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John Leyton

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Years active
  
c. 1959—present

Parents
  
Babs Walters

Spouse
  
Dini Layton

Role
  
Actor

Name
  
John Leyton


John Leyton wwwmaidenheadadvertisercoukimagelibraryClien

Full Name
  
John Dudley Leyton

Born
  
17 February 1936 (age 88) (
1936-02-17
)
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, England, UK

Similar People
  
Geoff Goddard, Eden Kane, Michael Sarne, Mike Berry, Adam Faith

John Leyton - All l want is you (1964)


John Dudley Leyton (born 17 February 1936 in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex) is an English actor and singer. As a singer he is best known for his hit song "Johnny Remember Me" (written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek), which reached Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart in August 1961 despite being banned by the BBC for its death references. His follow-up single, "Wild Wind", reached Number 2 in the charts.

Contents

John Leyton The JOE MEEK Page CD Discography John Leyton

Alongside singing, Leyton's acting career saw him appearing in television and films throughout the 1960s. His films included The Great Escape, Guns at Batasi, Von Ryan's Express and Krakatoa, East of Java. In 2009 he also had a small part in the film Telstar, a biopic based on Joe Meek's life in which Leyton himself was portrayed by Callum Dixon.

John Leyton The JOE MEEK Page CD Discography John Leyton The Best

John leyton johnny remember me


Career

John Leyton A Life In The Death Of Joe Meek Kim Pavey39s Meeksville

Leyton went to Highgate School and after completing his national service, he studied drama, paying his way through drama school with bit-part roles in films and on television. His first major acting role was his portrayal of Ginger in a 1960 Granada TV adaptation of Biggles, which earned him a large following of young female fans and led to the formation of a John Leyton fan club.

Singer-actor

John Leyton John Leyton is the only actor still alive of the three men

Following the success of Biggles, Leyton was persuaded by his manager, Robert Stigwood, to audition as a singer for record producer Joe Meek, and subsequently recorded a cover version of "Tell Laura I Love Her", which was released on the Top Rank label. In 1961 though, the Top Rank label was taken over by EMI who then issued Leyton's records on their HMV label. EMI had already released Ricky Valance's version of the same song. Leyton's recording was withdrawn from sale, whilst Valance's version reached Number 1 in the UK chart.

John Leyton The best No 1 records John Leyton Johnny Remember Me

A second single - "The Girl on the Floor Above" - was released on the HMV label, but was not a success. His first big hit, "Johnny Remember Me", coincided with his appearance as an actor in the popular ATV television series Harpers West One, in which he played a singer named Johnny Saint Cyr. Leyton performed "Johnny Remember Me" during the show (backed by the Outlaws), and the single subsequently charted at Number 1. His next single, "Wild Wind", reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart, and later singles also achieved lower chart positions. On 15 April 1962, Leyton performed at the NME Poll-Winners Concert at London's Wembley Pool. But in 1963, Meek and Goddard's association with Leyton ended; that circumstance, combined with the British beat boom, cast Leyton adrift immediately, although he found a lot of acting work in television and film to keep him busy. Despite trying to give Leyton's music more of a 'group' sound by giving him a backing group, 'The LeRoys', his chart career faded out by the beginning of 1964.

Heyday as an actor

John Leyton JOHN LEYTON FILM amp THEATRE PERFORMANCES

Leyton was a familiar face in film and television during the 1960s. He played himself in the 1962 Dick Lester film It's Trad, Dad!, performing his latest single "Lonely City" in a radio studio. In The Great Escape (1963) he played tunnel designer Willie Dickes, one of the only three characters who successfully make it to freedom. Leyton also cut a single with lyrics to Elmer Bernstein's theme to the film. He also appeared in Guns at Batasi in 1964; Every Day's a Holiday (aka Seaside Swingers in the United States) and Von Ryan's Express starring Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard in 1965. In Krakatoa, East of Java, in 1969 he played the designer of a diving bell.

