Joe Moretti facts for kids

Joseph Edward Moretti (born May 10, 1938 – died February 9, 2012) was a famous Scottish guitarist. He was well-known for playing on important rock and roll songs in the UK. These included "Brand New Cadillac" by Vince Taylor and "Shakin' All Over" by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates. Joe Moretti later lived in South Africa until he passed away.

He also worked with many other artists. Some of these were Gene Vincent, Tom Jones, and Chris Farlowe.

Joe Moretti's Music Career

Joe Moretti moved from his hometown of Glasgow to London in November 1958. He quickly became part of the exciting rock and roll music scene. This scene was centered around a place called The 2i's Coffee Bar in Soho.

At the 2i's, Joe found chances to play guitar for singers. He played with artists like Gene Vincent and Colin Hicks & The Cabin Boys. In early 1959, Joe joined Vince Taylor's band, The Playboys. He toured the UK with them. He also helped record the famous song "Brand New Cadillac" in the spring of 1959.

Soon after, Joe left The Playboys. He then joined Johnny Duncan's Bluegrass Boys. In 1960, Joe was asked to play guitar on another recording. He was called into the studio by Alan Caddy, the guitarist for Johnny Kidd & the Pirates. Joe played lead guitar on two songs. One was the UK number one hit "Shakin' All Over". The other was its follow-up song, "Restless".

Joe Moretti created a special sound for "Shakin' All Over". He did this by sliding a cigarette lighter up and down the strings of his guitar. This unique trick helped make the song famous.

Playing as a Session Musician

Throughout the 1960s, Joe Moretti kept touring and recording. He played with bands like Nero and the Gladiators. Joe was also a very popular session musician. A session musician is someone who plays on recordings but is not a regular band member.

He often played guitar on songs without being named. Other famous guitarists like Jimmy Page (from Led Zeppelin) also did this. Joe Moretti said he played guitar on hits for Jet Harris and Tony Meehan. These songs included "Scarlet O'Hara". He also claimed to play on Donovan's song "Mellow Yellow".

It is now known that he played guitar on at least two more UK number one songs. These were "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones. He also played on Chris Farlowe's cover of "Out of Time" by The Rolling Stones.

Later Life and Passing Away

Joe Moretti passed away in February 2012. He was 73 years old. He died from lung cancer in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Songs Joe Moretti Played On

Singles

• "Pledgin' My Love"/"Brand New Cadillac" - Vince Taylor and his Playboys (April 1959)
• "Shakin' All Over"/"Yes Sir, That's My Baby" - Johnny Kidd & the Pirates (August 1960)
• "In the Hall of the Mountain King" - Nero and the Gladiators (July 1961)
• "It's Not Unusual" - Tom Jones (January 1965)
• "Snakes and Snails" - Alma Cogan (July 1965)
• "Out of Time" - Chris Farlowe (June 1966)
• "Aggravation" - Chris Curtis (June 1966)

Albums

• Own Up - Twice As Much (1966)
• Oscillation 67! - The Leading Figures (1967)
• Don Partridge - Don Partridge (1968)
• Would You Believe - Billy Nicholls (1968)
• Pick Up A Bone - Rupert Hine (1971)
• Sing Children Sing - Lesley Duncan (1971)
• Barbados Sky - Typically Tropical (1975)