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Clem Curtis

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Clem Curtis
Curtis in 1968
Curtis in 1968
Background information
Birth nameCurtis Clements
Born(1940-11-28)28 November 1940
Trinidad, West Indies
Died27 March 2017(2017-03-27) (aged 76)
GenresSoul, R&B, pop
OccupationMusician
Instrumentvocals
Years active1966–2017
LabelsAcid Jazz Records, EMI, Imperial, Pye Records, RCA Victor, Riverdale, United Artists
Formerly ofClem Curtis & The Foundations, The Foundations, The Ramong Sound, The Travelling Wrinklies

Clem Curtis (born Curtis Clements; 28 November 1940 – 27 March 2017) was a Trinidadian British singer, who was the original lead vocalist of sixties soul group the Foundations.

Background

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Early life

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Born in Trinidad as Curtis Clements, he arrived in England at the age of fifteen and later found employment as an interior decorator. He entered boxing and won most of his fights as a professional boxer. His mother was a popular singer in Trinidad and Curtis claims that this contributed to his ear for music.

As a teenager he experienced racism when he and two white friends were charged with theft. As it turned out, Curtis was the only one of the three that had a custodial sentence.[1]

Curtis also took up wrestling and weightlifting for his hobbies.[2]

Musical

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Curtis later reformed a version of The Foundations. Over the years, Curtis fronted various line-ups of The Foundations, as well as appearing on his own as a solo artist. He recorded and released records on various record labels, including EMI, Opium, Pye Records, RCA Records, Riverdale, and others.

Career

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The Ramong Sound

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Between 1966 and 1967 Curtis joined The Ramong Sound. He joined the group after hearing from his uncle that Ramong, Raymond Morrison, the lead singer of the group, was looking for backing singers. Curtis initially had very limited singing experience, only singing with his uncle when he came around the house with the guitar.[3]

After the Ramong Sound lost their original lead singer, the band took on board Arthur Brown temporarily, and went through a few name changes before they became The Foundations[4] Arthur Brown stated in an interview that in his time with the group, he enjoyed singing with Curtis. They both sang separately as well as doing some duets.[5]

Decades later, Arthur Brown had a recollection of when he walked into the Westbourne Grove bar for an audition, he saw Curtis holding a spear to the throat of the drummer who was bent backwards over the bar.[6]

At some stage, Rod Stewart had sat in with the band for a night but he had other plans.[7]

During the time of the band's evolving from the Ramong Sound to The Foundations, Clem Curtis was tied up by a protection racket gang with someone holding a knife to his throat. As a result, they had to move out with all their belongings to the derelict Mini Cab office above the old premises. This is where they were discovered by Ron Fairway.[8][9]

The Foundations

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1960s
Main article: The Foundations

The group emerged in early 1967 with Curtis as their lead singer. The Foundations would go on to have worldwide hits with "Baby Now That I've Found You" and "Build Me Up Buttercup". Curtis is the lead voice on their hits "Baby Now That I've Found You", "Back on My Feet Again", and "Any Old Time (You're Lonely and Sad)".

Curtis was the guest reviewer for the Blind Date Section of the October 28, 1967 issue of Melody Maker. He reviewed singles by Stevie Wonder, The Kinks, John Walker, Lee Dorsey, Madeline Hell, Chris Barber's Band, Brian Auger and the Trinity, Arthur Conley, The Creation, Mille Small and Astrud Gilberto.[10]

After having found success with The Foundations, two hit singles and releasing two albums, some problems started with their songwriter producer Tony Macaulay as well within the group. Curtis felt that after their hit a couple of The Foundations members were taking things a little too easy thinking that they did not need to work so hard now that they had scored a hit.[citation needed] After being disillusioned with the band, he along with another member, Mike Elliott, left The Foundations in 1968 just after recording a version of "It's All Right", a song that they had been playing live for some time.[11] He stuck around long enough to help the band audition a replacement.[11] One of the singers auditioning was Warren Davis of the Warren Davis Monday Band. His replacement turned out to be Joey Young (Colin Young).[12]

1970s

Curtis and his Foundations toured Australia in 1975. Unfortunately, the tour was marred with a trumped up assault charge which resulted in Curtis being taken off of a Jet by the New South Wales police, put into handcuffs and put into a police cell.[1]

In 1977 Clem Curtis and The Foundations nearly got into the Eurovision final with "Where Were You When I Needed Your Love",[13] a John Macleod and Dave Meyers composition.[14] They came third in the heats, and were picked as a favourite to win, but an electricians' strike ruined their chances, and "Rock Bottom" by Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran was the winner.[15]

