Steve Marriott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Steve Marriott
Marriott performing with Humble Pie
Background information
Birth name	Stephen Peter Marriott
Born	(1947-01-30)30 January 1947 Plashet, Essex, England
Died	20 April 1991(1991-04-20) (aged 44) Arkesden, Essex, England
Genres	Rock rhythm and blues blues rock hard rock
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	1959–1991
Labels	Decca Immediate A&M Atco

Stephen Peter Marriott (born January 30, 1947 – died April 20, 1991), known as Steve Marriott, was an English musician. He was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Steve helped start and played in two famous rock bands: Small Faces and Humble Pie. His music career lasted over 20 years.

After he passed away, Steve Marriott was honored. In 2012, he was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Small Faces. Many other famous musicians, like Ozzy Osbourne and Paul Stanley from Kiss, have called him one of the greatest singers ever.

In Britain, Steve was also known as a mod style icon. He was inspired by many great musicians. Some of his influences included Buddy Holly, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding. Later in his life, Steve preferred to play music in local pubs and clubs. He moved away from the big music industry.

Early Life and Childhood

Steve Marriott was born on January 30, 1947. He was born in East Ham, England. His parents were Kay and Bill Marriott. Steve was born a little early and was very small. He had to stay in the hospital for four weeks.

Steve came from a working-class family. His dad, Bill, was a printer. He also owned a stall that sold jellied eels. His mom, Kay, worked in a factory. Bill was a good piano player. He bought Steve a ukulele and a harmonica. Steve taught himself to play them.

Steve loved to sing and perform from a young age. He would sing at bus stops to earn extra money. He also won talent contests during family holidays.

First Bands and Nickname

In 1959, when Steve was twelve, he started his first band. He formed it with his school friends. They called themselves 'The Wheels'. Later, they changed their name to 'Coronation Kids'. Finally, they were called 'Mississippi Five'.

Steve was a big fan of the American singer Buddy Holly. He would even wear big glasses like Buddy Holly. Steve wrote his first song for his aunt Shelia. People who heard it said it sounded like Buddy Holly's music. His bandmates even called him 'Buddy'.

The band played at local coffee bars. They also performed on Saturday mornings at the Essoldo Cinema. Steve was a lively and playful child. His neighbors knew him for playing jokes.

Acting Career: 1960–1965

In 1960, Steve's dad saw an advertisement. It was for a new actor in the musical Oliver!. This musical was based on a book by Charles Dickens. Steve's dad sent him to audition without telling him.

Steve was thirteen when he auditioned. He sang two songs: "Who's Sorry Now" and "Oh, Boy!". The musical's creator, Lionel Bart, was impressed. He hired Steve for the show. Steve stayed for a year. He played different boy roles and earned £8 a week.

Steve also sang lead vocals for some songs on the official album. These songs included "Consider Yourself" and "I'd Do Anything". The album was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios.

After his success in Oliver!, Steve's family wanted him to keep acting. In 1961, he joined the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. His family could not afford the fees. So, the school took the fees from the money he earned from acting jobs.

Steve quickly got many acting roles. He worked in films, TV, and radio. He often played energetic Cockney children. In 1963, he acted with Peter Sellers in Heavens Above!. He also used his love for music in films. He played a drummer named Ricky in Live it Up! (1963) and Be My Guest (1965).

Soon, Steve lost interest in acting. He wanted to focus on music again. His parents were upset by his decision. He even left home for a short time to stay with friends.

Early Music Career: 1963–1964

In 1963, Steve wrote a song called "Imaginary Love". He showed it to big record labels in London. Because of this song, he got a deal with Decca Records. His first single was "Give Her My Regards". Steve's own song was on the other side of the record. This single was released in July 1963 but was not a hit.

In the same year, Steve formed a band called The Frantiks. They recorded a song called "Move It". The band later changed its name to The Moments. They played as support for famous artists. These included The Animals and Georgie Fame. They played at places like the 100 Club in London.

The Moments became popular. They even had their own fan magazine. In 1964, they played 80 shows. The band recorded a cover of The Kinks' song "You Really Got Me". This was for the American market. But when it did not become popular, Steve was asked to leave the band. The other members said he was too young to be the lead singer.

After leaving The Moments, Steve joined a band called The Checkpoints in 1965. He helped them learn new songs. When they performed, Steve's amazing soul voice surprised everyone. He was with them for a couple of months.

Music Career

Small Faces: 1965–1969

On July 28, 1964, Steve met his future bandmates, Ronnie Lane and Kenney Jones. They were all playing with their own bands. Steve and Ronnie met again by chance in a music shop. Steve was working there. Ronnie came in to buy a bass guitar. Steve invited him home to listen to his music collection. They both loved R&B music and became good friends.

