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{{Redirect|Fortunes||Fortune (disambiguation){{!}}Fortune}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2014}}

{{Short description|English harmony beat group}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Fortunes
| name = The Fortunes
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| image = Fanclub1966TheFortunes.jpg
| image = Fanclub1966TheFortunes.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption = The Fortunes (Dutch TV, 1966)
| caption = The Fortunes (Dutch TV, 1966)
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Birmingham]], England
| origin = [[Birmingham]], England
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]]
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Pop music|Pop]]
* [[merseybeat]]
| years_active = 1963–present
}}
| label = [[Decca Records|Decca]], [[United Artists Records|United Artists]], US World Pacific, [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], Target UK
| associated_acts =
| years_active = 1961–present
| label = [[Decca Records|Decca]], [[United Artists Records|United Artists]], US World Pacific, [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], Target UK
| website = {{URL|http://www.thefortunes.co.uk/}}
| associated_acts =
| current_members = Michael Smitham<br/>[[Bob Jackson (musician)|Bob Jackson]]<br/>[[Eddie Mooney]]<br/>Glenn Taylor
| website = {{URL|www.thefortunes.co.uk/}}
| past_members = Rod Allen<br/>Barry Pritchard<br/>Andy Brown<br/>Glen Dale<br/>David Carr<br/>Shel Macrae<br/>George McAllister<br/>John Trickett<br/>John Davy<br/>Ricky Persell<br/>Paul Hooper
| current_members = Michael Smitham<br/>Chris Hutchison<br/>[[Eddie Mooney]]<br/>Glenn Taylor
| past_members = Chris Capaldi<br/>Gary Fletcher<br/>Tony Britnell<br/>Rod Allen<br/>Barry Pritchard<br/>Andy Brown<br/>Glen Dale<br/>[[David Carr (keyboardist)|David Carr]]<br/>Shel Macrae<br/>George McAllister<br/>John Trickett<br/>John Davey<br/>Ricky Persell<br/>Paul Keatley<br/>Paul Hooper<br/>Bob Jackson<br/>Geoff Turton
}}
}}


'''The Fortunes''' are an English harmony [[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 US and UK [[Top 40|Top 10s]]. Afterwards, they had a succession of hits including "[[Here It Comes Again (The Fortunes song)|Here It Comes Again]]" and "[[Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again]]"; continuing into the 1970s with more globally successful releases such as [[Storm in a Teacup (The Fortunes song)|"Storm in a Teacup"]] and "[[Freedom Come, Freedom Go]]".
'''The Fortunes''' are an English harmony [[beat music|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 US, Canadian, and UK [[Top 40|Top 10s]]. Afterwards, they had a succession of hits including "[[Here It Comes Again (The Fortunes song)|Here It Comes Again]]" and "[[Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again]]"; continuing into the 1970s with more globally successful releases such as [[Storm in a Teacup (The Fortunes song)|"Storm in a Teacup"]] and "Freedom Come, Freedom Go".


In 1966, their manager, [[Reginald Calvert]], was shot to death in a dispute over [[Pirate radio in the United Kingdom|pirate radio stations]].
In 1966, their manager, [[Reginald Calvert]], was shot dead in a dispute over [[Pirate radio in the United Kingdom|pirate radio stations]].<ref name="YL">{{cite web |last1=Hirst |first1=Andrew |title=Amazing story of pop band and pirate radio station manager Reg Calvert who was shot dead in 1966 |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/lifestyle/nostalgia/amazing-story-pop-band-pirate-7891237 |work=Yorkshire Live |access-date=21 February 2021 |date=8 October 2014}}</ref>


==Biography==
==Biography==
Originally formed as a vocal trio (Rod Allen, Glen Dale and Barry Pritchard) backed by an instrumental group known as the Cliftones, the band placed an [[instrumental]] track on a [[compilation album]], ''Brumbeat'', issued by the local Dial [[record label]]. "Cygnet Twitch" was a working of [[Tchaikovsky]]'s "[[Swan Lake]]", and they subsequently signed to British [[Decca Records|Decca]] in 1963. Their first [[single (music)|single]], "Summertime, Summertime", was credited to the Fortunes and the Cliftones. However, the vocalists picked up guitars, jettisoned the Cliftones, and added Andy Brown on drums, and Dave Carr on keyboards.<ref name="AMG"/> The follow-up disc "Caroline", co-written by the [[singer-songwriter]] and future [[The Ivy League (band)|Ivy League]] member Perry Ford and songwriter [[Tony Hiller]], was used as the signature tune for the [[pirate radio]] [[radio station|station]], [[Radio Caroline]].<ref name="AMG"/>
The Fortunes (Rod Allen, Glen Dale, Barry Pritchard as vocalists, Chris Capaldi as piano player, Gary Fletcher as drummer and Tony Britnell as saxophone player) were formed in 1961 and were resident at Clifton Hall in [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]], [[Warwickshire]] where many 60s rockstars formed their career.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=David |title=Backbeat: Stars out for Clifton Hall 50-year reunion party |journal=CoventryLive |date=31 May 2012 |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/lifestyle/nostalgia/backbeat-stars-out-clifton-hall-3025674 |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> The three vocalists had been the Merrie Men backing Robbie Hood (A.K.A Mike West, previously co-singer with Fred Heath in [[Johnny Kidd & The Pirates]]). The Fortunes were originally backed by an instrumental group known as the Cliftones, and the band placed an [[instrumental]] track on a [[compilation album]], ''Brumbeat'', issued by the local Dial record label. "Cygnet Twitch" was a working of [[Tchaikovsky]]'s "[[Swan Lake]]", and they subsequently signed to British [[Decca Records|Decca]] in 1963. Their first single, "Summertime, Summertime", was credited to the Fortunes and the Cliftones. However, the vocalists picked up guitars, jettisoned the Cliftones, and added Andy Brown on drums, and [[David Carr (keyboardist)|David Carr]] on keyboards.<ref name="AMG"/> The follow-up disc "Caroline", co-written by the singer-songwriter and future [[The Ivy League (band)|Ivy League]] member [[Perry Ford]] and songwriter [[Tony Hiller]], is still in use as the signature tune for the [[pirate radio]] station, [[Radio Caroline]].<ref name="AMG"/>


