Discuss Newcastle upon Tyne and Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch, The Animals, Sting and even Jimmy Hendrix come to mind. And don't forget Bryan Ferry and Dire Straits in later years. The news item below appeared in THE EVENING CHRONICLE and published, possibly, in 1967. (Copied from a newspaper image):INVASION OF TALENT HITS THE NORTH
"A Jamaican blues singer who has topped record charts in the Far East three times, has moved to Newcastle to join a leading local beat group.
Together they hope to explore on the North East with their version of soul music which they are busy rehearsing for the first booking at the end of this month. Kingston-born Keith Locke, now living at Graingerville North, Newcastle, decided to come to Tyneside because, ' the teenagers here are ready for this kind of music'
A few months ago he met Burt Lowes, manager of The Jazz Board (image) beat group. The group and Keith were impressed with each other and decided to team up under the name of Keith Loke and the All Stars.
The reaction of Tyneside teenagers to this combination will be vital, for Keith gave up considerable success in the Far East to come to Britain. He embarked on his singing career at the age of 10, and after winning talent contests gained experience by doing cabaret work in Jamaica before joinging the RAF in 1957.
His next big step was a singing tour of Singapore in 1959 when he formed a trio with two other West Indians. They took part in their own radio series, but Keith eventually merged with four Singapore boys to form his own group, The Quests.
'I was impressed at the style and line up of the Jazz Board which is suited to my style of music and I think that this area, with its growing club life, is ready for a new sound. We plan to sing and for a huge and audience and not just blast away. We are rehearsing non stop and will launch a fan club soon.'
'The lads hope to develop a different kind of music to explode on the North East and really put it back on the musical map. People are tired of listening to just a 'Big Noise' and are demanding something better', explained Mr. Lowes."
Is this the answer to: 'What happened to Keith Locke after he left Singapore?'
Information: http://www.readysteadygone.co.uk/jazzboard/
From a blog called 'Rog's Blog' by Roger Smith.
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