private Hospital]] for three weeks.<ref name="GNT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_health/Transcripts/s881704.htm|title=''George Negus Tonight'' > Health > Support Act|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|year=2005|accessdate=2009-02-08}}</ref>


⚫
In 1978 Shakespeare, who had an [[alcohol addiction]] and clinical depression, was treated with [[Deep Sleep Therapy]] (in combination with [[electroconvulsive therapy]] and other therapies) by Dr [[Harry Bailey]] at the [[Chelmsford Private Hospital]] for three weeks.<ref name="Wilder"/><ref name="GNT">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_health/Transcripts/s881704.htm | title = ''George Negus Tonight'' > Health > Support Act | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | year = 2005 | access-date = 25 April 2020 }}</ref> From 1979 until the mid 1990s, Shakespeare sometimes performed as Billy Shake in Sydney clubs as a 1970s revival act.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="GNT"/>
From 1979 until the mid 1990s, Cave sometimes performed as 'Billy Shake' in Sydney clubs as a 1970s revival act.<ref name="McF"/><ref name="GNT"/> A temporary revival of his singing career occurred in 1990 when Melbourne listeners of [[3MMM]] voted "My Little Angel" as the [[Dags (subculture)|Daggiest]] song of their generation and a [[cover version]] was provided by The Melody Lords.


As a "day job", Cave worked as a car detailer at a Holden car dealership in [[Arncliffe, New South Wales]] for most of his working life.<ref name="McF"/>
A temporary revival of his singing career occurred in 1990 when listeners of [[Triple M Melbourne]] voted "My Little Angel" as the [[Dags (subculture)|daggiest]] song of their generation and a [[cover version]] was provided by the Melody Lords. For his day job, Shakespeare was a car detailer at a [[Holden]] dealership in [[Arncliffe, New South Wales]] for most of his working life.<ref name="McF"/> In late 1992 he appeared as a guest on the "Countdown" segment in series 1 episode 12 of the ABC comedy show ''[[The Late Show (1992 TV series)|The Late Show]]'' and performed "My Little Angel" live.

In late 1992 he appeared as a guest on the "Countdown" segment in series 1 episode 12 of the ABC comedy show "The Late Show" and performed "My Little Angel" live.


==Decline and death==
==Decline and death==


Mental illness and alcoholism took its toll on his personal life and by 2001, Shakespeare was homeless and lived in a ticket booth at an oval next to [[St. George Illawarra Dragons|St George's Leagues Club]] in [[Kogarah, New South Wales|Kogarah]], where he was found and assisted by [[Lindy Morrison]] (ex-[[The Go-Betweens]] drummer) of Support Act Limited, a company concerned with assisting artists in hard times.<ref name="GNT"/>
Mental illness and alcoholism took its toll on his personal life and by 2001, Shakespeare was homeless and lived in a ticket booth at an oval next to [[St George Illawarra Dragons|St George's Leagues Club]] in [[Kogarah]], where he was found and assisted by [[Lindy Morrison]] (ex-[[The Go-Betweens]] drummer) of Support Act Limited, a company concerned with assisting artists in hard times.<ref name="Wilder"/><ref name="GNT"/>


In 2009, Cave was living in government housing in the southern Sydney suburb of [[Riverwood, New South Wales|Riverwood]].<ref name="CountWill"/><ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/countdown-stars-topple-from-grace/2009/08/24/1251001841077.html Countdown star's topple from grace] &ndash; smh.com.au, ''24 August 2009''</ref>
In 2009, Shakespeare was living in government housing in the southern Sydney suburb of [[Riverwood, New South Wales|Riverwood]].<ref name="CountWill"/><ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/countdown-stars-topple-from-grace/2009/08/24/1251001841077.html Countdown star's topple from grace] – ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'', ''24 August 2009''</ref> William Shakespeare (John Cave) died suddenly in Sydney on 5 October 2010.<ref name="Wilder"/> Tributes to his life and music appeared in the Australian media.<ref name="Wilder"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.undercover.fm/news/12375-william-shakespeare-dead-at-61|title=William Shakespeare Dead at 61|last=Cashmere|first=Paul|date=6 October 2010|work=undercover.fm|access-date=7 October 2010}}</ref>

He died suddenly in Sydney on 5 October 2010. Many fond tributes to William Shakespeare's life and music appeared in the Australian media just after his death became known.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.undercover.fm/news/12375-william-shakespeare-dead-at-61|title=William Shakespeare Dead At 61|last=Cashmere|first=Paul|date=6 October 2010|work=undercover.fm|accessdate=7 October 2010}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
===Studio albums===
'''Albums'''
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
*''Can't Stop Myself from Loving You''' &ndash; [[Albert Productions]] (25 November 1974) <small>AUS No.&nbsp;27</small>
|+ List of albums, with Australian chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album details
! scope="col" colspan="1" | Peak chart<br />positions
|-
! scope="col" style="text-align:center;" | <small>[[Kent Music Report|AUS]]<br /><ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=270}}</ref></small>
|-
! scope="row" | ''Can't Stop Myself from Loving You''
|
* Released: 25 November 1974
* Format: [[LP album|LP]]
* Label: [[Albert Productions]]
| align="center" | 27
|}


