Mike Smith (Dave Clark Five)


Smith in 1964 at an Ed Sullivan Show appearance.

Background information
Birth name: Michael George Smith
Born: 6 December 1943; Edmonton, Middlesex, England
Died: 28 February 2008 (aged 64); Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England

Michael George Smith (6 December 1943 – 28 February 2008) was an English singer, songwriter and music producer.

In the 1960s, Smith was the lead vocalist and keyboard player for the Dave Clark Five. The band was a leading unit in the British Invasion of the United States, and were the Beatles' main British rivals before the emergence of the Rolling Stones.

{snip}

Biography

Smith was born in Edmonton, Middlesex (now part of north London), only child of George William Henry Smith, a bus conductor, later interior decorator, and Maudie (née Willis). His parents found he had a natural ability as a pianist that surfaced as early as age five. Smith started lessons in classical piano, and at age 13 passed the entrance exams at Trinity Music College in London.

Career

Smith first met Dave Clark when they were both members on the same football team for the St. George Boys Club. By his mid-teens, Smith had developed a strong vocal delivery, while idolising Little Richard, among other American rock & roll stars. At age 17, while working for a finance company, Smith was invited by Clark to join his band, which was busy rebuilding itself around the core of Clark and rhythm guitarist (later bassist) Rick Huxley, after having recently lost its lead singer.

Dave Clark Five


Dave Clark Five The Ed Sullivan Show appearance, 1966. From left: Denis Payton, Dave Clark, Mike Smith, Rick Huxley and Lenny Davidson.

With Smith on vocals, piano or organ (and occasionally playing guitar in later years), the new Dave Clark Five was completed with the additions of saxophonist Denis (Denny) Payton and lead guitarist Lenny Davidson, who was auditioned on Smith's recommendation.

Smith made his recording debut, at age 18, with the single "I Knew It All the Time" b/w (flip side) "That's What I Said" produced by Pye Records in June 1962 and credited to the unknown band The Dave Clark Five featuring Mike Smith. Performed in a style midway between early British beat and the bolder 1960s sounds that were developing, it was a powerful record to be issued while the Beatles were still developing their first recording deal.

Due to his role as lead singer, Smith was considered the other star of the band, less visible by name than drummer/founder Clark but still at the centre of the group's sound as lead singer and keyboard player. Smith's singing showed the strong influence of Elvis Presley during the period of "The Girl of My Best Friend", " (Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame ", and "Little Sister". Due to his lead singing, Mike was very popular around the world on DC5 concert tours, especially in the Philippines. The rock band was so much welcomed at their performance at Smart Araneta Coliseum on 23–26 April 1965. Filipinos loved his rendition of hits Because and Hurting Inside.

Smith's rich and raspy baritone voice and keyboards were clearly evident in the band's sound over seven years: during their two major years of success in 1964–1965 and continuing five years after the British Invasion died down in America, until the group disbanded in 1970.

{snip}

Dave Clark Five - Glad All Over (original video 1963)

TransatlanticMoments
35.5K subscribers

5,858,234 views Jan 25, 2012
Dave Clark Five - Glad All Over

The Dave Clark 5 – Glad All Over (1964) [High Quality Sound, Subtitled]

Орлин Вълчев
59K subscribers

96,521 views Jun 9, 2016