Johnny Gentle
John Askew was born on the 8th of December 1936 in Liverpool. He grew up in that same city before leaving school to apprentice as a carpenter. Using a borrowed book for instructions, he crafted his own guitar from scratch. This self-made instrument became the foundation for his transition into music. He teamed up with Bobby Crawford to perform at local clubs. Their early repertoire focused on Everly Brothers songs. After working on a luxury ocean liner, Askew returned to land and entered talent competitions as a solo singer. He changed his stage name first to George Baker and then to Ricky Damone.
Larry Parnes auditioned John Askew after he won a competition at the Locarno Ballroom in Streatham. The manager secured him a recording contract with Philips Records in 1959. Parnes gave him the new stage name Johnny Gentle. Two singles followed quickly: the self-penned "Wendy" and "Milk From The Coconut". Neither track made the charts. An EP titled The Gentle Touch also failed to chart. It contained four tracks including "I Like the Way" and "Darlin' Won't You Wait". These commercial failures set the stage for a desperate search for a new strategy. Parnes needed a way to revitalize Gentle's stalled career before moving forward.
Parnes co-promoted a show at Liverpool Stadium in early May 1960 with Allan Williams. Gene Vincent headlined while local groups Cass and the Cassanovas supported him. Rory Storm and the Hurricanes played alongside Gerry and the Pacemakers. Auditions held on the 10th of May 1960 selected the Silver Beetles to back Gentle. A short Scottish tour ran between the 20th and the 28th of May 1960. Performances took place in Alloa, Inverness, Fraserburgh, Keith, Forres, Nairn and Peterhead. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Tommy Moore comprised the group. McCartney used the pseudonym Paul Ramon while Harrison called himself Carl Harrison. Lennon went by Long John and Sutcliffe was known as Stuart de Staël.
Gentle wrote a song during the tour titled "I've Just Fallen For Someone". He reputedly received help from Lennon on this composition. Adam Faith later recorded the track for his second album. Three further singles appeared on the Philips label: "Darlin' Won't You Wait", "After My Laughter Came Tears" and "Darlin'". The first two came out in 1960 while the third arrived in 1961. Changing his stage name to Darren Young, he released his own version of "I've Just Fallen for Someone" on Parlophone in 1962. This release also failed to find an audience. By 1964, Gentle had joined the Viscounts but found no lasting success with them.
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Common questions
When was John Askew born and where did he grow up?
John Askew was born on the 8th of December 1936 in Liverpool. He grew up in that same city before leaving school to apprentice as a carpenter.
How did Johnny Gentle get his stage name from Larry Parnes?
Larry Parnes auditioned John Askew after he won a competition at the Locarno Ballroom in Streatham. The manager secured him a recording contract with Philips Records in 1959 and gave him the new stage name Johnny Gentle.
Who were the members of the Silver Beetles during the Scottish tour in May 1960?
Auditions held on the 10th of May 1960 selected the Silver Beetles to back Gentle. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Tommy Moore comprised the group.
What songs did Johnny Gentle release on Philips Records between 1959 and 1961?
Two singles followed quickly: the self-penned Wendy and Milk From The Coconut. Three further singles appeared on the Philips label including Darlin Won You Wait which came out in 1960 and Darlin which arrived in 1961.
When did John Askew die and how old was he when he passed away?
John Askew died on the 29th of February 2024 at the age of 87. His life spanned nearly nine decades from his birth in Liverpool to his death in retirement.