The group's next two singles, [[Gordon Mills]]'s co-composition "I Like the Look of You" and a revival of "[[Look Homeward Angel]]" — like the initial brace of releases overseen by the American [[record producer]] [[Shel Talmy]] — also failed to chart. Their fifth release, the [[Roger Greenaway]]/[[Roger Cook (songwriter)|Roger Cook]] number, "[[You've Got Your Troubles]]" (1965), reached Number 2 in the [[UK Singles Chart]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
The group's next two singles, [[Gordon Mills]]'s co-composition "I Like the Look of You" and a revival of "[[Look Homeward Angel]]" — like the initial brace of releases overseen by the American record producer [[Shel Talmy]] — also failed to chart. Their fifth release, the [[Roger Greenaway]]/[[Roger Cook (songwriter)|Roger Cook]] number, "[[You've Got Your Troubles]]" (1965), reached Number 2 in the [[UK Singles Chart]]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
| first= David
| first= David
| last= Roberts
| last= Roberts
Line 34: Line 40:
| location= London
| location= London
| page= 208
| page= 208
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5}}</ref> and was a worldwide [[hit record|hit]], including reaching [[record chart|Number 1]] in [[RPM number-one hits of 1965|Canada]] and the American Top 10. Their next two singles were "[[Here It Comes Again (The Fortunes song)|Here It Comes Again]]", a UK Number 4, and "This Golden Ring" a UK Number 14. These sold well, but each less than the previous release. When Glen Dale left in 1966 he was replaced by Shel McCrae.<ref name="AMG"/> Three more singles ("You Gave Me Somebody to Love", "Is It Really Worth Your While?" and "Our Love has Gone") all failed to chart.
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5}}</ref> and was a worldwide [[hit record|hit]], including reaching [[record chart|Number 1]] in [[RPM number-one hits of 1965|Canada]] and the American Top 10. Their next two singles were "[[Here It Comes Again (The Fortunes song)|Here It Comes Again]]", a UK Number 4, and "This Golden Ring" a UK Number 14. These sold well, but each less than the previous release. When Glen Dale left in the summer of 1966 he was replaced by Shel McCrae.<ref name="AMG"/> Three more singles ("You Gave Me Somebody to Love", "Is It Really Worth Your While?" and "Our Love has Gone") all failed to chart.


At this point in 1967, the Fortunes left Decca for [[United Artists]]. They reunited with Talmy for their next release, "The Idol", a song they had written themselves, and although it did get some [[airplay]] in the UK, it did not become a hit.
At this point in 1967, the Fortunes left Decca for [[United Artists]]. They reunited with Talmy for their next release, "The Idol", a song they had written themselves, and although it did get some [[airplay]] in the UK, it did not become a hit. Around this time they released a version of 'Seasons in the Sun' which also failed to chart.


The Fortunes also recorded an advertisement for [[Coca-Cola]] in the United States.<ref name="fortunes">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefortunes.co.uk/history.html |title=The Fortunes History Page |publisher=Thefortunes.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2014-01-30}}</ref> Their first recording in 1967 was a version of the [[theme tune]], "Things Go Better with Coke", but they are most remembered for introducing the 1969 new slogan recording, used as the main theme for Coca-Cola on both [[radio]] and [[television]] [[Advertising|commercial]]s — "It's The Real Thing".
The Fortunes also recorded an advertisement for [[Coca-Cola]] in the United States.<ref name="fortunes">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefortunes.co.uk/history.html |title=The Fortunes History Page |publisher=Thefortunes.co.uk |accessdate=30 January 2014}}</ref> Their first recording in 1967 was a version of the [[theme tune]], "Things Go Better with Coke", but they are most remembered for introducing the 1969 new slogan recording, used as the main theme for Coca-Cola on both radio and television [[Advertising|commercial]]s — "It's The Real Thing".


In 1968, they tried [[cover version|covering]] [[The Move]]'s hit "[[Fire Brigade (Move song)|Fire Brigade]]" for the [[United States|US]] market, but with little airplay or sales. In 1970, they recorded an [[album]] for the US World Pacific record label, and then signed with [[Capitol Records|Capitol]] in both the UK and US in 1971.
In 1968, they tried [[cover version|covering]] [[The Move]]'s hit "[[Fire Brigade (Move song)|Fire Brigade]]" for the US market, but with little airplay or sales. In 1970, they recorded an album for the US World Pacific record label, and then signed with [[Capitol Records|Capitol]] in both the UK and US in 1971.