From 1966 to 1967, Leyton played the lead role as SOE Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Gage, an expert in demolitions, in Jericho, an American TV series about espionage in the Second World War.

Later career

He returned to Britain in the early 1970s and unsuccessfully attempted to re-launch his singing career, signing to the York record label in 1973. A single, "Dancing in the Graveyard c/w. Riversong (York SYK 551) & an L.P., "John Leyton" (York FYK 416) was released that year. A year later (1974) Leyton's cover version of the Kevin Johnson hit, "Rock 'n' Roll (I Gave You the Best Years of My Life c/w. Highway Song. York YR 210.)" was issued in the UK but without success. In the mid 1970s, Leyton starred in the ITV television series, The Nearly Man. Acting roles became fewer and farther between during the 1970s, and by the early 1980s, he was no longer active in show business.

In the 1990s, however, he began performing in the 'Solid Gold Rock 'n' Roll Show', appearing with artists such as Marty Wilde and Joe Brown. The autumn 2004 tour featured Leyton, Showaddywaddy, Freddy Cannon and Craig Douglas. Leyton has also returned to acting, with a cameo appearance in the 2005 film, Colour Me Kubrick starring John Malkovich.

In May 2006, Leyton released "Hi Ho, Come On England", a re-working of Jeff Beck's "Hi Ho Silver Lining", to coincide with the World Cup in Germany. During the summer of 2007 he filmed a cameo appearance for the Nick Moran film, Telstar. Leyton also topped the bill at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, along with 1960s stars Jess Conrad and Craig Douglas at a concert named "'60s Icons".

Leyton continues to tour the UK and Scandinavia performing his hits (sometimes backed by the Rapiers) and can boast an internet following with his official website. In 2014 John continues to tour with his band the Flames, featuring John James on guitar, Ray Royal on drums and Dale Corcoran on bass guitar.

Chart singles discography

† - Billed as John Leyton and the LeRoys

Extended plays

  • 1962 - John Leyton (Top Rank JKP3016) - "Wild Wind" / "You Took My Love for Granted" / "Johnny Remember Me" / "There Must Be"
  • 1962 - The John Leyton Hit Parade (His Master's Voice 7EG8747) - "Lone Rider" / "Son This Is She" / "Lonely City" / "It Would Be Easy"
  • 1964 - Beautiful Dreamer (His Master's Voice 7EG8843) - "Beautiful Dreamer" / "On Lovers Hill" / "I'll Cut Your Tail Off" / "Lovers Lane"
  • 1964 - Tell Laura I Love Her (His Master's Voice 7EG8854) - "Tell Laura I Love Her" / "The Girl on the Floor Above" / "Johnny Remember Me" / "Wild Wind"
  • 1977 - John Leyton (EMI 2699) - "Johnny Remember Me" / "Son This Is She" / "Wild Wind" / "Cupboard Love"
  • UK albums

  • 1961 - The Two Sides of John Leyton (His Master's Voice CLP497)
  • 1963 - Always Yours (His Master's Voice CLP1664)
  • 1973 - John Leyton (York Records FYK416)
  • 1997 - John Leyton Is Back
  • Filmography

