Darryl Cotton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Darryl Cotton
Cotton in 1997
Background information
Birth name	Darryl Grant Cotton
Born	(1949-09-04)4 September 1949 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Died	27 July 2012(2012-07-27) (aged 62) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genres	Rock, pop
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter actor television presenter
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Years active	1965–2012
Labels	EMI Sparmac Oz Hammard Warner Bros. MGM 20th Century CBS

Darryl Grant Cotton (born 4 September 1949 – died 27 July 2012) was a famous Australian singer, songwriter, and actor. He was also a popular television presenter. Darryl Cotton helped start the Australian rock band Zoot in 1965. Later, Beeb Birtles, Rick Brewer, and Rick Springfield joined the band.

As a solo artist, Darryl Cotton released several albums. His most successful song was "Same Old Girl" in 1980, which reached number 6 on the Australian music charts. He also acted in the TV show The Young Doctors and played the main role in the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Darryl Cotton hosted TV shows like Summer Rock and The Early Bird Show, a popular children's program. In 1996, he formed the group Burns Cotton & Morris with other singers. Later, the group changed to Cotton Keays & Morris. Darryl Cotton passed away in 2012 at the age of 62.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Darryl Grant Cotton was born in Adelaide, South Australia, on 4 September 1949. He grew up in a place called Christies Beach.

Music Career Highlights

1965-1971: Zoot's Rise to Fame

In 1965, Darryl Cotton was the lead singer for a band called The Murmen. He then started a new band, Down the Line, with Beeb Birtles and other musicians. In 1967, they changed their name to Zoot. The band became known for wearing pink costumes and had a slogan: "Think Pink – Think Zoot."

Darryl Cotton and Beeb Birtles wrote songs together. Their song "Monty & Me" was a hit in 1969. Zoot was voted the Top Australian Group that year. In 1970, Zoot changed their style to a heavier rock sound. Their cover of The Beatles' song "Eleanor Rigby" became a huge success in 1971, reaching the top five on the charts. The band broke up in May 1971.

1971-1977: New Bands and US Adventures

After Zoot, Darryl Cotton and Beeb Birtles formed a pop duo called Darryl and Beeb. They soon changed their name to Frieze. They released a cover song called "Feelings" in 1971. In 1972, Darryl Cotton released his first solo song, "Why Do Little Kids Have to Die." After Frieze ended, Darryl Cotton moved to the United Kingdom.

In 1973, Darryl Cotton joined an American group called Friends. He then formed a singing trio called Cotton, Lloyd and Christian with Michael Lloyd and Chris Christian. They released two albums. While living in Los Angeles, Darryl Cotton also worked as a songwriter. He wrote songs for famous artists like Donny Osmond and Olivia Newton-John.

1978-1984: Solo Success and Stage Shows

Darryl Cotton returned to Australia in 1978. He released his first solo song, "Don't Let It Get to You." In 1979, he started hosting a TV music show called Summer Rock. His song "Same Old Girl" became a top ten hit in 1980. This success earned him an award for Best Solo Male Performance.

In 1980, he released his album Best Seat in the House. He also formed a backing band called The Charts. In 1983, Darryl Cotton played the main character, Joseph, in the popular musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He released another solo album, It's Rock 'n' Good Fun, in 1984.

1985-2011: TV Host and Later Groups

From 1985 to 1989, Darryl Cotton was a co-host on Network Ten's The Early Bird Show. This was a popular Saturday morning children's TV show. He worked alongside a character named Marty the Monster.

In 1989, Darryl Cotton received the Advance Australia Award. This award recognized his help and support for many charities and public groups. In 1994, he released a children's album called Just for Kids.

In 1996, he formed the group Burns Cotton & Morris with other singers, Ronnie Burns and Russell Morris. They released an album together. In 2000, the group changed to Cotton Keays & Morris when Jim Keays joined.

Darryl Cotton also performed with the Australian Youth Choir and released several albums with them. He was a supporter of the National Institute of Youth Performing Arts Australia. In 2011, Zoot reunited for a special performance.

2012: Passing Away

In May 2012, Darryl Cotton was diagnosed with a serious illness. He passed away on 27 July 2012, at the age of 62. His last performance was with Cotton Keays & Morris in Sydney.

Personal Life

Darryl Cotton married Cheryl Forehead on 16 July 1977. They had two children together. He passed away just after their 35th wedding anniversary.

Other Interests

When he was younger, Darryl Cotton played Australian Rules Football. He was even the captain of his team, the Christies Beach Football Club, in 1965.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Awards and Nominations