===Singles===
===Singles===
Line 68: Line 82:
!rowspan="2"|Album
!rowspan="2"|Album
|-
|-
! <small>[[Kent Music Report|AU]]<small>
! <small>[[Kent Music Report|AUS]]</small><ref name=aus/>
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|1974
|rowspan="2"|1974
Line 89: Line 103:


==See also==
==See also==

*[[1974 in music]]
*[[1974 in music]]
*[[List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart]]
*[[List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart]]


==References==
==References==

{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==

*[http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/shakespearean-tragedy-bright-star-of-pop-cut-short-by-scandal-and-alcohol-20101007-169w2.html?autostart=1 Obituary]
*[http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_health/Transcripts/s881704.htm ''George Negus Tonight'' transcript] of interview with John Cave, 2005.
*[http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_health/Transcripts/s881704.htm ''George Negus Tonight'' transcript] of interview with John Cave, 2005.


Line 106: Line 122:
[[Category:Australian male singers]]
[[Category:Australian male singers]]
[[Category:Australian pop singers]]
[[Category:Australian pop singers]]
[[Category:Musicians from Sydney]]
[[Category:Singers from Sydney]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian male musicians]]

Latest revision as of 23:01, 27 November 2024

This article is about the Australian glam rock singer. For the English tenor, see William Shakespeare (tenor).
"John Cave" redirects here. For other uses, see John Cave (disambiguation).

William Shakespeare
Birth nameJohn Stanley Cave
Also known asJohnny Cabe, Billy Shake
Born(1948-11-19)19 November 1948
OriginSydney, Australia
Died5 October 2010(2010-10-05) (aged 61)
Genres
OccupationSinger
InstrumentVocals
Years active1966 (1966)–1993 (1993)
LabelsAlbert

William Shakespeare (19 November 1948 – 5 October 2010) was the stage name of Australian glam rock singer, born as John Stanley Cave, also known as John Cabe or Billy Shake. He had two Australian hit singles, "Can't Stop Myself from Loving You", which peaked at No. 2 on the Kent Music Report in 1974, and "My Little Angel", which peaked at No. 1 in 1975. Both hits were written by Vanda & Young, who also turned Shakespeare into a glam rocker. After decades of alcohol addiction and clinical depression he became destitute; he was assisted by music industry benevolent society, Support Act, from 2001. He died suddenly in October 2010, aged 61.

Early life

[edit]

Shakespeare was born as John Stanley Cave in 1948 and grew up in Dulwich Hill, New South Wales.[1] He was the only son of Stanley John Cave (ca. 1922–1962), a greengrocer, and Elizabeth May (née Thursfield, died 1971).[2] The Cave family lived in Dulwich Hill for most of his early life.[3]

He was vocalist for beat music group, the Amazons, with Nick Barlow on guitar, Harry Brus on bass guitar, Chris Carroll on guitar and Dally Carroll on drums.[4] In 1966, they released a single, "Ain't that Lovin' You Baby". After The Amazons, Shakespeare continued performing in Sydney clubs as Johnny Cabe.

Career

[edit]

In early 1974, Shakespeare was in Albert Studios where producers and songwriters, Vanda & Young (ex-The Easybeats), were trying to record "Can't Stop Myself from Loving You", however, the singer they were working with was unable to reach its high notes.[4][5] Shakespeare's falsetto voice was suitable and Vanda & Young used him to finish recording the track; they also signed him to Albert Productions and groomed him into William Shakespeare as a glam rocker along the lines of Alvin Stardust or Gary Glitter.[4][5] According to ABC-TV series, Long Way to the Top (2001), he was one of three contenders for lead vocalist of AC/DC.[6] However this was refuted by both of that group's founders, Angus and Malcolm Young.

"Can't Stop Myself from Loving You" was released as a single in July 1974 and peaked at No. 2 nationally (No. 1 in Sydney and Melbourne) on the Kent Music Report singles chart.[7] Also in that year, during the planning stages for the ABC-TV series, Countdown, it was suggested that Shakespeare host the show. However, this was rejected, with Ian Meldrum becoming a regular contributor instead. A number of guest hosts including Shirley Strachan, John Paul Young and Daryl Braithwaite compered the show in its early years on an ad hoc basis.

