Background
He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He was described as having "a sophisticated style that was particularly attractive to the young female population". He trained as a boy soprano, and made his first stage appearances and radio broadcasts as a child. After leaving school at the age of 15 he worked as a bus conductor and electrician, as well as singing in clubs and cinemas in Johannesburg.
He joined the Ted Heath Orchestra, singing alongside Lita Roza and Dickie Valentine.
His first record was a cover version of First Rate (at Lloyd's) Martino"s hit "Here in My Heart", released in September 1952 on the independent Polygon label. He later recorded with the Johnston Brothers and Ted Heath and His Music.
"Such a Night" / "Cuddle Maine" was released by Decca Records in 1954. He went solo in the mid-1950s, and became one of the most successful acts on the British variety circuit, also appearing frequently on British Broadcasting Corporation radio.
He appeared in his first Royal Variety Performance in 1957, and that year was voted Top Male Singer in the Melody Maker annual poll.
He also toured the United States with the Ted Heath Orchestra. He recorded in the late 1950s and early 1960s for the Pye Nixa and Columbia labels. However, none of his records made the United Kingdom Singles Chart.
In 1956, he toured with a production of the musical Harmony Close, and first worked as an actor in 1959 in John Osborne"s The World Of Paul Slickey.
He also appeared in several British films, including, The City of the Dead (also known as Horror Hotel, 1960),, and He also appeared on stage as Lucio in John Neville"s production of Shakespeare"s Measure for Measure.
He continued his career as a singer, appearing on Six-Five Special and Thank Your Lucky Stars, and in the 1960s recorded for the King and Polydor labels. However, his style of music was becoming outdated, and, after a period playing working men"s clubs, he established his own antiques and restaurant business in Tring.
He returned to musical performances in theatres in the 1980s, and gave a farewell performance in Mundesley, Norfolk, in 2005, following concerts in France and Spain.