Then followed a steady succession of singles, some of which were hits outside of the UK and US, culminating in 1972 with the release of "[[Storm in a Teacup (The Fortunes song)]]".<ref name="AMG"/> During this period, they had another worldwide hit, "Here Comes that Rainy Day Feeling" (1971).<ref name="AMG"/>
Then followed a steady succession of singles, some of which were hits outside of the UK and US. It was during this period they had worldwide hits with "[[Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again]]" and "[[Freedom Come, Freedom Go]]" in 1971, along with "[[Storm in a Teacup (The Fortunes song)|Storm in a Teacup]]" in 1972.<ref name="AMG"/>


==Later work==
==Later work==
Line 49: Line 55:
In 1983 and 1984 respectively, Michael Smitham and Paul Hooper joined Barry Pritchard and Rod Allen in the Fortunes. This line up of the Fortunes were awarded a [[Music recording sales certification|gold disc]] in 1987 for over 100,000 sales of their ''All The Hits and More'' album.<ref name="fortunes"/>
In 1983 and 1984 respectively, Michael Smitham and Paul Hooper joined Barry Pritchard and Rod Allen in the Fortunes. This line up of the Fortunes were awarded a [[Music recording sales certification|gold disc]] in 1987 for over 100,000 sales of their ''All The Hits and More'' album.<ref name="fortunes"/>


In 1991, Glen Dale, whilst living in Tenerife, reformed the group as Glen Dale's Fortunes alongside Martin Cox (guitar) (who has gone on to be one of the world's top Elton John tributes).{{cn|date=October 2022}}
In March 1995, [[Bob Jackson (musician)|Bob Jackson]] was added to the Fortunes' ranks, after founder member Barry Pritchard left through illness. Jackson, a former member of the group [[Badfinger]], paid homage to his former band mate on stage, with a version of the Badfinger penned song "[[Without You (Badfinger song)|Without You]]". Jackson left for a year to follow other obligations and [[Geoff Turton]], who was originally a member of [[the Rockin' Berries]], stood in for him. Barry Pritchard died from a heart attack on 11 January 1999 in Swindon, Wiltshire, UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-barry-pritchard-1071341.html |title=Entertainment &#124; Obituary: Barry Pritchard |publisher=The Independent |date=1999-02-17 |accessdate=2015-06-11}}</ref>


In March 1995, [[Bob Jackson (musician)|Bob Jackson]] was added to the Fortunes' ranks, after founder member Barry Pritchard left through illness. Jackson, a former member of the group [[Badfinger]], paid homage to his former bandmate on stage, with a version of the Badfinger penned song "[[Without You (Badfinger song)|Without You]]". Jackson left for a year to follow other obligations and [[Geoff Turton]], who was originally a member of [[the Rockin' Berries]], stood in for him. Barry Pritchard died from a heart attack on 11 January 1999 in Swindon, Wiltshire, UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-barry-pritchard-1071341.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220618/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-barry-pritchard-1071341.html |archive-date=18 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Obituary: Barry Pritchard |work=The Independent |date=17 February 1999 |accessdate=11 June 2015}}</ref>
On 10 January 2008, Rod Allen died after suffering for two months from [[Hepatocellular carcinoma|liver cancer]].<ref name="guardian"/> The remaining members of the band said they would continue touring and recruited [[The Dakotas (band)|the Dakotas]] lead singer [[Eddie Mooney]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7183281.stm |title=Entertainment &#124; Fortunes singer Allen dies at 63 |publisher=BBC News |date=2008-01-11 |accessdate=2014-01-30}}</ref> During 2008, the band regrouped, recording a new album ''Play On'' and appeared in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], the Netherlands and Belgium as well as the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. They toured Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, in addition to the UK during 2009. The band had a busy schedule in the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Italy during 2010 and 2011, appearing in Belgium at the Vostertfeesten Festival in August 2010. Drummer Paul Hooper left the band in early 2010 and was replaced by Glenn Taylor, formerly of [[Marmalade (band)|Marmalade]].


On 10 January 2008, Rod Allen died after suffering for two months from [[Hepatocellular carcinoma|liver cancer]].<ref name="guardian"/> The remaining members of the band said they would continue touring and recruited [[The Dakotas (band)|the Dakotas]] lead singer [[Eddie Mooney]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7183281.stm |title=Fortunes singer Allen dies at 63 |publisher=BBC News |date=11 January 2008 |accessdate=30 January 2014}}</ref> During 2008, the band regrouped, recorded a new album ''Play On'', and appeared in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], the Netherlands and Belgium as well as the UK. They toured Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, in addition to the UK during 2009.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} The band had a busy schedule in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Italy during 2010 and 2011, appearing in Belgium at the Vostertfeesten Festival in August 2010.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} Drummer Paul Hooper left the band in early 2010 and was replaced by Glenn Taylor, formerly of [[Marmalade (band)|Marmalade]].{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} The band then released a new studio album, ''Another Road''.
The keyboard player in the original line-up, David Carr, lived and worked in [[Hollywood, California]], doing [[session musician|session]] work, frequently working with [[The Ventures]] and also [[Kim Fowley]]. Carr died on 12 July 2011, from a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]].<ref name="Dead">{{cite web|author=Doc Rock |url=http://thedeadrockstarsclub.com/2011b.html |title=2011 July To December |publisher=The Dead Rock Stars Club |date= |accessdate=2014-01-30}}</ref>