Marriott (center) with the Small Faces in 1966

Ronnie and Kenney asked Steve to play with their band, "the Outcasts." Steve enthusiastically broke the piano he was playing. The landlord fired them, and the band ended.

Steve, Ronnie, and Kenney decided to form their own band. Steve brought his friend Jimmy Winston along. Jimmy was later replaced by Ian McLagan. Steve's friend Annabel came up with the name "Small Faces." She said they all had "small faces." The name stuck because most of them were short. Also, "face" was a cool term for a respected mod.

Small Faces quickly became a successful mod band. Their first song, "Whatcha Gonna Do About It", became a hit.

Robert Plant, who later became famous with Led Zeppelin, was a fan. He often went to Small Faces' early shows. Led Zeppelin's song "Whole Lotta Love" was inspired by Steve's version of "You Need Lovin'". Small Faces often played "You Need Lovin'" live. It was also on their first album.

Steve Marriott said about "You Need Lovin'": "It was fantastic, I loved it. Muddy Waters recorded it, but I couldn't sing like Muddy Waters. I had a high voice, and Muddy had a low voice. So I had to figure out how to sing it. That was our first song for all the years we were together. That's where Jimmy Page and Robert Plant heard it. Robert Plant used to follow us around. He was like a fan."

Steve was happy for Robert Plant's success. He reportedly cheered him on when he first heard Plant's version on the radio.

The band's manager paid them £20 a week each. They also had accounts at clothes shops. In 1965, they moved into a rented house. Many famous people visited their house. Steve was only 18 years old.

In 1967, Small Faces changed record labels. They moved to Immediate Records. The band spent more time recording music. They played fewer live shows.

Steve wrote most of Small Faces' hit songs. He thought "All or Nothing" was one of his best. He also liked "Tin Soldier". He wrote "Tin Soldier" for Jenny Rylance, a model he liked. They got married in 1968.

In 1968, Steve moved into a cottage with Jenny. He set up his own music studio there. After their successful album Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake, Steve wanted the band to change. He wanted to add Peter Frampton to the group. But the other members refused.

Steve felt the band had reached its limit. He started spending more time with Peter Frampton. Steve left the band on New Year's Eve, 1968. He walked off stage during a show. He later said they had grown apart and even disliked each other for a while.

Humble Pie: 1969–1975

Marriott with Humble Pie during a 1972 performance

After leaving Small Faces in 1969, Steve joined a new rock band. It was called Humble Pie. The band included Peter Frampton, drummer Jerry Shirley, and bassist Greg Ridley. In Humble Pie, Steve had the artistic freedom he wanted.

The band secretly rehearsed at Steve's home studio. They released their first album, As Safe As Yesterday Is. Soon after, they released their first song, "Natural Born Bugie". This song became a hit in the UK in 1969.

Humble Pie almost broke up after their first American tour. They found out their record company had closed down. They then signed with A&M Records. They focused on playing for audiences in the US. Their new manager, Dee Anthony, told them to play louder.

Humble Pie toured a lot for the next three years. They did nineteen tours in the US. Their albums, Humble Pie and Rock On, became more popular because of their touring. Their live album Performance Rockin' the Fillmore (1971) was their most successful. Steve's powerful singing became a main part of the band's sound.

Steve's manager wanted him to be more of the star on stage. This led to Peter Frampton leaving the band. Clem Clempson replaced Frampton.

Some people close to Steve said his personality changed when he toured America. His wife, Jenny Rylance, left him in 1973.

Marriott with Humble Pie in 1973

Jerry Shirley, the drummer, said that some rumors about their manager were just "romanticized exaggeration."

Solo Career and New Beginnings

Steve released his first solo album, Marriott, in 1976. He then moved back to Britain. His second wife, Pam Stephens, gave birth to their son Toby in 1976. They got married in 1977.

Steve formed a new band called the Steve Marriott Allstars. He also found a new manager, Laurie O'Leary.

After Mick Taylor left the Rolling Stones in 1975, Steve was considered to replace him. However, Mick Jagger reportedly did not want Steve in the band. This was because Steve was so good that he might have taken too much attention from Jagger.

Pam Marriott said: "Steve told me, 'I was good and stood at the back for a while but then Keith Richards would hit this lick and I just couldn't keep my mouth shut.' Keith wanted him in but there was no way that once Steve opened his mouth Mick would have him in the band. He knew Steve would never stay in the background. They were the one band in the world that Steve would have loved to have been in. He just wanted to work with Keith."

Small Faces Reformed: 1976–1978

In 1976, a court ruled that the Small Faces were owed money. Because of the success of re-released songs, the band decided to get back together. Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones, and Steve Marriott reformed Small Faces. Ronnie Lane, who was suffering from multiple sclerosis, could not join.

