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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 ZYOUNG, Jimmy(b 21 Sep. c.'23, Cinderford, Glos.) UK singer, broadcaster. Son of a miner; keen sportsman in younger days; joined RAF '39, became teacher post-war. First pro singing job '49 in variety; spotted by BBC prod. George Innes (who later created long-running TV series The Black And White Minstrel Show). First records for Polygon '51; UK version of international hit "Too Young' picked up by disc jockey Jack Jackson; minor hit on Decca with Charlie Chaplin's "Eternally' ("Terry's Theme' from Limelight '53); no. 1 hits with more movie themes '55: "Unchained Melody', "The Man From Laramie'. Played London's Dominion Theatre '57 on a bill with Sophie Tucker; conventional disc jockey work with BBC from '60s; top 20 '63 with "Miss You' (song from '29). He was a crooner, not noted for subtle phrasing; a broadcasting career came along just in time: from '67 he developed revolutionary radio format mixing records with information on consumer relations and current affairs, interviews with politicians incl. prime ministers. |