The keyboard player in the original line-up, David Carr, lived and worked in Hollywood, California, doing [[session musician|session]] work, frequently working with [[The Ventures]] and also [[Kim Fowley]]. Carr died on 12 July 2011 from a heart attack.<ref name="Dead">{{cite web|author=Doc Rock |url=http://thedeadrockstarsclub.com/2011b.html |title=2011 July To December |work=The Dead Rock Stars Club |accessdate=30 January 2014}}</ref>

Since 2011, the Fortunes have continued to appear on various 1960s theatre package shows with other artists of the era.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} Additionally, they have appeared in their own ''Past and Present'' theatre show and in 2015 released the accompanying ''Past and Present'' live album.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} In 2018 the Fortunes successfully toured Australia and keyboard player Bob Jackson retired later in the year due to ill health. He was replaced by ex Merseybeats and Tornados keyboard player and vocalist Chris Hutchison. The band continues to feature on 1960s theatre shows such as "Sensational 60s" and "[[Sixties Gold]]" as well as cruise appearances and toured the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany in 2022.{{cn|date=October 2022}}

Glen Dale died at a hospice care facility after a battle with heart disease, on 13 January 2019, at age 79.<ref name="thestar">{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/tributes-chart-topping-sheffield-singer-family-hunt-missing-gold-disc-151441|title=Tributes to chart-topping Sheffield singer – as family hunt missing gold disc|last=Cumber|first=Robert|date=21 January 2019|accessdate=20 May 2021|website=thestar.co.ul}}</ref> Singer Shel Macrae died in 2022 at the age of 77.<ref name=macrae/>

===Streaming Hits in the 2020s===
In 2021 the Fortunes had two hit singles on the Amazon, Spotify and iTunes download charts with "Never Too Far" (Smitham/Mooney) and "One Special Moment" (Smitham) the band's first chart entries since 1972. The band resumed a UK theatre tour as part of the Sensational 60s Experience package in October 2021 and released an album "Special Moments" in December 2021. The Fortunes signed to US label "Creative & Dreams" in 2022, releasing the singles "Hello My Friend" and "One Special Moment (US Remix), both hits on the UK Heritage Chart, hosted by [[Mike Read]]. In 2023 the Fortunes again charted in the Heritage Charts with their live cover of Dusty Springfield's 60s hit "[[I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself]]".


==Members==
==Members==
;Original members
;Original members
* Rod Allen (born Rodney Bainbridge, 31 March 1944, [[Leicester]]; died 10 January 2008, [[Eastern Green]], [[Coventry]]<ref name="guardian">{{cite web|author=Dave Laing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/obituaries/story/0,,2241893,00.html |title=Obituary: Rod Allen |publisher=The Guardian |date= |accessdate=2014-01-30}}</ref>) – lead vocals, bass (1963-2008)
* Rod Allen (born Rodney Bainbridge, 31 March 1944, [[Leicester]] – 10 January 2008, [[Eastern Green]], [[Coventry]])<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|author=Dave Laing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/obituaries/story/0,,2241893,00.html |title=Obituary: Rod Allen |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |accessdate=30 January 2014}}</ref> – lead vocals, bass (1963–2008)
* Barry Pritchard (born Barry Arthur Pritchard, 3 April 1944, Birmingham &ndash; died 11 January 1999, [[Swindon]], [[Wiltshire]]<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|author=Steve Huey |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-fortunes-mn0000067821/biography |title=The Fortunes &#124; Biography |publisher=AllMusic |date= |accessdate=2014-01-30}}</ref>) – lead guitar, vocals (1963-1995)
* Barry Pritchard (born Barry Arthur Pritchard, 3 April 1944, Birmingham – 11 January 1999, [[Swindon]], Wiltshire)<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|author=Steve Huey |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-fortunes-mn0000067821/biography |title=The Fortunes &#124; Biography |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |accessdate=30 January 2014}}</ref> – lead guitar, vocals (1963–1995)
* Andy Brown (born Andrew Brown, 7 January 1946, Birmingham) – drums (1963-1977)
* Andy Brown (born Andrew Brown, 7 January 1946, Birmingham) – drums (1963–1977)
* Glen Dale (born Richard Garforth, 24 April 1943, [[Deal, Kent|Deal]], [[Kent]]) – rhythm guitar (1963-1966)
* Glen Dale (born Richard Garforth, 1939, [[Deal, Kent|Deal]], Kent – 13 January 2019, [[Chesterfield, Derbyshire|Chesterfield]], Derbyshire) – rhythm guitar (1963–1966)
* David Carr (born 4 August 1943, [[Leyton]], [[London]]; died 12 July 2011<ref name="Dead"/>) – keyboards (1963-1968)
* [[David Carr (keyboardist)|David Carr]] (born 4 August 1943, [[Leyton]], London – 12 July 2011)<ref name="Dead"/> – keyboards (1963–1968)


'''Current members'''
'''Current members'''
* Michael Smitham (born 29 July 1951, [[Nuneaton]]) – guitars, vocals (1983–present)
* Michael Smitham (born 29 July 1951, [[Nuneaton]]) – guitars, vocals (1983–present)
* Bob Jackson (born 6 January 1949, [[Coventry]]) – keyboards, vocals (1995–present)
* Eddie Mooney (born 6 August 1957, [[Stoke-on-Trent]]) – lead vocals, bass (2007–present)
* Eddie Mooney (born 6 August 1957, [[Stoke-on-Trent]]) – lead vocals, bass (2008–present)
* Glenn Taylor (born 15 February 1952, [[Leicester]]) – drums (2010–present)
* Glenn Taylor (born 15 February 1951, [[Leicester]]) – drums (2010–present)
* Chris Hutchison (born 4 April 1963, [[Sheffield]]) – keyboards, vocals (2018–present)