Curtis and Alan Warner worked on a project to re-cut the original Foundations hits.[11] The result was the Greatest Hits CD album that was released on Double Play GRF176 in or around 1994. The recordings were produced and arranged by Keith Bateman and in addition to Warner on guitar and Curtis on lead vocals, the recordings featured Andy Bennett on Drums and Vince Cross on keyboards.[16][17]

Solo career and other ventures

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1960s

Curtis went on to pursue a solo career in the United States. This was probably helped along by the encouragement of his friend Sammy Davis Jr.[15]

According to the October 12, 1968 issue of Melody Maker, Curtis' first solo disc was to be "Just for Tonight" which was a Tony Macaulay composition. He was also rehearsing his backing group in preparation for a some one-nighters in about a fortnight time.[18]

In 1969 he was signed to Cowsills Productions and had a debut single with "Marie Take a Chance".[19] The single was reviewed in the January 18, 1969 issue of New Musical Express. A Tony Macaulay and John Macleod composition, it was arranged by Des Champ. Reviewer Derek Johnson said that it was "a busy, bouncy extremely exhilarating number" and that it sounded that Clem was back with his former group. He said that he wasn't sure if the song was strong enough.[20]

1970s

After some well-received club appearances and hanging out with artists such as Wilson Pickett, and staying with The Cowsills, he did not receive enough work and decided to return to England in the early 1970s.[citation needed] He did some work with Donnie Elbert and Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon.[21]

Curtis recorded "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)". Backed with "Point of No Return" it was released on Pye 45150. It was reviewed by Peter Jones in the June 24, 1972 issue of Record Mirror. Jones said that it had a good off-beat that would lead to hand clapping and foot stomping. He couldn't elaborate on the lazy feeling of the song but said that it was a good production and that Clem had the feel and that it was a chart chance.[22]

He recorded "I Don't Care What People Say" bw "Shame On You" which was released on EMI EMI 2159 in May 1974. Both sides were composed by Biddu and Lee Vanderbilt. It was reviewed by Peter Jones in the May 25 issue of Record Mirror. Jones said that the Biddu production was good and noted the gently building performance but said that it was a hard one to assess and that it wasn't a strong enough song, almost but not quite.[23][24]

In 1979, he recorded his version of "Unchained Melody" which was released in both 7" format (RCA PB 5175) and 12" format (RCA PC 5175). It was to be available from July 16.[25] His disco version of the song spent three weeks in the Record Mirror UK Disco Chart, peaking at no. 75.[26]

1980s

Curtis had a part as a member of the congregation in the Anton Philips production of the James Baldwin play, The Amen Corner which ran in March 1987 at the Lyric Theater in London.[27]

In the late 1980s, Curtis joined the line-up of "The Corporation", also referred to as "the Traveling Wrinklies", which was a parody of sorts of the popular Traveling Wilburys. The Traveling Wrinklies were composed of Curtis, Mike Pender, Brian Poole, Tony Crane, and Reg Presley, former lead singer of The Troggs. They released a single "Ain't Nothing But A House Party" on the Corporation label in 1988.

1990s - 2000s

Curtis appeared on stage as the Lion in The Wiz at the Lyric Hammersmith. His performance was singled out by a critic for The Guardian who said it was "fiercely comic and touching".[28] He has also appeared on TV chat shows, the British reality television series Airport, and had a bit part in the ITV series The Bill.

In 2004 Curtis toured the UK as part of a soul package tour with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds. At the end of a show he was invited back on stage by Jimmy James who said "I don't like him and he don't like me but that's all right. Here's Clem Curtis." They then did "Love Train" together.[29]

With Newham Mag referring to Curtis as the Godfather of English Soul, Clem Curtis & the Foundations along with Hot Chocolate were appearing at the Under The Stars Festival on Saturday night, 15 August 2015.[30]

Curtis recorded and performed until near the end of his life; he was regularly seen as part of the "soul explosion" night with former Flirtations singer Earnestine Pearce and Jimmy James at resorts such as Butlins and Warner Leisure Hotels in the United Kingdom.[31][32][33][34] He also appeared on cruises such as the cruise ship "Azura", which docked in Southampton.[35]

Outside of music Curtis had established a side occupation for himself, dealing in antiques.[36][28]

Personal life and death

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He was the father of seven children, six sons and a daughter from previous relationships.[37][38] Curtis died on 27 March 2017 at the age of 76, after a short battle with cancer.[39]