In November 1974, Shakespeare released his debut album, Can't Stop Myself from Loving You, produced by Vanda & Young for Albert Productions. All but one track was co-written by Vanda & Young.[8] One track, "Time", was co-written by Shakespeare with Chris Gilbey, A&R manager at Alberts. The album peaked in the top 30 on the Kent Music Report albums chart.[7]

His second single, "My Little Angel", followed in December and peaked at No. 1 on the Kent Music Report for three weeks in February of the next year and he became a national pop star.[7][9] Shakespeare appeared on the teen-oriented musical program, Countdown, in his glam rock costume numerous times.[5] The two singles and album were followed by two more singles, "Just the Way You Are" in April 1975 and "Last Night" in May 1976, but he had no further top 50 successes.[4][7]

Criminal conviction and spell in Chelmsford

[edit]

In 1975 John Cave was convicted of statutory rape of a 15-year-old girl from his Melbourne fan club, and he received two years probation.[4][10][11] He left Albert Productions in 1977 and had no further recordings — his pop music career was over due to his criminal conviction[10] and changes in music styles.[5][11]

In 1978 Shakespeare, who had an alcohol addiction and clinical depression, was treated with Deep Sleep Therapy (in combination with electroconvulsive therapy and other therapies) by Dr Harry Bailey at the Chelmsford Private Hospital for three weeks.[1][12] From 1979 until the mid 1990s, Shakespeare sometimes performed as Billy Shake in Sydney clubs as a 1970s revival act.[4][12]

A temporary revival of his singing career occurred in 1990 when listeners of Triple M Melbourne voted "My Little Angel" as the daggiest song of their generation and a cover version was provided by the Melody Lords. For his day job, Shakespeare was a car detailer at a Holden dealership in Arncliffe, New South Wales for most of his working life.[4] In late 1992 he appeared as a guest on the "Countdown" segment in series 1 episode 12 of the ABC comedy show The Late Show and performed "My Little Angel" live.

Decline and death

[edit]

Mental illness and alcoholism took its toll on his personal life and by 2001, Shakespeare was homeless and lived in a ticket booth at an oval next to St George's Leagues Club in Kogarah, where he was found and assisted by Lindy Morrison (ex-The Go-Betweens drummer) of Support Act Limited, a company concerned with assisting artists in hard times.[1][12]

In 2009, Shakespeare was living in government housing in the southern Sydney suburb of Riverwood.[11][13] William Shakespeare (John Cave) died suddenly in Sydney on 5 October 2010.[1] Tributes to his life and music appeared in the Australian media.[1][14]

Discography

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Studio albums

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List of albums, with Australian chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart
positions
AUS
[15]
Can't Stop Myself from Loving You 27

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Chart Positions Album
AUS[15]
1974 "Can't Stop Myself from Loving You" 2 Can't Stop Myself From Loving You
"My Little Angel" 1
1975 "Just The Way You Are" 57
1976 "Last Night" 97 Non-Album Single

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Wilder, Gabriel (8 October 2010). "Shakespearean Tragedy: Bright Star of Pop Cut Short by Scandal and Alcohol". The Age. Archived from the original on 11 October 2010. Retrieved 25 April 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ "The Ryerson Index". Ryerson Index. Retrieved 25 April 2020. Note: User must add 'Cave' into the Surname search parameter and 'Stanley John', 'Elizabeth May' or 'John Stanley' into the Any Given Name(s) parameter.
  3. ^ ABC Television: GTK, 1 January 1975 (last episode)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g McFarlane, Ian (1999). "Encyclopedia entry for 'William Shakespeare'". Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86448-768-2. Archived from the original on 19 April 2004. Retrieved 8 February 2009.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) Note: McFarlane incorrectly gives last name as Caves and birth year as 1950.
  5. ^ a b c d Warner, Dave (June 2006). Countdown: the Wonder Years 1974–1987. Sydney: ABC Books. pp. 72–73. ISBN 0-7333-1401-5. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
  6. ^ "Episode 4: Berserk Warriors 1973–1981". Long Way to the Top. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. Note: Used for Australian Singles and Albums charting from 1970 until ARIA created their own charts in mid-1988.
  8. ^ "APRA search engine results for 'Can't Stop Myself from Loving You'". APRA AMCOS. Retrieved 25 April 2020. Note: For additional work user may have to select 'Search again' and then 'Enter a title:' &/or 'Performer:'
  9. ^ Noel McGrath. 'Australian Encyclopedia Of Rock'. Outback Press. Australia, 1977
  10. ^ a b Cockington, James (August 2001). "Countdown". Long Way to the Top. Sydney: ABC Books. p. 202. ISBN 0-7333-0750-7.
  11. ^ a b c "Popular Countdown Acts". Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Archived from the original on 24 December 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  12. ^ a b c "George Negus Tonight > Health > Support Act". Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). 2005. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  13. ^ Countdown star's topple from grace – Sydney Morning Herald, 24 August 2009
  14. ^ Cashmere, Paul (6 October 2010). "William Shakespeare Dead at 61". undercover.fm. Retrieved 7 October 2010.
  15. ^ a b Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 270. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
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