'''Touring musicians'''
* [[Geoff Turton]] - keyboards, vocals (2013–present)


'''Former members'''
'''Former members'''
* [[Bob Jackson (musician)|Bob Jackson]] – keyboards, vocals (1995–2018)
* Shel Macrae (born Andrew Raeburn Semple, 8 March 1943, [[Burnbank]], Scotland) – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1966-1977)
* [[Geoff Turton]] – keyboards, vocals (2013)
* George McAllister - vocals, piano, mellotron 1970 - 1974
* Shel Macrae (born Andrew Raeburn Semple, 8 March 1943, [[Burnbank]], Scotland, died 22 November 2022)<ref name=macrae>[https://www.itv.com/news/central/2022-11-28/shel-macrae-lead-singer-of-the-fortunes-dies-at-77 "Shel Macrae, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for The Fortunes, dies at 77", ''ITV.com'', 28 November 2022]. Retrieved 28 November 2022</ref>– lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1966–1977)
* George McAllister (born 6 December 1945) vocals, piano, mellotron 1970 – 1974
* John Trickett (born Birmingham) – drums (1977–1984)
* John Trickett (born Birmingham) – drums (1977–1984)
* John Davey (born 13 September 1955, [[Watford]]) – vocals (1977–1983)
* John Davey (born 13 September 1955, [[Watford]]) – vocals (1977–1983)
* Ricky Persell (born 19 October 1954, [[Ruislip]]) – guitars, vocals (1977–1980)
* Ricky Persell (born 19 October 1954, [[Ruislip]]) – guitars, vocals (1977–1980)
* Paul Hooper (born 20 August 1948 [[Wolverhampton]]) – drums (1984-2010)
* Paul Hooper (born 20 August 1948, [[Wolverhampton]]) – drums (1984–2010)
===Timeline===
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:900 height:600
PlotArea = left:95 bottom:80 top:10 right:0
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1961 till:01/04/2024
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy


Colors =
==Discography==
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
=== Singles ===
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
* 1963 "Summertime Summertime" (with the Cliftones) ([[Decca Records|Decca]])
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
* 1964 "Caroline" (Decca)
id:keyboard value:purple legend:Keys
*1964 "Come On Girl" (Decca)
id:sax value:skyblue legend:Saxophone
*1964 "Look Homeward Angel" (Decca)
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
*1965 "You've Got Your Troubles" (Decca)
id:lines1 value:black legend:Studio_album
*1965 "Here It Comes Again" (Decca)
id:bars value:gray(0.9)
*1966 "This Golden Ring" (Decca)
*1966 "You Gave Me Somebody to Love" (Decca)
*1966 "Is It Really Worth Your While" (Decca)
*1967 "Our Love Has Gone"
*1967 "The Idol" ([[United Artists Records|United Artists]])
*1968 "Loving Cup" (United Artists)
*1968 "Seasons in the Sun (Le Moribond)" (United Artists)
*1969 "Ballad of the Alamo" (United Artists)
*1969 "Books and Films" (United Artists)
*1970 "That Same Old Feeling" (US only) ([[World Pacific Records|World Pacific]])
*1971 "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" ([[Capitol Records|Capitol]])
*1971 "Freedom Come Freedom Go" (Capitol)
*1972 "Storm in a Teacup" (Capitol)
*1972 "Baby by the Way" (Capitol)
*1972 "Everything Is Out of Season" (Capitol)
*1972 "Secret Love" (Capitol)
*1973 "Whenever It's a Sunday" (Capitol)
*1977 "I Can't Believe It's Over" ([[Target Records|Target]])


Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
=== Albums ===
BackgroundColors = bars:bars
* ''The Fortunes'' (Decca, UK & US, 1965)
ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:5 start:1961
* ''Seasons in the Sun'' (United Artists, Netherlands, 1969)
ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:1961
* ''That Same Old Feeling'' (World Pacific, US, 1970)
* ''Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again'' (Capitol, US & Germany, 1971)
* ''Storm in a Teacup'' (Capitol, US & Canada, 1972) - titled ''Freedom'' in Germany (Hör Zu, 1971)
* ''Fortunes'' (Capitol, UK, 1972) - compilation of songs taken from 2 previous Capitol albums
* ''You've Got Your Troubles'' (Decca, Germany, 1974) - contains 6 songs from 1965 Decca album and 6 other songs


BarData =
==Charts==
bar:Rod text:Rod Allen
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
bar:Eddie text:Eddie Mooney
|-

! rowspan="2"| Year
bar:Barry text:Barry Pritchard
! rowspan="2"| Titles
bar:Glen text:Glen Dale
! colspan="6"| Peak chart positions
bar:Shel text:Shel Macrae
! rowspan="2"| Album
bar:Ricky text:Ricky Persell
|-
bar:Michael text:Michael Smitham
! style="width:3em;font-size:80%;"| US [[Billboard Hot 100]]

