Chaz Jankel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chaz Jankel |
|
|---|---|
Jankel before a concert with the Blockheads at Band on the Wall in Manchester, England, 2016
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles Jeremy Jankel |
| Also known as | Chas Jankel |
| Born | 16 April 1952 Stanmore, Middlesex, England |
| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Labels | |
Charles Jeremy "Chaz" Jankel (born 16 April 1952) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for being the guitarist and keyboard player for the rock band Ian Dury and the Blockheads. His career in music has lasted for more than 50 years.
With the band's lead singer, Ian Dury, Jankel co-wrote some of their most famous songs. These include "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick", "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3", and "... & ... & Rock & Roll".
Besides his work with the Blockheads, Jankel has also had a successful solo career, releasing ten studio albums. He has worked on many projects as both a performer and a songwriter.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Chaz Jankel was born in Stanmore, a town in England. When he was seven years old, he was inspired by the singer Lonnie Donegan and began learning the Spanish guitar. Soon after, he also started to play the piano.
While attending Mill Hill School in London, he became a big fan of the American funk and soul band Sly and the Family Stone. This style of music had a big impact on him. It later influenced the funky sound of the Blockheads and his own solo music. From 1972 to 1973, while studying at an art college, he played in a rock band called Byzantium.
Music Career
Working with Ian Dury and The Blockheads
Jankel began working with singer Ian Dury in the early 1970s. He joined Dury's band, and together they created a unique sound that mixed rock, funk, and pop music. Jankel's skills on the guitar and keyboards were a key part of the band's success.
He helped write many of the Blockheads' biggest hits. He left the band for a while to focus on his own music but returned in 1981 to work with Dury on the album Lord Upminster.
Solo Success
After leaving the Blockheads, Jankel started a solo career. He released his first album, Chas Jankel, in 1980. His next album, Chasanova, came out in 1981 and was a hit in the United States. It included the popular dance song "Glad to Know You".
One of his most famous songs is "Ai No Corrida". In 1981, the famous American producer Quincy Jones recorded a version of the song that became a top 20 hit in the United Kingdom. In 1982, Jankel's music was so popular that he had a number one hit on the American dance music charts.
Another one of his songs, "Number One," was a hit in France. It was also featured in the 1985 American movie Real Genius.
Film Music and Later Career
Jankel also created music for movies. He wrote music for the 1988 film D.O.A., which was co-directed by his sister, Annabel Jankel. He also composed music for the 2010 movie ... & ... & Rock & Roll, which was about the life of Ian Dury. For his work on this film, Jankel was nominated for a BAFTA award, a very high honor in the British film industry.
After Ian Dury passed away in 2000, Jankel continued to play with the Blockheads. He and the band still perform and write new music, carrying on the legacy of their unique sound.
Personal Life
Chaz Jankel's family is also very creative. His sister, Annabel Jankel, is a film director. He wrote a piano piece for her 2018 movie Tell It to the Bees.
Jankel has a son, Lewis Shay Jankel, who is also a successful musician. Lewis is known by his stage name, Shift K3y. As a DJ and producer, he has had hit songs like "Touch" and "I Know", which were very popular in the UK.
Discography
Jankel has released ten solo studio albums since 1980. His albums often mix funk, disco, and rock music. Some of his most well-known albums include:
- Chas Jankel (1980)
- Chasanova (1981)
- Chazablanca (1983)
- Looking at You (1985)
He has also released many singles, including "Ai No Corrida" and "Glad to Know You".
