Tommy Hunt - Loving On The Losing Side
The legendary Tommy Hunt, now singing for his sixth decade professionally, had a hit in 1975 with a cover of a song I first discovered myself and broke at Blackpool Mecca, by Roy Hamilton, called "Cracking Up Over You", and then we filmed it for "The Strange World Of Northern Soul". Born on the 18th June 1933, music dominated his life, and whilst performing in a club one night he was approached by Zeke Carey of The Flamingos to join the group and temporarily take his place whilst he served his time in the Army. There followed in 1958 their biggest hit 'I Only Have Eyes For You' for which the Flamingos are world renowned and it remains their most popular song, being used in movies and on compilation discs to this date. Tommy left the group in 1960 due to differences, mainly because he was not Jewish as were all the other members with the exception of Nate Nelson. Within 3 days he was approached by Luther Dixon and released 'Parade Of Broken Hearts' which was slow to be picked up by the radio stations until one day in New York a deejay by the name of Jocko introduced the song and flipped it by mistake causing the phones to ring off the hook... That song was 'Human'...Tommy's biggest hit in the USA. Tommy became a regular performing at The Apollo in New York. To the best of his knowledge Tommy remains the only person to have his photo framed twice in the Apollo foyer, both with the Flamingos and as a solo artist. Several years and a couple of minor hits later Tommy crossed the waters and sang for the U.S. Army in Germany and in 1969 having caught the travel bug left his homeland when the Beatles invaded America and traveled back to Germany, through Belgium and across the Channel to England. After several performances in the Theater Clubs throughout the UK, Tommy sang for the 2nd Anniversary of the Wigan Casino and there followed the ladder of his success on the Northern Soul Scene. Tommy was approached by Russ Winstanly and Mike Walker of Wigan Casino fame and released several hits on Spark, firstly a cover version of "Cracking Up Over You", formerly sung by his idol and biggest influence Roy Hamilton, and then followed on by this song, which gained some chart success in 1976, "Loving On The Losing Side". 1982/83 saw him win the Male Vocalist of the Year, presented by the Club Mirror Award. In 1996 the first of his recognitions came in the form of The Rhythm and Blues Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for the Flamingos contribution to music. In 1997 Tommy moved back to England and embarked on a revived northern soul scene, experiencing all the love and dedication once again from the crowd who had never faltered in their love and appreciation for his music. The Flamingos were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame of America for their 30 year outstanding contribution to music.
Пікірлер: 30
One of those songs ypu can play for ever and never get tired of it.. Superb
First met Tommy in the 007 club Southampton UK June 1975..I was able to drop off his music and stage outfits at Fagins nightclub Manchester after they had been left/overlooked by mistake at the 007 club...Thanks now to You-Tube we can watch and listen to all Tommy`s great songs...even way back to the "Flamingo`s"...A true legend and great performer......
I had the pleasure of meeting this man last weekend (16th July 2016) at a birthday bash for my mate. He's 83 years old and he still sounds fantastic.KTF
Met Tommy at the weekend. Lovely man and at 85 still singing great.
Saw Tommy performing 2 days ago. Amazing for 81! A true Northern Soul legend, and a proper gentleman!
great song..great singer (northern soul forever ) dont forget fight back allways
This is another lovely celebrity. He may not be well known now but in the 70s he was in the charts. I found him to be a lovely man.
I met this wonderful gentleman this morning,so easy to talk to and very charismatic.
Tommy's coming to Edinburgh very soon. Can't wait to hear this guy and hopefully meet him. He fills the floor every time.
Love the song, makes my feet itch....
Saw Tommy at the weekend. Did a gig in Penicuick (small town near Edinburgh). He was amazing. Not too good physically, but the voice was amazing. Lovely guy, chatted and signed autographs after wards.
OMG Soooooo many memories........love it ......xxxx
Heard him on Radio Lancashire the other Sunday Keith Fletcher's NS prog. He sounded like such a lovely man. Love this record. He's still going strong too, bless him.x
Great song, fantastic guy!
hees a legend seen him loads of time class
Great sound still got the original 45
thank you thank you thank you!!!
Brilliant song KTF
seen him down butlins this man is fantastic
a big soul! halleluhja!
top tune
I agree
still a brill dance tune ktf ian
see you in blackburn tomorrow tommy, feet dont fail me now.
♥♥♥
Tommy Hunt, listen to this Lynda Walters it's our next song for the Soul Lodge xxxx
why are most of these great old tunes with original artists done with a cassio keyboard shit backing sound spoils it every time!!
klass disc
Not as good as the original but nevertheless a very good version. Do not let age be a barrier.