The band recorded two new albums. These were Playmates (1977) and 78 in the Shade (1978). However, these albums were not very successful. The band broke up again. Steve did not earn much money from this. His earnings went to pay off old contracts.

Due to money problems, Steve had to sell his home. He moved to a smaller house in London.

Steve Marriott, 1980

In 1978, Steve found out he owed a lot of money in back taxes from his Humble Pie days. His manager told him to leave Britain or face prison. He sold his house and moved to California. Steve, Pam, and their son Toby stayed with friends. Steve formed a new band called The Firm. But the band broke up due to visa problems and money disagreements. Steve was very short on money at this time.

Humble Pie Reformed: 1980–1981

Steve needed money. He accepted an offer to reform Humble Pie. In 1980, Steve contacted Jerry Shirley. Jerry agreed, and they recorded a song Steve had written. This led to a new recording contract.

They recorded the album On to Victory (1980). Then came Go for the Throat (1981). Both albums were quite successful. They also toured America. In late 1981, Steve had personal problems. His marriage was ending. He also broke his wrist and had health issues. The new Humble Pie band then broke up.

Majik Mijits: 1981

In 1981, Steve visited Britain. He wanted to see Ronnie Lane. Ronnie was now using a wheelchair. After an emotional meeting, Steve suggested they play music together. They recorded an album called Majik Mijits. The album had songs by both Ronnie and Steve.

However, because Ronnie was ill, they could not tour to promote the album. The album was finally released nineteen years later, in 2000. After this, Steve went back to New York. He continued to play in clubs.

Later Years and New Bands

For the next year and a half, Steve toured with Jim Leverton and others. They mostly played songs from Small Faces and Humble Pie. Steve's marriage ended. He also had another child with a different partner.

In 1983, Steve toured the US extensively as Humble Pie. He played in clubs and at festivals. In early 1984, Steve decided to return to the UK.

Packet of Three: 1984–1986

Steve moved back to the UK. He formed a new band called Packet of Three. They played in pubs. Steve insisted on being paid in cash for each show. In 1984, an album called Packet of Three was released.

Steve met Manon Piercey, a longtime friend. They became close and had a daughter, Mollie Mae, in 1985. Steve continued to tour with Packet of Three in Canada, the US, and Europe.

In 1985, Steve ended his relationship with Manon. He met Toni Poulton at a Packet of Three show.

Due to his money situation, Steve jokingly renamed his band Steve Marriott and the Official Receivers. In the mid-1980s, Steve and Toni moved to a rented cottage. It was in a small village called Arkesden. Steve became well-known in the area. He often visited the local pub. He was known for playing pranks.

Disillusionment with Music Business

Because of his past experiences, Steve became careful about fame. He did not want to work with big record companies. He turned down big concert and recording deals. Because of this, his band members felt he was holding them back. Packet of Three broke up.

Steve took some time off. He was 39 years old. He was not as stylish as he had been in the 1960s.

A filmmaker remembered seeing him in the 1980s. He said Steve had a great voice and was a great guitarist. But he was disappointed by Steve's appearance. In his later years, Steve enjoyed reading. He liked authors like Stephen King.

The DTs and Other Projects: 1988–1990

In May 1988, Steve started rehearsing with a band called the DTs. They later toured as Steve Marriott and the DTs. Even though he was not in the public eye, Steve was asked to join different projects.

A film composer asked Steve to sing a song for a horror film. Steve agreed, seeing it as easy money. While recording, a record company asked Steve to record a solo album. He used the money from this to buy a narrowboat. On July 14, 1989, Steve and Toni Poulton got married.

During this time, Steve formed a new group. It was called Steve Marriott's Next Band. When some members left, the name Packet of Three came back.

Frampton: 1990–1991

By 1990, Steve was playing about 200 shows a year. Peter Frampton came to Britain. He asked Steve to reform Humble Pie for an album and a tour. The money would help Steve take things easier. Steve agreed.

They flew to Frampton's studio in Los Angeles in January 1991. They started writing songs. But Steve changed his mind and went home. The project was never finished.

Two songs from this time, "The Bigger They Come" and "I Won't Let You Down," appeared on Frampton's album. A third song, "Out of the Blue," featured both Steve and Frampton.

Family Life

Steve Marriott had four children.

His first wife was model Jenny Rylance. They were married from 1968 to 1973. He then met Pam Stephens in 1975. Their son, Toby Marriott, was born in 1976. Steve and Pam married after Toby was born.

Steve's third wife was Toni Poulton. They were married from July 1989 until Steve's death in 1991.

Steve had three daughters. His first daughter, Lesley, was born in 1966. She was adopted but later found out who her father was. His second daughter, Tonya, was born in 1984. His third daughter, Mollie Mae, was born in 1985. She is now known as singer Mollie Marriott.

