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Frederick Heath

Known as Johnny Kidd Born in Willesden, London on 23 December 1935 and died in a car accident near Breightmet, Lancashire on 8 October 1966 (aged 30). By the 1950's Heath had become immersed in the skiffle craze and having progressed from banjo to guitar, formed his own group, [a4579768]. [a4579770] (washboard), [a2167226] (bass) and [a4579767] (snare drum) were among those featured in the line up which played at many local venues and talent contests, but the unit quickly outgrew the genre's limitations and a local agent [a3936713], suggested that Heath should front a rock 'n' roll band. 'The Freddie Heath Combo' was a short lived affair & in 1958 the singer & his bassist, Johnny Gordon, joined another group at that time led by [a3936717]. This particular act enjoyed a resident spot at Wandsworth Town Hall, but when it became clear that Heath was a superior vocalist, the newcomer became its undisputed focal point. [a400203] (lead guitar), [a3936715] rhythm guitar), [a3936714] (drums) & [a3936716] (backing vocals) completed the line up which was spotted by a local rep. from EMI. A contract with HMV ensued & the group - now dubbed Johnny Kidd & the Pirates - entered Abbey Road Studio in April 1959 to record its first single.