Jimmy Campbell -

Jimmy Campbell (1944–2007) was an English singer-songwriter from Liverpool who started in the 1960s beat group The Kirkbys, which morphed into psych-pop legends The 23rd Turnoff. As a solo artist, he released the albums Son of Anastasia (Fontana, 1969), Half Baked (Vertigo, 1970), and Jimmy Campbell’s Album (Philips, 1972). His partnership with bassist Bill Kinsley (The Merseybeats, Liverpool Express) yielded 1971/72 releases as Rockin’ Horse and Atlantis.

Background

James “Jimmy” Campbell was born on January 4, 1944, in Liverpool, England. He attended Brookfield Comprehensive School in Kirkby and played guitar with schoolmates. In 1960, Campbell teamed with Kirkby guitarist John “JD” Lloyd in The Tuxedos, a quintet with singer Gerry Savage, bassist Alby Power, and drummer Kenny Goodlass.

The group adopted The Panthers name and supported The Beatles on January 13, 1962, at Hambleton Hall in Huyton. They also recorded early demos at Philips Sound Recording Service in Liverpool. Cavern Club compere Bob Wooler introduced them as The Kirkbys on a March 1964 Radio Luxembourg broadcast, and the name remained. Joe Marooth replaced Savage on vocals. Manager Beryl Adams arranged London sessions with Oriole A&R man John Schroeder and an August 1964 audition for Decca.

The Kirkbys undertook Finnish bookings under manager Keith Mallett. Drummer Mervyn Sharpe replaced Goodlass for the group’s Finnish RCA Victor singles. RCA issued their October 1965 debut “‘Cos My Baby’s Gone” (b/w “She’ll Get No Lovin’ That Way”) and the 1966 followup “Don’t You Want Me No More” (b/w “Bless You”). On March 31, The Kirkbys shared two Helsinki Peacock Theatre bills with Herman’s Hermits. That September, UK RCA issued their final single, “It’s a Crime” (b/w “I’ve Never Been So Much in Love”).

In December 1966, Marooth left and Campbell became lead vocalist. Campbell, Lloyd, and Power regrouped with Goodlass and adopted the 23rd Turnoff name. Deram issued their September 1967 single “Michael Angelo” (b/w “Leave Me Here”). However, Decca canceled the proposed follow-up, “Another Vincent Van Gogh,” and the group split later that year.

Campbell took a factory job as a toolmaker and wrote new songs. Merseys bassist Billy Kinsley persuaded his group to record Campbell’s “Penny in My Pocket” and “Dreaming”; the songs appeared on separate 1968 Fontana singles. Fontana A&R man Dick Leahy then secured Campbell a Philips recording contract. Campbell began sessions for his solo debut at the company’s London studios.

Discography:

Son of Anastasia (1969)
Half Baked (1970)
Jimmy Campbell’s Album (1972)
Troubadour Lost Recordings 1965 – 1991 (archival, 2012)
Live 1977 (archival, 2011)

Sources:

Discogs: Jimmy Campbell

References and notes

Spencer Leigh, “Jimmy Campbell,” The Independent, February 14, 2007. Birth, the Panthers’ Huyton appearance, Wooler’s renaming, the Deram single, and the canceled follow-up. Leigh interviewed Campbell. The Independent
Mark A. Johnston, Son of Anastasia reissue essay, 2009. Brookfield school, the toolmaking job, Billy Kinsley, Dick Leahy, and the 1968 solo sessions. Reissue essay
Nigel Lees, Top Sounds account of the Kirkbys’ recordings. Tuxedos lineup, Panthers demos, early management and auditions, Finnish bookings, and the transition to the 23rd Turnoff. Top Sounds account
Yle archive, Herman’s Hermits at Helsinki’s Peacock Theatre. The Kirkbys on the March 31, 1966 bill. Yle
45cat, RCA Victor Finland discography. Dates and couplings of the Kirkbys’ two Finnish singles. 45cat
State Records, The Kirkbys reissue. The September 1966 British RCA single and its B-side. State Records
45cat, “Michael Angelo” / “Leave Me Here.” The September 29, 1967 Deram release. 45cat
45cat, the Merseys discography. The March and July 1968 releases of “Penny in My Pocket” and “Dreaming.” 45cat