Curtis has been referred to on various occasions, informally as "The Godfather of English Soul".[40][41]

His brother is Hot Chocolate percussionist and backing singer Derek Lewis.[citation needed] Lewis was also a member of Clem Curtis & The Foundations.[42]

Discography

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With The Foundations

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Main article: The Foundations § Discography

With The Corporation

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7" single

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  • "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" / "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" (1988)

12" single

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  • "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" (1988)

Solo

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7" vinyl recordings

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Title Year Act Label catalogue #
"Marie Take A Chance" / "Caravan"[43] 1969 Clem Curtis United Artists UP 2263
"Mountain Over The Hill" / "Time Alone Will Tell"[44] 1971 Clem Curtis Pye Records 7N 45070
"I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)" / "Point of No Return"[44][45] 1972 Clem Curtis Pye Records 7N 45149
"I Don't Care What People Say" / "Shame on You"[46] 1974 Clem Curtis EMI EMI 2159
"Make A Wish" / "Amanda"[47] 1976 Clem Curtis & The Foundations Ltd. Riverdale RR 100
"Sweet Happiness" / "Lady Luck"[48] 1976 Clem Curtis & The Foundations Riverdale RR 105
"Unchained Melody" / "Need Your Love"[49] 1978 Clem Curtis RCA PB 5175
"Broadway" / "Broadway (instrumental)"[50] 1984 Clem Curtis and the Foundations IDM IDM 69
"Baby Now That I've Found You" / "Baby Now That I've Found You (Instrumental)"[50] 1987 Clem Curtis and the Foundations Opium OPIN 001
"Stuck in a Wind Up" / "Move Over Daddy"[51] 2005 Lord Large Featuring Clem Curtis 2 Bit 2BIT45 - 1
"Stuck in a Wind Up" / "Move Over Daddy"[52] 2005 Lord Large Featuring Clem Curtis Acid Jazz AJX 174 S

12" vinyl recordings

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Title Year Act Label Catalogue #
"Unchained Melody, Need Your Love" / "Need Your Love"[53] 1979 Clem Curtis RCA Victor PC 5175
"Dancing in the Street" / "Scottish Beat Party"[54] 1983 Clem Curtis Pressure DD 1006
"Baby Now That I've Found You" (Extended Version)
/ "Baby Now That I've Found You" (7" Version), "Baby Now That I've Found You" (Busk Mix)[55] 		1987 Clem Curtis & The Foundations Opium Records OPINT 001
"Promise" (The Saxual Mix), "Promise" (The Funky Trip) / "Promise" (Jon's in the Garage),
"Promise" (Original Honesty Mix), "Promise" (Drummie Zeb Dubbed Up Mix)[56] 		1992 The Promise, Feat Clem Curtis Hard Discs HARD T 3