Death

On April 19, 1991, Steve Marriott and Toni Poulton flew home from the United States. Steve had been recording songs with Peter Frampton. After arriving in the UK, they went to dinner with a friend. They decided to stay at their friend's house. Steve later took a taxi to his own home in Arkesden.

Around 6:30 AM on April 20, a driver saw the roof of Steve's cottage on fire. The fire brigade was called. Several fire engines were needed to put out the fire.

It is believed that Steve may have lit a cigarette in bed. He might have fallen asleep due to jet lag and tiredness.

Jerry Shirley, Humble Pie's drummer, said: "He (Marriott) was certainly the most talented person I ever worked with. He was like a brother to me and I was devastated when he died. He's never got the credit he deserves. He should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame because he was the greatest white soul singer that England ever produced."

The Small Faces song "All or Nothing" was played at Steve's funeral. It was held on April 30, 1991. Many musicians attended, including Kenney Jones, Peter Frampton, and Jerry Shirley. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Rod Stewart sent wreaths.

Legacy

To remember Steve Marriott, a tribute concert was held. It took place on April 20, 2001, in London. All the songs played were from Small Faces or Humble Pie. Members from both bands performed. Other guests included Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher. The money from the concert went to a charity. This charity was set up in memory of Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane.

In September 2007, Steve and the Small Faces were honored. A plaque was put up in Carnaby Street. This was where their manager's offices were in the 1960s. It was an important place for the band.

After his death, Steve's songs have been in video games. "Get Down to It" was in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. "30 Days in the Hole" and "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" were in Grand Theft Auto V.

Discography

• Steve Marriott discography (solo career)
• Small Faces discography (career and time with Small Faces)
• Humble Pie discography (career and time with Humble Pie)

Guest Appearances

Steve Marriott also played or sang on other artists' songs:

• Bill Wyman invited Steve to play guitar and sing on a Rolling Stones song, "In Another Land" (1967).
• PP Arnold – Steve helped write and produce her song "(If You Think You're) Groovy" (1967).
• Joe Brown (1967) – Steve worked on Joe Brown's song "Tin Soldier."
• Chris Farlowe's song "My Way of Giving" – Steve played guitar and sang on this song (1967).
• Traffic (1967) – Steve can be heard talking on the song "Berkshire Poppies."
• Del Shannon – Steve played keyboards on an album (1967).
• Easybeats – Steve sang on their song "Good Times" (1968).
• The Herd – Steve produced their song "Sunshine Cottage" (1968).
• Johnny Hallyday – Small Faces and Peter Frampton played as musicians for his album in Paris (1969).
• "Seamus" on Pink Floyd's album Meddle – Steve's dog, Seamus, sings on this song.
• Mott the Hoople – Steve sang on "Midnight Lady" (1971).
• B B King in London – Steve played on one song, Alexis' Boogie (1971).
• Alexis Korner – Steve also played with Alexis Korner (1971).
• Accidentally born in New-Orleans by Snape – Steve played organ on "Country shoes" (1972).
• Donovan – Steve was a guest on the song "Boy for Every Girl" (1973).
• Get off my cloud by Alexis Korner (1974) – Steve and Peter Frampton played on six songs.
• Alexis Korner hired Steve as a guitar player for his tours (1975).
• Johnny Thunders – Steve played piano and harmonica on the album So Alone (1978).
• Jim Capaldi – Steve sang on the song "Young Savages" (1984).
• Nescafé coffee commercial (1989) – Steve and Clem Clempson sang "Black Coffee."
• John Lee (ex the Dingoes) – Steve wrote and recorded with this Australian drummer.
• Marge Raymond – She sang background vocals on Humble Pie albums Go for the Throat and On to Victory.

Film and TV Appearances

• Night Cargoes – (1962) A children's adventure film. It was shown in eight short episodes.
• Heavens Above! – (released April 1963) Steve played a street kid. He reportedly sang with Peter Sellers between takes.
• Live It Up! – (1963) Steve played a drummer named "Ricky."
• Be My Guest – (1964) This was a follow-up to Live It Up!. Steve again played "Ricky."
• Dateline Diamonds – (1965) Steve and the Small Faces appeared as themselves. They performed their song "I've Got Mine".

Television and Radio Shows

• Citizen James – (1961) A comedy show starring Sid James.
• Dixon of Dock Green – (1963) Steve appeared in an episode called "The River People."
• William the Peacemaker – (March 1963) This was Steve's last TV acting role.
• Mr Pastry's Progress – (1962) A children's comedy show.
• Radio Luxembourg – Steve read letters for an advice show.
• Mrs Dale's Diary – A radio show where Steve played a popstar.

See also

In Spanish: Steve Marriott para niños