Dean Ford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dean Ford
Background information
Birth name	Thomas McAleese
Born	(1945-09-05)5 September 1945
Origin	Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland
Died	31 December 2018(2018-12-31) (aged 73) Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres	Pop, rock
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Years active	1963–2018
Labels	EMI Columbia, CBS, Decca, EMI
Associated acts	Dean Ford and the Gaylords, Marmalade, The Alan Parsons Project

Dean Ford, born Thomas McAleese (September 5, 1945 – December 31, 2018), was a Scottish singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead singer of the pop group Marmalade. He was with the band from 1966 to 1974.

Dean Ford, using his birth name Thomas McAleese, helped write the band's famous song "Reflections of My Life". He wrote it with his bandmate Junior Campbell. This song sold over two million copies around the world. In 1998, the writers received an award for how often the song was played on the radio in the U.S.

Dean Ford's Music Journey

Starting Out as a Singer

Thomas McAleese was born in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. He started singing in public when he was young. He would sing with a jazz band at his local church dance hall. At age 13, he formed his first band called The Tonebeats. He joined several other groups during his teenage years.

By the time he finished high school in Coatbridge, he was already a well-known singer. His big chance came in 1963. He performed with a band called the Monarchs in Glasgow. There, he was noticed by Junior Campbell and Pat Fairley. They were from a popular band called The Gaylords. They invited him to join their group.

Dean Ford and The Gaylords

Soon after joining, Thomas McAleese chose his stage name, Dean Ford. He got the name by combining Dean Martin and Tennessee Ernie Ford. The band then changed its name to Dean Ford and the Gaylords.

To try and become more successful, Dean Ford and the band moved to London in 1965. In early 1966, they changed their band name again to The Marmalade.

Dean Ford & The Gaylords in 1964

Success with Marmalade

Three years later, Marmalade made history. With Dean Ford as their lead singer, they became the first Scottish band to get a No. 1 hit song in the UK Singles Chart. They also had ten other hit songs that were popular worldwide.

Besides singing, Dean Ford also wrote many songs. He helped write "Reflections of My Life", "Rainbow", "My Little One", and "I See the Rain". He also played guitar, harmonica, and tambourine for the band. By 1973, Marmalade had fewer members. Dean Ford was the only original member left.

After Marmalade

After the original Marmalade broke up, Dean Ford started a solo career. He released his own album in 1975. This album was produced by Alan Parsons. Dean Ford also sang on Alan Parsons' 1978 album, Pyramid. He also recorded songs with Hugh Nicholson, another former Marmalade band member.

Later Music Projects

Dean Ford continued to make music throughout his life. In 2003, he worked with a band called The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. They made an album to honor Scottish musician Frankie Miller. In 2012, he worked with Joe Tansin, a guitarist from the band Badfinger. They recorded a new version of "Reflections of My Life."

With help from fans, Dean Ford released a second solo album in 2017. It was called Feel My Heartbeat. He also released an album called My Scottish Heart just two months before he passed away. You can find his solo music on his official Facebook page.

Dean Ford's Passing

Dean Ford passed away in Los Angeles on December 31, 2018. He was 73 years old. He died due to health problems related to Parkinson's disease. His daughter, Tracey McAleese-Gorman, shared the news. She said he was a kind person and a great father. Sadly, his daughter also passed away less than two years later.

Birth Year Information

There has been some confusion about Dean Ford's birth year. Many places listed it as 1946. However, his sister says he was born in 1945. She placed a memorial plaque in his hometown of Coatbridge on September 5, 2020, stating 1945.

Records from Scotlands People Statutory Registers show a Thomas McAleese born in Airdrie in 1945. There is no record of a Thomas McAleese born in Scotland in 1946.

Dean Ford's memorial plaque

Songs and Albums

Discography

• Dean Ford (1975)
• "Radio Heart" / "Let It Rain" (single)
• Feel My Heartbeat (2017)
• My Scottish Heart (2018)

Notable Songs He Wrote

Images for kids

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  Dean Ford

See also

In Spanish: Dean Ford para niños