    Actor
    2008
    Telstar: The Joe Meek Story as
    Sir Edward
    2005
    Color Me Kubrick as
    Lord Charles Benson
    2001
    The Bill (TV Series) as
    Supt. Ian Acheson
    - The Leopard: Part 2 (2001) - Supt. Ian Acheson
    1981
    Play for Today (TV Series) as
    Steve
    - Baby Talk (1981) - Steve
    1981
    Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective (TV Movie) as
    Dave Boot
    1980
    The Square Leopard (TV Series) as
    Gerald Parish
    - Episode #1.6 (1980) - Gerald Parish
    - Episode #1.5 (1980) - Gerald Parish
    - Episode #1.4 (1980) - Gerald Parish
    - Episode #1.3 (1980) - Gerald Parish
    - Episode #1.2 (1980) - Gerald Parish
    - Episode #1.1 (1980) - Gerald Parish
    1978
    Send in the Girls (TV Series) as
    Ben
    - A Hardy Breed of Girl (1978) - Ben
    1977
    Fern, the Red Deer as
    Mr. Gordon
    1976
    Crown Court (TV Series) as
    Edward Linger
    - Lola: Part 3 (1976) - Edward Linger
    - Lola: Part 2 (1976) - Edward Linger
    - Lola: Part 1 (1976) - Edward Linger
    1976
    Schizo as
    Alan Falconer
    1975
    The Nearly Man (TV Series) as
    Brian Griffin
    - Options (1975) - Brian Griffin
    - Casualties: August 1975 (1975) - Brian Griffin
    - Re-Shuffle: June 1975 (1975) - Brian Griffin
    - Power Base: April 1975 (1975) - Brian Griffin
    - Opportunity: March 1975 (1975) - Brian Griffin
    1974
    Dixon of Dock Green (TV Series) as
    Dave Hopkins
    - Three's Company (1974) - Dave Hopkins
    1968
    Krakatoa: East of Java as
    Rigby
    1968
    The Legend of Silent Night (TV Movie) as
    Pastor Joseph Mohr
    1966
    Jericho (TV Series) as
    Nicholas Gage
    - The Loot of All Evil (1967) - Nicholas Gage
    - A Switch in Time (1967) - Nicholas Gage
    - Both Ends Against the Riddle (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Jackal of Diamonds (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Long Journey Across a Short Street (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Four O'Clock Bomb to London (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Two for the Road: Part 2 (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - One for the Mountain: Part 1 (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Eric the Redhead (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Wall to Wall Kaput (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - The Big Brass Contraband (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Panic in the Piazza (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Have Traitor, Will Travel (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Upbeat and Underground (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread - and POW (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    - Dutch and Go (1966) - Nicholas Gage
    1966
    The Idol as
    Timothy
    1965
    Convoy (TV Series) as
    Lt. Detley Henning
    - The Heart of an Enemy (1965) - Lt. Detley Henning
    1965
    Von Ryan's Express as
    Orde
    1965
    12 O'Clock High (TV Series) as
    Bert Higgs
    - The Trap (1965) - Bert Higgs
    1964
    Seaside Swingers as
    Gerry
    1964
    Guns at Batasi as
    Private Wilkes
    1963
    The Great Escape as
    Willie 'Tunnel King'
    1961
    Harpers West One (TV Series) as
    Johnny St. Cyr
    - Episode #1.5 (1961) - Johnny St. Cyr
    1960
    Biggles (TV Series) as
    Ginger
    - Biggles on the Nile: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles on the Nile: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles on the Nile: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles in the East: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles in the East: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles in the East: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Springs the Lock: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Springs the Lock: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Springs the Lock: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Turns the Scale: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Turns the Scale: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Turns the Scale: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles at World's End: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles at World's End: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles at World's End: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Baits the Trap: Part 6 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Baits the Trap: Part 5 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Baits the Trap: Part 4 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Baits the Trap: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Baits the Trap: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Baits the Trap: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles on Mystery Island: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles on Mystery Island: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles on Mystery Island: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Takes Charge: Part 6 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Takes Charge: Part 5 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Takes Charge: Part 4 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Takes Charge: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Takes Charge: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Takes Charge: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Follows On: Part 6 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Follows On: Part 5 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Follows On: Part 4 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Follows On: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Follows On: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Follows On: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Flies North: Part 5 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Flies North: Part 4 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Flies North: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Flies North: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles Flies North: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles at the Home Front: Part 3 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles at the Home Front: Part 2 (1960) - Ginger
    - Biggles at the Home Front: Part 1 (1960) - Ginger
    1959
    The Invisible Man (TV Series) as
    Club Patron
    - Man in Disguise (1959) - Club Patron (uncredited)
    1959
    I'm All Right Jack as
    Recruit to Detto (uncredited)
    1959
    Breakout as
    Prisoner (uncredited)
    1959
    The Captain's Table as
    Passenger Watching Beauty Contest (uncredited)
    Music Department
    2005
    The Jealous God (performed by: "Johnny Remember Me")
    Miscellaneous
    1988
    Predator: The Quietus (courtesy: Jade at the Meridiana Restaurant courtesy of - as Mr. John Leyton)
    Soundtrack
    2022
    How to Hire a Hitman (TV Series documentary) (performer - 1 episode)
    - Episode #1.1 (2022) - (performer: "Johnny Remember Me")
    2009
    Father of My Children (performer: "Johnny Remember Me")
    2008
    Telstar: The Joe Meek Story (performer: "Johnny Remember Me")
    2005
    The Jealous God (performer: "Johnny Remember Me")
    1991
    Arena (TV Series documentary) (performer - 1 episode)
    - The Very Strange Story of- The Legendary Joe Meek (1991) - (performer: "Johnny Remember Me")
    1964
    Seaside Swingers (performer: "All I Want Is You", "A Boy Needs a Girl", "Every Day's a Holiday", "Say You Do")
    1962
    The Johnny Leyton Touch (Short) (performer: "Son, This is She", "Wild Wind")
    1962
    Bandstand (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode)
    - Episode dated 17 November 1962 (1962) - (performer: "Lonely City", "Lonely Johnny")
    1962
    Ring-A-Ding Rhythm! (performer: "Lonely City" - uncredited)
    1961
    Harpers West One (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode)
    - Episode #1.5 (1961) - (performer: "Johnny Remember Me")
    Self
    2015
    Billy Fury: The Sound of Fury (Documentary) as
    Self
    2014
    The Greatest Ever War Films (TV Movie documentary) as
    Self
    2013
    A Life in the Death of Joe Meek (Documentary) as
    Self
    2002
    Jukebox Heroes (TV Series documentary) as
    Self - Interviewee
    - John Leyton: Johnny, Remember Me (2002) - Self - Interviewee
    1991
    Arena (TV Series documentary) as
    Self
    - The Very Strange Story of- The Legendary Joe Meek (1991) - Self
    1963
    Ready, Steady, Go! (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode #1.28 (1964) - Self
    - Episode #1.14 (1963) - Self
    1961
    Thank Your Lucky Stars (TV Series) as
    Self
    1962
    Discs a Go-Go (TV Series) as
    Self - Singer / Self - Performer
    - Episode #4.48 (1963) - Self - Singer
    - Episode #4.41 (1963) - Self - Singer
    - Episode #4.10 (1963) - Self - Singer
    - Episode #2.8 (1962) - Self - Performer
    1963
    Holiday Music (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode #2.2 (1963) - Self
    1962
    The Johnny Leyton Touch (Short) as
    Self
    1962
    Like ... Music (TV Mini Series) as
    Self - Guest
    - Episode #1.2 (1962) - Self - Guest
    1962
    Bandstand (TV Series) as
    Self - Singer / Self
    - Episode dated 17 November 1962 (1962) - Self - Singer
    - Episode dated 27 October 1962 (1962) - Self
    1961
    Billy Cotton Band Show (TV Series) as
    Self - Guest / Self
    - Episode #10.4 (1962) - Self - Guest
    - Episode #9.2 (1961) - Self
    1961
    Juke Box Jury (TV Series) as
    Self - Panellist / Self - Surprise Guest
    - Episode #1.145 (1962) - Self - Panellist
    - Episode #1.119 (1961) - Self - Panellist
    - Episode #1.104 (1961) - Self - Surprise Guest
    1962
    Ring-A-Ding Rhythm! as
    Self
    1961
    Swing High (TV Series) as
    Self - Singer

    References

    John Leyton Wikipedia


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