References

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  1. ^ a b The Sydney Morning Herald, March 31, 2017 — Clem Curtis, original singer with the Foundations
  2. ^ Disc and Music Echo, November 4, 1967 - Page 11 Eight faces that laid the FOUNDATIONS of a hit!, * Clem Curtis
  3. ^ Cherry Butler (18 October 2008). "50connect : A Chat With The Foundations' Clem Curtis". Archived from the original on 18 October 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  4. ^ "Guitarist/Composer". Alan Warner. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  5. ^ Breznikar, Klemen (22 January 2012). "Arthur Brown interview about Crazy World & Kingdom Come". It's Psychedelic Baby! Magazine. Archived from the original on 24 February 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  6. ^ Louder, January 15, 2004 - Arthur Brown: Fire Starter by Hugh Fielder
  7. ^ It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, 22 July 2011 - Pluto interview with Paul Gardner & Alan Warner, You were in The Foundations and recorded four albums
  8. ^ Alan Warner website - The Foundations
  9. ^ Cherry Red Records, June 13, 2022 - THE FOUNDATIONS| Discover the 'Pye' recordings of The Foundations in this new collection – 'Am I Groovin' You'
  10. ^ Melody Maker, October 28, 1967 - Page 14 BLIND DATE, CLEM CURTIS OF THE FOUNDATIONS
  11. ^ a b c Baby Now That I've Found You CD, Sequel Records NEECD 300, Notes by Roger Dopson
  12. ^ Melody Maker, October 5, 1968 - JOEY REPLACES CURTIS
  13. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  14. ^ "A Song For Europe 1976 1977". Songs4europe.com. 9 March 1977. Archived from the original on 13 February 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  15. ^ a b Dopson, Roger. Baby Now That I've Found You, Sequel Records NEECD 300 (1st ed.). UK: Sequel Records.
  16. ^ Discogs - The Foundations – Greatest Hits
  17. ^ Television, July 1994 Vol. 44, No. 9, Issue 525 - Page 4 CD GRF176
  18. ^ Melody Maker, October 12, 1968 - Page 3 CLEM'S SOLO DISC
  19. ^ Billboard - Curtis Nicely Siginings Mark Cowsills' Management Entry - Billboard page 4 April 19, 1969
  20. ^ New Musical Express, January 18, 1969 - Page 6 TOP SINGLES REVIEWED BY DEREK JOHNSON , CLEM CURTIS: Marie Take a Chance (United Artists).
  21. ^ Soul & Jazz & Funk, MARCH 28, 2017 - NEWS > CLEM CURTIS DIES....
  22. ^ Record Mirror, June 24, 1972 - Page 21 Mirrorpick, PETER JONES ON THE NEW SINGLES, CLEM CURTIS: I'veNever Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
  23. ^ 45Cat - Clem Curtis - Discography, UK, I Don't Care What People Say
  24. ^ Record Mirror, May 25, 1974 - Page 22 Singles UK Reviews Peter Jones, CLEM CURTIS: I Don't Care What People Say
  25. ^ Music Week, July 21, 1979 - Page 15
  26. ^ James Hamilton's Disco Page - A full list of all Record Mirror UK Disco Chart entries, 1975-1979, Clem Curtis Unchained Melody (RCA) — 25 August 1979: 75, 3
  27. ^ Theatricalia - The Amen Corner, Cast & Crew
  28. ^ a b The Telegraph, 30 March 2017 - Clem Curtis, lead singer of the Foundations – obituary
  29. ^ Jon Kutner (26 May 2010). 1000 UK Number One Hits. ISBN 9780857123602. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  30. ^ Newham Mag, Issue 321 Jul 30, 2015 - Page 14 Under The Stars, Saturday 15 August
  31. ^ "Entertainment, Variety, Musical, Drama and Comedy Acts available to book". Bookemdanno.com. Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  32. ^ "Butlins – Book family holidays & short breaks at UK holiday parks". Butlinsonline.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  33. ^ "The Flirtations Page". Soulwalking.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  34. ^ "Weekend Breaks & Luxury Hotel Deals in England & Wales". Warnerleisurehotels.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  35. ^ "The History". 21 December 2008. Archived from the original on 21 December 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  36. ^ The Times, Monday April 10, 2017 - Obituary, Clem Curtis
  37. ^ "Clem Curtis Trinidad-born lead singer of 1960s and 1970s chart-toppers The Foundations". pressreader (Sunday Independent (Ireland) 2 Apr 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  38. ^ "Clem Curtis - Lead singer with the Foundations, the first multiracial band to achieve a No 1 in Britain with Baby, Now That I've Found You". The Times April 10, 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  39. ^ "The Foundations' singer Clem Curtis dies aged 76 after cancer battle". London Evening Standard. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  40. ^ "The Foundations singer Clem Curtis dead at 76: report". NYDailyNews.com. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  41. ^ "Foundations singer Clem Curtis dies". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  42. ^ Getty Images - English Pop Group Foundations arrived in Sydney to start a month long tour of Australia
  43. ^ "Clem Curtis Discography – UK". 45cat. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  44. ^ a b "45 Discography for Pye Records – UK 45000-46000 series". Globaldogproductions.info. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  45. ^ "Clem Curtis - I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) / Point Of No Return (Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  46. ^ "Clem Curtis – I Don't Care What People Say (Vinyl) at Discogs". Discogs.com. 10 May 1974. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  47. ^ "Clem Curtis – Discography UK". 45Cat.com. 21 May 1976. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  48. ^ "Clem Curtis – Discography UK". 45Cat.com. 10 December 1976. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  49. ^ "Clem Curtis - Unchained Melody / Need Your Love (Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  50. ^ a b "Clem Curtis – Discography UK". 45Cat.com. 1987. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  51. ^ "Lord Large Feat. Clem Curtis – Stuck In A Wind Up / Move Over Daddy – UK". Discogs. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  52. ^ "Lord Large Featuring Clem Curtis Discography – UK". 45cat. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  53. ^ "Clem Curtis – Unchained Melody / Need Your Love (Vinyl) at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  54. ^ "Clem Curtis - Dancing In The Street (Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  55. ^ "Clem Curtis & The Foundations – Baby Now That I've Found You (Vinyl) at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  56. ^ [2][dead link‍]
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