! style="width:3em;font-size:80%;"| Australia [[Kent Music Report|KMR]]
bar:Chris text:Chris Capaldi
! style="width:3em;font-size:80%;"| Canada [[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]
bar:David text:David Carr
! style="width:3em;font-size:80%;"| Ireland IRMA
bar:George text:George McAllister
! style="width:3em;font-size:80%;"| New Zealand (''[[New Zealand Listener|Listener]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flavourofnz.co.nz/index.php?qpageID=search%20listener&qartistid=19#n_view_location |title=Flavour of New Zealand - search listener |website=Flavourofnz.co.nz |date= |accessdate=2017-04-06}}</ref>
bar:Bob text:Bob Jackson
! style="width:3em;font-size:80%;"| [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]
bar:Geoff text:Geoff Turton
|-
bar:Chris2 text:Chris Hutchinson
|rowspan="2"|1965

| style="text-align:left;"|"[[You've Got Your Troubles]]"
bar:Tony text:Tony Britnell
| 7

| 12
bar:Gary text:Gary Fletcher
| 1
bar:Andy text:Andy Brown
| 3
bar:John text:John Trickett
| —
bar:Paul text:Paul Hopper
| 2
bar:Glenn text:Glenn Taylor
|rowspan="2"|''The Fortunes''

|-
PlotData=
| style="text-align:left;"|"[[Here It Comes Again (The Fortunes)|Here It Comes Again]]"

| 27
width:12 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
| 1
bar:Rod from:start till:10/01/2008 color:vocals
| 4
bar:Rod from:01/01/1963 till:10/01/2008 color:bass width:4
| 5
bar:Rod at:10/01/2008 text:†
| 16
bar:Eddie from:01/01/2007 till:end color:vocals
| 4
bar:Eddie from:01/01/2007 till:end color:bass width:4
|-
bar:Glen from:start till:01/01/1963 color:vocals
||1966
bar:Glen from:01/01/1963 till:01/01/1966 color:guitar
| style="text-align:left;"|"This Golden Ring"
bar:Glen at:13/01/2019 text:†
| 82
bar:David at:12/07/2011 text:†
| —
bar:Barry from:start till:01/01/1963 color:vocals
| 40
bar:Barry from:01/01/1963 till:01/01/1995 color:guitar
| —
bar:Barry at:11/01/1999 text:†
| —
bar:Tony from:start till:01/01/1963 color:sax
| 15
bar:Chris from:start till:01/01/1963 color:keyboard
|
bar:Gary from:start till:01/01/1963 color:drums
|-
bar:David from:01/01/1963 till:01/01/1968 color:keyboard
||1970
bar:Shel from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/1977 color:guitar width:4
| style="text-align:left;"|"[[That Same Old Feeling]]"
bar:Shel from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/1977 color:vocals
| 62
bar:Shel at:22/11/2022 text:†
| —
bar:Ricky from:01/01/1977 till:01/01/1980 color:guitar
| 40
bar:Michael from:01/01/1983 till:end color:guitar
| —
bar:George from:01/01/1970 till:01/01/1974 color:keyboard
| —
bar:Bob from:01/01/1995 till:01/01/2018 color:keyboard
| —
bar:Geoff from:01/01/2013 till:31/12/2013 color:keyboard
|rowspan="3"|''That Same Old Feeling''
bar:Chris2 from:01/01/2018 till:end color:keyboard
|-
bar:John from:01/01/1977 till:01/01/1984 color:drums
|rowspan="2"| 1971
bar:Paul from:01/01/1984 till:01/01/2010 color:drums
| style="text-align:left;"|"[[Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again]]"
bar:Glenn from:01/01/2010 till:end color:drums
| 15
bar:Andy from:01/01/1963 till:01/01/1977 color:drums
| 43

| 25
width:2.5 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
| —

| —
LineData =
| 51
at:01/10/1965 color:lines1 layer:back
|-
at:01/06/1970 color:lines1 layer:back
| style="text-align:left;"|"[[Freedom Come, Freedom Go]]"
at:01/06/1971 color:lines1 layer:back
| 72 <small>(Pop)</small><br>12 <small>(AC)</small>
at:01/01/1999 color:lines1 layer:back
| 13
at:01/01/2004 color:lines1 layer:back
| 16 <small>(AC)</small>
at:01/01/2008 color:lines1 layer:back
| 5
at:01/01/2010 color:lines1 layer:back
| 3
at:01/01/2021 color:lines1 layer:back
| 6
</timeline>
|-

|| 1972
==Discography==
| style="text-align:left;"|"[[Storm in a Teacup (The Fortunes song)|Storm in a Teacup]]"
{{Main|The Fortunes discography}}
| —
| —
| —
| 9
| 15
| 7
|''Storm in a Teacup''
|}


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of Capitol Records artists]]
*[[List of Capitol Records artists]]
*[[List of NME covers]]
*[[List of performers on Top of the Pops]]
*[[List of performers on Top of the Pops]]
*[[List of artists under the Decca Records label]]
*[[List of artists under the Decca Records label]]
Line 213: Line 206:
* [http://www.oldies.com/artist-view/The-Fortunes.html The Fortunes biography in Oldies.com]
* [http://www.oldies.com/artist-view/The-Fortunes.html The Fortunes biography in Oldies.com]
* [http://www.45-rpm.org.uk/dirf/fortunes.htm The Fortunes in 45-rpm.org.uk]
* [http://www.45-rpm.org.uk/dirf/fortunes.htm The Fortunes in 45-rpm.org.uk]
* [https://www.45cat.com/artist/the-fortunes The Fortunes at 45cat.com]
* {{discogs artist|The Fortunes}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Fortunes, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fortunes, The}}
[[Category:Beat groups]]
[[Category:Beat groups]]
[[Category:British Invasion artists]]
[[Category:English pop music groups]]
[[Category:English pop music groups]]
[[Category:Music in Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1963]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1963]]
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[[Category:Decca Records artists]]
[[Category:Decca Records artists]]
[[Category:Capitol Records artists]]
[[Category:Capitol Records artists]]
[[Category:United Artists Records artists]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in England]]

Latest revision as of 23:13, 12 December 2024

"Fortunes" redirects here. For other uses, see Fortune.

