Johnny Taylor 5
Legends in their Own Front Rooms
Thanks to Terry Owens for supplying the information.
If anyone has a pic of this group I would appreciate a copy
The Johnny Taylor 5 was formed in Billingham early in 1960. The original line up was
Brian Taylor (Johnny) Drums
Henry Fawcett Rhythm Guitar
Alan Raine LeadGuitar
Al Morgan Vocals
Gordon Valentine joined as bass guitarist in mid 1960
The band played at all the usual local social clubs, pubs and dances, was the first group to play at the Maison de Danse in Stockton and supported Dave Allan at the Empire Continental and made their first television appearance on TTV.
In 1961 Allan Raine left to be replaced by Ray Douglas
Ray Douglas was replaced as lead guitar by Eric Shoosmith in 1962 and the same year, Al Morgan left to be replaced by Lou Flett (stage name Gary Phillips)
In 1962 successfully auditioned for BBC television show, some Liverpool lads calling themselves the Beatles didn’t make it that day but seemed to do quite well later.
In 1963 supported the Beatles at the Astoria Ballroom Middlesbrough and also appeared twice at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.
In 1964 played support for the Rolling Stones at the Tower Ballroom New Brighton compered by Jimmy Saville
In January 1965 Eric Shoosmith left signifying a change in lineup. Terry Owens joined to play keyboard and Henry Fawcett began alternating between lead and rhythm guitar. Later that year Gary Phillips left to be replaced by Pauline Reilly (stage name Jackie Peters) and Johnny Taylor left to be replaced by Vic Creed on Drums.
In 1966 Trevor Davis replaced Gordon Valentine on Bass while Gordon continued on Vocals alongside Jackie Peters.
By this time the band was working the cabaret circuit in the North East including the Fiesta at Norton, the various Bailey clubs across the region and the Sporting Club at South Bank. The JT 5 continued with this line up until it’s final gig at Cockerton Band Club Darlington in November 1967.
This picture was taken at the Social and Recreation Club at British Steel, South Bank, Middlesbrough.
(L to R)
Gordon Valentine (bass player turned front man who now also now lives in France), Henry Fawcett on Hoyer guitar (which was later stolen from the van) Jackie Peters (where are you now Pauline), Vic Creed on drums (who had his drums wired up with lights. During his solo they lit up which always went down a storm),
Sadly Vic went to France for a music festival
Trevor Davis on Bass who played with several bands in Cleveland inc Blue Caps, Selection Soul band and Soul
Survivors now retired and living in France and loving it .He has met up with Gordon a few times just to drink wine and enjoy the French life style and to remember the good times.
Jan2008
Trevor has kindly sent us this pic taken at a recent get together on the occasion of Brian (Johnny) Taylor's 25th Wedding Anniversary.
This was the original line-up with the exception of Trevor on the extreme right
More Johnny Taylor Five pics here
