Gerry Marsden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerry Marsden
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Marsden in 1964
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gerard Marsden |
| Born | 24 September 1942 Toxteth, Liverpool, England |
| Died | 3 January 2021 (aged 78) Arrowe Park, Merseyside, England |
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| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician, television personality |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1959–2021 |
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Gerard Marsden MBE (born September 24, 1942 – died January 3, 2021) was an English singer, songwriter, and musician. He was also a well-known television personality. Gerry was most famous for leading the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers. His younger brother, Freddie Marsden, was also a member of the band.
Gerry and the Pacemakers made history. They were the first music group to have their first three songs reach number one in the UK charts. While they didn't have a number one hit in the United States, they were very popular there. They were the second most successful group from Liverpool, after the Beatles, to have songs on the United States pop charts. In 1965, they even made a musical film called Ferry Cross the Mersey.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Gerry Marsden was born in Toxteth, Liverpool, England. His parents were Frederick Marsden and Mary McAlindin. Gerry loved music from a very young age. He once shared a memory of singing "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" on top of an air-raid shelter. He remembered getting a great cheer from everyone watching him.
Gerry and the Pacemakers' Rise to Fame
Gerry and the Pacemakers started their band in 1959. They were the second group to sign with Brian Epstein. Brian Epstein was also the manager for the Beatles. He really liked Gerry and the Pacemakers and they remained some of his favorite artists.
First Hit Songs
Their first song was "How Do You Do It?" in 1963. George Martin, a famous music producer, suggested this song to them. It was first offered to the Beatles, but they didn't use it. Gerry and the Pacemakers recorded it at Abbey Road Studios. This song became their first number one hit.
Later in 1963, they had two more number one songs. These were "I Like It" and "You'll Never Walk Alone". Other popular songs they released in 1964 included "It's Gonna Be Alright" and "Don't Let the Sun Catch Crying".
The Ferry Cross the Mersey Film
In 1965, the band released their musical film. It was also called Ferry Cross the Mersey. Many people saw it as their version of the Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night. The film's story was partly written by Tony Warren. He was the creator of the TV show Coronation Street.
Life After the Pacemakers
Gerry and the Pacemakers broke up in October 1966. After the band, Gerry continued to work in entertainment. He appeared on children's television, including The Sooty Show. He also acted in a musical called Charlie Girl in London's West End. A new song, "Liverpool," was added to the show just for him. This was because of his famous Liverpool accent.
Charity Work and Re-recordings
Gerry Marsden returned to the top of the music charts twice in the 1980s. He re-recorded two of his old hit songs. All the money made from these songs went to help charities.
In 1985, a terrible fire happened at the Bradford Football Club stadium. Many people were hurt or died. Gerry formed a group called the Crowd to help. This group included other musicians, singers, and radio hosts. They recorded a new version of "You'll Never Walk Alone."
On April 18, 1989, another sad event happened. This was the Hillsborough disaster, where many Liverpool F.C. fans died. Gerry joined forces with other famous artists to record "Ferry Cross the Mersey" again. These artists included Paul McCartney, the Christians, and Holly Johnson.
In 1993, Gerry Marsden wrote a book about his life. It was called I'll Never Walk Alone. He wrote it with former Melody Maker editor Ray Coleman. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he released another version of "You'll Never Walk Alone." This was to honor the amazing work of the National Health Service.
Personal Life and Later Years
Gerry Marsden had an older brother named Freddie. Freddie was a co-founder of Gerry and the Pacemakers and played the drums. Freddie passed away in 2006.
In 1965, Gerry married Pauline Behan. They had two daughters together, Yvette and Victoria.
Gerry had heart surgery in 2003 and again in 2016. He announced he was retiring from music in November 2018. However, he still made a special appearance with the band Take That in June 2019 at Anfield.
Gerry Marsden passed away on January 3, 2021. He was 78 years old. He died at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside after getting a blood infection in his heart.
Awards and Special Honors
Gerry Marsden received several important awards and honors during his life.
In 2003, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This honor was given to him for his help and support for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
In 2009, the city of Liverpool gave him the Freedom of the City award. This is a very special honor from his hometown.
In 2010, Liverpool John Moores University gave Gerry an Honorary Fellowship. This recognized his contributions and achievements.
Solo Music
After Gerry and the Pacemakers, Gerry Marsden also released music on his own.
See also
In Spanish: Gerry Marsden para niños