The Fortunes
The Fortunes (Dutch TV, 1966)
The Fortunes (Dutch TV, 1966)
Background information
OriginBirmingham, England
Genres
Years active1961–present
LabelsDecca, United Artists, US World Pacific, Capitol, Target UK
MembersMichael Smitham
Chris Hutchison
Eddie Mooney
Glenn Taylor
Past membersChris Capaldi
Gary Fletcher
Tony Britnell
Rod Allen
Barry Pritchard
Andy Brown
Glen Dale
David Carr
Shel Macrae
George McAllister
John Trickett
John Davey
Ricky Persell
Paul Keatley
Paul Hooper
Bob Jackson
Geoff Turton
Websitewww.thefortunes.co.uk

The Fortunes are an English harmony 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 US, Canadian, and UK Top 10s. Afterwards, they had a succession of hits including "Here It Comes Again" and "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again"; continuing into the 1970s with more globally successful releases such as "Storm in a Teacup" and "Freedom Come, Freedom Go".

In 1966, their manager, Reginald Calvert, was shot dead in a dispute over pirate radio stations.[1]

Biography

[edit]

The Fortunes (Rod Allen, Glen Dale, Barry Pritchard as vocalists, Chris Capaldi as piano player, Gary Fletcher as drummer and Tony Britnell as saxophone player) were formed in 1961 and were resident at Clifton Hall in Rugby, Warwickshire where many 60s rockstars formed their career.[2] The three vocalists had been the Merrie Men backing Robbie Hood (A.K.A Mike West, previously co-singer with Fred Heath in Johnny Kidd & The Pirates). The Fortunes were originally backed by an instrumental group known as the Cliftones, and the band placed an instrumental track on a compilation album, Brumbeat, issued by the local Dial record label. "Cygnet Twitch" was a working of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake", and they subsequently signed to British Decca in 1963. Their first single, "Summertime, Summertime", was credited to the Fortunes and the Cliftones. However, the vocalists picked up guitars, jettisoned the Cliftones, and added Andy Brown on drums, and David Carr on keyboards.[3] The follow-up disc "Caroline", co-written by the singer-songwriter and future Ivy League member Perry Ford and songwriter Tony Hiller, is still in use as the signature tune for the pirate radio station, Radio Caroline.[3]

The group's next two singles, Gordon Mills's co-composition "I Like the Look of You" and a revival of "Look Homeward Angel" — like the initial brace of releases overseen by the American record producer Shel Talmy — also failed to chart. Their fifth release, the Roger Greenaway/Roger Cook number, "You've Got Your Troubles" (1965), reached Number 2 in the UK Singles Chart[4] and was a worldwide hit, including reaching Number 1 in Canada and the American Top 10. Their next two singles were "Here It Comes Again", a UK Number 4, and "This Golden Ring" a UK Number 14. These sold well, but each less than the previous release. When Glen Dale left in the summer of 1966 he was replaced by Shel McCrae.[3] Three more singles ("You Gave Me Somebody to Love", "Is It Really Worth Your While?" and "Our Love has Gone") all failed to chart.

At this point in 1967, the Fortunes left Decca for United Artists. They reunited with Talmy for their next release, "The Idol", a song they had written themselves, and although it did get some airplay in the UK, it did not become a hit. Around this time they released a version of 'Seasons in the Sun' which also failed to chart.

The Fortunes also recorded an advertisement for Coca-Cola in the United States.[5] Their first recording in 1967 was a version of the theme tune, "Things Go Better with Coke", but they are most remembered for introducing the 1969 new slogan recording, used as the main theme for Coca-Cola on both radio and television commercials — "It's The Real Thing".

In 1968, they tried covering The Move's hit "Fire Brigade" for the US market, but with little airplay or sales. In 1970, they recorded an album for the US World Pacific record label, and then signed with Capitol in both the UK and US in 1971.

Then followed a steady succession of singles, some of which were hits outside of the UK and US. It was during this period they had worldwide hits with "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" and "Freedom Come, Freedom Go" in 1971, along with "Storm in a Teacup" in 1972.[3]

Later work

[edit]

Founding member and lead vocalist Allen continued fronting an ever changing version of the Fortunes from 1963 up to his death in 2008.[6]

In 1983 and 1984 respectively, Michael Smitham and Paul Hooper joined Barry Pritchard and Rod Allen in the Fortunes. This line up of the Fortunes were awarded a gold disc in 1987 for over 100,000 sales of their All The Hits and More album.[5]

In 1991, Glen Dale, whilst living in Tenerife, reformed the group as Glen Dale's Fortunes alongside Martin Cox (guitar) (who has gone on to be one of the world's top Elton John tributes).[citation needed]

In March 1995, Bob Jackson was added to the Fortunes' ranks, after founder member Barry Pritchard left through illness. Jackson, a former member of the group Badfinger, paid homage to his former bandmate on stage, with a version of the Badfinger penned song "Without You". Jackson left for a year to follow other obligations and Geoff Turton, who was originally a member of the Rockin' Berries, stood in for him. Barry Pritchard died from a heart attack on 11 January 1999 in Swindon, Wiltshire, UK.[7]

On 10 January 2008, Rod Allen died after suffering for two months from liver cancer.[6] The remaining members of the band said they would continue touring and recruited the Dakotas lead singer Eddie Mooney.[8] During 2008, the band regrouped, recorded a new album Play On, and appeared in Las Vegas, the Netherlands and Belgium as well as the UK. They toured Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, in addition to the UK during 2009.[citation needed] The band had a busy schedule in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Italy during 2010 and 2011, appearing in Belgium at the Vostertfeesten Festival in August 2010.[citation needed] Drummer Paul Hooper left the band in early 2010 and was replaced by Glenn Taylor, formerly of Marmalade.[citation needed] The band then released a new studio album, Another Road.

