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In 1964, the American music scene was shaken to the roots by what became known as the British Invasion. In Darwinian terms, this was nothing more, or less, than a neccessary evolution in order for Rock & Roll music to keep from reaching a dead end. To bring this about, Rock & Roll was infused with a dose of it's own mutated genes, supplied from an overseas source. Initially, the British groups were serving up a blend of early rock and R&B with their own distinctive twist. The songs of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and even Hank Williams were being sent back to the States to a younger audience who probably believed that the Rolling Stones actually wrote "Reelin' and Rockin'". As big a deal as it was in the U.S., it must have been truely amazing to these bands from England to suddenly find themselves in the middle of the type of fame one can only dream about.
Gerry Marsden, from Liverpool ( seen here sitting in his car, chatting with a musician "friend" ) formed the Pacemakers with his brother Freddy on drums, Les Chadwick on bass and from The Undertakers, ( any relation to The Zombies ? ) they recruited pianist Les Maguire. They were true musical brothers of The Beatles, sharing many experiences in Hamburg, Germany as well as at Liverpool's Cavern Club. The Pacemakers too, were signed by Brian Epstein and recorded at Abbey Road studios with George Martin. When The Beatles first went to the studio they were given a song authored by Mitch Murray, "How Do You Do It". Well, ...they didn't do it. John Lennon didn't like it and over George Martin's objections, The Beatles recorded "Love Me Do" instead. It did okay and hit #17 on the British charts. Meanwhile, Gerry and his Pacemakers did record "How Do You Do It" and Gerry had the pleasure of ringing up his old friend Lennon and rubbing it in when the song hit #1. Their second single, "I Like It" also hit # 1, as did their third single, "You'll Never Walk Alone". This record of having a band's first three singles hit #1 stood for 21 years ! ( just in case you were wondering, single #4, "I'm The One" peaked at #2 !!!)
This week's song, "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" became the group's first U.S. hit in June of 1964. This song dates back to the group's earlier years in Liverpool. It was supposedly written by Gerry after an arguement with his girlfriend, and he sang it to her over the phone as an effort to patch things up. It did that, and then some, as they later got married ! I do think that some 30 years later, they are still together... why not ask Gerry, himself, at his own webpage [http://www.gerrymarsden.com] ? "How Do You Do It" and "I like It" also became U.S. hits that year, and in 1965 they placed three more hits in the U.S. top 40. two of them from their hit film "Ferry Cross The Mersey". In October of 1966 they hit the U.S. Chart for the last time, but it sure wasn't the end of the line for Gerry Marsden. Possessing unlimited drive and talent, he continued on in England doing recordings, stage and television. He has an autobiography out and with a new set of Pacemakers he continues to tour for appreciative audiences. I suppose he is one guy who will be performing even as they shovel the dirt into his grave !!!
