Peter Skellern facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peter Skellern
Peter Skellern in 1972
Background information
Born	(1947-03-14)14 March 1947 Bury, Lancashire, England
Died	17 February 2017(2017-02-17) (aged 69) Lanteglos-by-Fowey, Cornwall, England
Genres	Easy listening, traditional pop, baroque pop, music hall
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, actor, priest
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	1969–2017
Labels	Decca, Mercury, Island, WEA
Associated acts	Oasis, Stilgoe and Skellern

Peter Skellern (born March 14, 1947 – died February 17, 2017) was a talented English singer, songwriter, and pianist. He became famous in the 1970s.

Peter had two songs that reached the top 20 in the UK Singles Chart. These were "You're a Lady" (1972) and "Hold On to Love" (1975). He often used brass bands and choirs in his music. This gave his songs a warm, romantic, and classic feel.

In the 1980s, Peter formed a band called Oasis. He was joined by Julian Lloyd Webber and Mary Hopkin. He also created a funny musical act with Richard Stilgoe. They performed together in cabaret shows.

Peter Skellern wrote music for movies, TV shows, and plays. He even wrote and starred in a BBC TV series called Happy Endings in 1981. Many famous singers recorded his songs. These include Andy Williams, Davy Jones, Brigitte Bardot, Ringo Starr, and Jack Jones.

Later in his life, Peter developed a serious illness. He had a brain tumour that could not be treated with surgery. In October 2016, he became a deacon and priest in the Church of England. He passed away four months later.

Peter Skellern's Music Career

Peter Skellern was born in Bury, Lancashire, England. His parents were Margaret and John Skellern. He went to Derby High School. Later, he studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He finished his studies with high honors in 1968.

After college, Peter found it hard to start a career as a concert pianist. So, he decided to try popular music instead. He saw an advertisement in Melody Maker magazine. He then joined a band called The March Hare as their keyboard player. This gave him experience in rock and pop music.

The March Hare later changed its name to Harlan County in 1970. However, the band did not become successful and eventually broke up. Peter continued to work in pop music. He signed a record deal with Decca in May 1972.

Early Success and TV Work

His song "You're a Lady" became a big hit in the UK in 1972. It also reached number 50 in the United States. However, his first album, You're a Lady, and other songs did not become hits.

Three years later, Peter found success again. His song "Hold On to Love" reached number 14 in the UK charts. He also sang the theme song for the TV series Billy Liar in 1973. For three years in the 1970s, he worked on the BBC Radio 4 show Stop the Week.

In 1978, Peter had another small hit. It was a 1930s song called "Love Is the Sweetest Thing". The Grimethorpe Colliery Band helped with the backing music. This song won an award for being the best middle of the road song.

Working in TV and Film

In 1981, Peter wrote, composed, and performed in a series of musical plays for the BBC. These were called Happy Endings. Two years later, he hosted a TV chat show called Private Lives. He also wrote the words for the song "One More Kiss, Dear" from the movie Blade Runner (1982).

In 1984, Peter sang the theme song for the TV show Me and My Girl. That same year, he started the group Oasis. He was joined by cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and Mary Hopkin. Their album, also called Oasis, sold well and earned a silver record. The group performed on TV, but a concert tour was canceled because Mary Hopkin became ill.

In 1987, Peter wrote and performed the theme music for the TV series Flying Lady. He also provided the voice for Carter Brandon in BBC Radio shows. These shows were based on Peter Tinniswood's Uncle Mort's North Country.

Later Career and Choral Music

Peter also worked with Richard Stilgoe. They performed funny songs together, like "Joyce the Librarian". They released three live albums: A Quiet Night Out, By the Wey, and Who Plays Wins.

Towards the end of his career, Peter wrote sacred choral music. This included "Waiting for the Word," which was for the BBC's Songs of Praise show. He also wrote Six Simple Carols and The Nativity Cantata. The Nativity Cantata was written for a choir called the Aeolian Singers. They performed it for the first time in 2004.

Illness and Passing Away

In October 2016, it was announced that Peter Skellern had a brain tumour. It could not be removed with surgery. He had always wanted to become a priest. So, he was ordained as both a deacon and a priest on October 16, 2016. This was a special permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Peter Skellern passed away in February 2017, at the age of 69. He died from the brain tumour in Lanteglos-by-Fowey, Cornwall. He was survived by his wife, Diana, their two children, and five grandchildren.

Peter Skellern's Legacy

Peter Skellern's song "You're a Lady" was very popular. In 1972, a French singer named Hugues Aufray covered it. He called his version "Vous ma lady." Later, Brigitte Bardot also recorded a duet version of the song. Davy Jones from the Monkees also recorded his own version.

In the USA, Peter's song "You're a Lady" faced competition. Another group called Dawn released their own version at the same time. Many other artists have covered the song since then. These include Johnny Mathis in 1973 and Telly Savalas in 1974.

Other singers also recorded Peter's songs. Andy Williams included "Make It Easy for Me" on his 1973 album. He also put "My Lonely Room" on his 1975 album. Ringo Starr recorded Peter's song "Hard Times" on his 1978 album Bad Boy.

In 1985, the comedian Victoria Wood performed a funny song called "Northern Boy." It was a loving parody of Peter Skellern's style. She performed it with a brass band and a choir.

On April 17, 2017, Tim Rice hosted a special tribute show for Peter Skellern on BBC Radio 2. Since 2019, fans have helped fund the re-release of Peter's older music on CD. Two sets have been released, covering his albums and singles from 1972 to 1982.

Discography

Albums

sources:

Singles

• "You're a Lady", 1972 – UK No. 3, US No. 50, AUS No 2
• "Our Jackie's Getting Married", 1972
• "Hold On to Love", 1975 – UK No. 14, US No. 106
• "Hard Times", 1975
• "Love Is the Sweetest Thing", 1978 – UK No. 60

Recordings of Choral Music

• "So Said The Angel" on the CD Noel! (Priory PRCD 768) sung by the Bach Choir of London, 2001
• The Nativity Cantata and other Christmas Music, performed by the Aeolian Singers, 2005
• "So Said The Angel" on the album A Cotswold Christmas performed by the Abbey School Choir, Tewkesbury, 2006