Hank Marvin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hank Marvin
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Marvin in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Brian Robson Rankin |
| Born | 28 October 1941 Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Genres | Beat, instrumental rock, rock & roll |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1958–present |
Hank Brian Marvin, born Brian Robson Rankin on October 28, 1941, is a talented English musician. He plays many instruments, sings, and writes songs. He is most famous as the lead guitarist for the band The Shadows.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Hank Marvin was born Brian Robson Rankin in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. His father was an army officer. When he was young, Hank played the banjo and piano. After hearing the famous musician Buddy Holly, Hank decided he wanted to learn to play the guitar. He even started wearing dark-rimmed glasses, just like Buddy Holly.
When he began his music career, he chose his stage name. "Hank" was his childhood nickname. "Marvin" came from the first name of an American country singer named Marvin Rainwater.
Music Career Highlights
Joining The Shadows
In April 1958, when Hank was 16, he convinced his parents to let him move to London to follow his dream of becoming a musician. Hank and his school friend, Bruce Welch, met Johnny Foster, who was Cliff Richard's manager. Foster was looking for a guitarist for Cliff Richard's tour.
Hank agreed to join Cliff Richard's group, which was then called the Drifters. He only agreed if there was also a place for his friend Bruce Welch. Hank met Cliff Richard for the first time at a tailor's shop in London. The band had their first practice at Cliff's parents' home. In 1959, the group changed their name to The Shadows because another American band was already called the Drifters.
The Shadows became very well-known for their instrumental songs. Some of their famous hits include "Apache" (1960), "F.B.I." (1961), "Wonderful Land" (1962), and "Foot Tapper" (1963). The band took a break between 1968 and 1973. However, Hank, Bruce Welch, and Brian Bennett brought the band back together.
The Shadows reunited for a "Final Tour" in 2004. They also did a European tour in 2005. Cliff Richard and The Shadows performed their last tour dates together in 2009 and 2010.
Hank Marvin's Solo Work
After The Shadows first broke up in 1968, Hank released his first solo album in 1969. It was an instrumental album, meaning it had no singing, just guitar music with an orchestra. One of his songs, "Sacha," became a number one hit in New South Wales, Australia.
Hank has tried different music styles in his solo career. He has released instrumental albums, albums with mostly vocals, and even one with only acoustic guitars. In 1970, Hank and Bruce Welch formed a singing group called Marvin, Welch & Farrar. They later became "Marvin & Farrar" for one album. In late 1973, they went back to being The Shadows. In 1975, The Shadows came second for the United Kingdom in the 1975 Eurovision Song Contest with their song "Let Me Be the One".
Hank Marvin also wrote many songs. He wrote "Driftin'," "Geronimo," and "Spider Juice" for The Shadows. He also co-wrote songs for Cliff Richard, like "Gee Whizz It's You" and "I Could Easily Fall in Love with You."
In 1969 and 1970, Hank worked with Cliff Richard on two hit songs: "Throw Down a Line" and "The Joy of Living." Cliff Richard also had a hit with Hank's song "Silvery Rain."
Hank played lead guitar on Roger Daltrey's album One of the Boys in 1977. He also helped write Olivia Newton-John's 1977 hit song "Sam."
In 1988, Hank worked with French musician Jean Michel Jarre on the song "London Kid." Jarre said that The Shadows inspired him to focus on instrumental music. In 1992, Duane Eddy played on Hank's album Into the Light.
Hank has continued to release instrumental solo albums. Many of them have reached the top 10 in the UK album charts since 2002. His most recent solo album, Without a Word, was released in 2017.
In 2024, Hank played guitar on a new version of Mark Knopfler's "Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero" to help the Teenage Cancer Trust. In 2025, Hank and other musicians recorded a version of "Let There Be Drums" to support the Cure Parkinson's charity.
Personal Life
Hank Marvin was first married to Beryl, and they had four children. He is now married to Carole, and they have two children.
Since 1986, Hank Marvin has lived in Perth, Western Australia. He sometimes makes surprise appearances on stage when his musician friends visit the area. For example, he joined Cliff Richard for a concert in February 2013. Hank is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Musical Style and Influence
Hank Marvin is known for being a very important lead guitarist. He is often called the first British "guitar hero." He is famous for making his guitar sound like it's singing. He uses a special pedal to create this unique sound.
Hank Marvin has influenced many famous British rock guitarists. Some of these include George Harrison, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Brian May, Mark Knopfler, Peter Frampton, Steve Howe, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
In 1959, Cliff Richard bought a special red Fender Stratocaster guitar for Hank to use on stage. Many people believe this was the first Stratocaster guitar in the United Kingdom. Even though it still belongs to Cliff Richard, Bruce Welch has had it since 1968. Hank Marvin has almost always played red Stratocaster guitars on stage since that first one.
In Canada, Cliff Richard and The Shadows had many top 10 hits. Canadian guitarists Randy Bachman and Neil Young have said that Hank Marvin influenced them. Neil Young even wrote a song called "From Hank to Hendrix" as a tribute to Hank.
The name "Hank Marvin" is also used in a fun way in British slang. It rhymes with "starvin'," which means "starving" or very hungry. This slang was even used in a TV advertisement in 2012.
Awards and Recognition
In 2004, Hank Marvin was offered an award called Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to music. However, he politely declined it for "personal reasons."
On October 28, 2009, Hank Marvin received a BASCA Gold Badge Award. This award recognized his special and important contributions to music.
Images for kids
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Sculpture of Hank Marvin by artist Victor Heyfron M.A. 1964
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Hank Marvin in 2007
