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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMONRO, Matt(b Terry Parson, 1 Dec. '30, Shoreditch, London; d 7 Feb. '85, Ealing, Middlesex) Excellent UK cabaret singer popular around the world. Took part in amateur talent contests while doing national service, later drove buses, etc; encouraged by Winifred Atwell to turn pro, changed his name, sang on radio and in dance halls late '50s with Cyril Stapleton and the BBC Show Band. George Martin hired him to imitate Frank Sinatra (as 'Fred Flange') on Peter Sellers hit comedy LP Songs For Swinging Sellers '59; he later received compliments from Sinatra on diction and phrasing in handling ballads, from others incl. Bing Crosby, who thought that his recording of 'I Get Along Without You Very Well' was one of the most beautiful records he'd ever heard. UK hits incl. 'Portrait Of My Love', 'My Kind Of Girl' (his only top 40 hit in USA), 'Softly As I Leave You', 'Walk Away', 'Yesterday'; hit albums incl. My Kind Of Girl '61 and Invitation To The Movies '67, which both reached the top 100 USA; Heartbreakers '80 on EMI (TV-promoted) reached top ten UK. But you didn't have to make the charts if you could top the bill at the Sands in Las Vegas, as he did in '83. Compilation CD on Capitol Great Gentleman Of Song in 'Spotlight' series. |