Fraser Hayes Four

The Fraser Hayes Four, originally called The Fraser Hayes Quartette was a British close harmony vocal group, formed by the musicians Jimmy Fraser (real name Frazer Potts) and Tony Hayes in the late 1940s, disbanded in 1953, and re-formed in 1956. According to 'The Ballad Years' by Don Wicks, the four original members were Jimmy Fraser (Potts), Tony Hayes, Dave Mason and June Ellis.[1] The group split for good in late 1969. They are best known for providing musical interludes on the BBC Radio comedy programmes Beyond Our Ken and Round the Horne.

Publicity poster for Denny Dennis, the group's original backer, and the Fraser Hayes Quartet c1950.

Career

Tony Hayes originally studied art, and Jimmy Fraser engineering. They each dropped their original careers to become dance band guitarists.[2]

In about 1949 the popular 1930s and 1940s singer Denny Dennis teamed up with the original Fraser Hayes Quartette (who were to eventually became the Fraser Hayes Four). Denny initially financed the venture, and the new group was to prove successful. In June 1950 they appeared on the BBC radio show Variety Fanfare, and were given positive comments by the critics. However, in January 1951, Denny Dennis withdrew, possibly in part due to the financial pressures of maintaining such a group.

They disbanded in 1953, but re-formed in 1956.

Fraser and Hayes remained constant for the life of the group, but the female lead and the fourth (bass) voice changed periodically. Annabelle Lee replaced June Ellis and married Jimmy Fraser. Dave Mason left the group and was replaced by Nick Welsh. Later they had a new female vocalist, Lynda Russell. She was herself replaced by Kerri Sims, who was followed by Barbara Moore. Annabelle Lee then later rejoined the group, Canadian Harry Currie became the fourth male voice in 1962, appearing with the group during their six-week headlining engagement at London's Latin Quarter cabaret club and on several BBC broadcasts.

They are perhaps best known for providing musical interludes on the BBC Radio comedy programmes Beyond Our Ken and Round the Horne[3] in the 1960s. In the shows, the female singer is occasionally referred to comedically by the fictitious name 'Marj' (e.g. the line "Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil and Marj" as mentioned in the episode including Part 2 of 'The Three Musketeers').

The group disbanded when the shows ended after the death of Kenneth Horne in 1969.

Jimmy Fraser eventually emigrated to the United States to pursue a solo career there. Tony Hayes formed a new vocal harmony group named The Skyliners after the Fraser Hayes Four split up.

Discography
  • The Fraser Hayes Four, 4 By 4 EP, Pye, 1959 [4]
    • A1: I'm Glad There Is You
    • A2: Spring Is Here
    • B1: How Can I Tell Her
    • B2: Darn That Dream
  • The Fraser Hayes Four, Spin, Spin, Spin, Rainbow Records, 1957

References
  1. Wicks, Don (1996). The Ballad Years: From the Bombs to the Beatles : a Directory and Discography of British Popular Music-makers from 1945-1960. D. Wicks.
  2. Barber, John. "Round The Horne, The Cast".
  3. Stevens, Christopher (2010). Born Brilliant: The Life Of Kenneth Williams. John Murray. p. 230. ISBN 978-1-84854-195-5.
  4. "The Fraser Hayes Four - Discography". 45cat.com. Missing or empty |url= (help)


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