The keyboard player in the original line-up, David Carr, lived and worked in Hollywood, California, doing session work, frequently working with The Ventures and also Kim Fowley. Carr died on 12 July 2011 from a heart attack.[9]

Since 2011, the Fortunes have continued to appear on various 1960s theatre package shows with other artists of the era.[citation needed] Additionally, they have appeared in their own Past and Present theatre show and in 2015 released the accompanying Past and Present live album.[citation needed] In 2018 the Fortunes successfully toured Australia and keyboard player Bob Jackson retired later in the year due to ill health. He was replaced by ex Merseybeats and Tornados keyboard player and vocalist Chris Hutchison. The band continues to feature on 1960s theatre shows such as "Sensational 60s" and "Sixties Gold" as well as cruise appearances and toured the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany in 2022.[citation needed]

Glen Dale died at a hospice care facility after a battle with heart disease, on 13 January 2019, at age 79.[10] Singer Shel Macrae died in 2022 at the age of 77.[11]

Streaming Hits in the 2020s

[edit]

In 2021 the Fortunes had two hit singles on the Amazon, Spotify and iTunes download charts with "Never Too Far" (Smitham/Mooney) and "One Special Moment" (Smitham) the band's first chart entries since 1972. The band resumed a UK theatre tour as part of the Sensational 60s Experience package in October 2021 and released an album "Special Moments" in December 2021. The Fortunes signed to US label "Creative & Dreams" in 2022, releasing the singles "Hello My Friend" and "One Special Moment (US Remix), both hits on the UK Heritage Chart, hosted by Mike Read. In 2023 the Fortunes again charted in the Heritage Charts with their live cover of Dusty Springfield's 60s hit "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself".

Members

[edit]
Original members
  • Rod Allen (born Rodney Bainbridge, 31 March 1944, Leicester – 10 January 2008, Eastern Green, Coventry)[6] – lead vocals, bass (1963–2008)
  • Barry Pritchard (born Barry Arthur Pritchard, 3 April 1944, Birmingham – 11 January 1999, Swindon, Wiltshire)[3] – lead guitar, vocals (1963–1995)
  • Andy Brown (born Andrew Brown, 7 January 1946, Birmingham) – drums (1963–1977)
  • Glen Dale (born Richard Garforth, 1939, Deal, Kent – 13 January 2019, Chesterfield, Derbyshire) – rhythm guitar (1963–1966)
  • David Carr (born 4 August 1943, Leyton, London – 12 July 2011)[9] – keyboards (1963–1968)

Current members

  • Michael Smitham (born 29 July 1951, Nuneaton) – guitars, vocals (1983–present)
  • Eddie Mooney (born 6 August 1957, Stoke-on-Trent) – lead vocals, bass (2007–present)
  • Glenn Taylor (born 15 February 1952, Leicester) – drums (2010–present)
  • Chris Hutchison (born 4 April 1963, Sheffield) – keyboards, vocals (2018–present)

Former members

  • Bob Jackson – keyboards, vocals (1995–2018)
  • Geoff Turton – keyboards, vocals (2013)
  • Shel Macrae (born Andrew Raeburn Semple, 8 March 1943, Burnbank, Scotland, died 22 November 2022)[11]– lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1966–1977)
  • George McAllister (born 6 December 1945) vocals, piano, mellotron 1970 – 1974
  • John Trickett (born Birmingham) – drums (1977–1984)
  • John Davey (born 13 September 1955, Watford) – vocals (1977–1983)
  • Ricky Persell (born 19 October 1954, Ruislip) – guitars, vocals (1977–1980)
  • Paul Hooper (born 20 August 1948, Wolverhampton) – drums (1984–2010)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: The Fortunes discography

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hirst, Andrew (8 October 2014). "Amazing story of pop band and pirate radio station manager Reg Calvert who was shot dead in 1966". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  2. ^ Evans, David (31 May 2012). "Backbeat: Stars out for Clifton Hall 50-year reunion party". CoventryLive. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e Steve Huey. "The Fortunes | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  4. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 208. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  5. ^ a b "The Fortunes History Page". Thefortunes.co.uk. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  6. ^ a b c Dave Laing. "Obituary: Rod Allen". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  7. ^ "Obituary: Barry Pritchard". The Independent. 17 February 1999. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  8. ^ "Fortunes singer Allen dies at 63". BBC News. 11 January 2008. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  9. ^ a b Doc Rock. "2011 July To December". The Dead Rock Stars Club. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  10. ^ Cumber, Robert (21 January 2019). "Tributes to chart-topping Sheffield singer – as family hunt missing gold disc". thestar.co.ul. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Shel Macrae, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for The Fortunes, dies at 77", ITV.com, 28 November 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022
[edit]
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