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Lew hails from the jewel island of Barbaods, surrounded by the Carribean
sea; and is himself a gem of a singer.Popularly known among his loyal fans
as 'Jiggs'. Lew Kirton first showcased his unique vocal stylings as a young
boy in his local church choir.He followed thisby fronting one of the most
popular bands on the Island known as the Blue Rhythm Combo or BRC to its
legion of near fanatic followers..Lew's artistic drive would soon find
him, in the cold Canadian climate; where he would star in the highly revered
Lew Kirton Soul Review; however; this would soon fade in the back ground
as Lew headed for the brighter lights of the Big Apple.
Lew's star kept rising as he hooked up with the legendary Duo of Sam and
Dave; for years he travelled and performed with these two premier soul
men as a Drummer, while perfecting his own vocal skills. His next gig was
with the popular R&B group, The Invitations.Lew's stunning lead vocals
propelled the group to four major hits on the Silver Blue Label, most notable
of which was the chart busting single '"They Say The Girl's Crazy".A
hit solo for T.K Records was next titled "Heaven In The Afternoon",
This catchy number developed a cult following in the UK; where it still
enjoys regular air play to this day.Several other notable recordings followed,
including 'Its Where You're Coming From",with B.Baker Jazz Ensemble,
the Album "Just Arrived" featuring the hit single "Something
Special"; and the very successful Album"Talk To Me"featuring
the hit single by the same name on CBS Records for the Believe in A Dream
label.
Lew's much anticipated 2005 release of the CD "Forever" which
includes Lew's fabulous rendition of the previously recorded song forever"
is released on Tweedside label; with which he has had a long association;
and with whom he previously recorded the hit "Don't Wanna Wait".
Pour youself a long cool one, sit back , relax, put you feet up, and slip
this one on.Simply speaking; it's a gem, you won't be going anywhere for
a while.
Lew Kirton is in the House. |
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| Interview with Lew Kirton... |
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- What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to Sam Cooke, Otis Redding ,The Drifters ,and The Platters.
- What is your musical background like?
I started out singing as a youngster in the church.
- Who has been your biggest inspiration in music?
My biggest inspiration in music has been Sam Cooke.
- When did you start as a professional?
I started as a professional in the late 60's
- Would you please tell me about your first record ?
My first record was "what about you"(Trex 028), and it was released
in 1966.
- When did you start singing in The Invitations?
I started singing in the Invatations in the early 70's,The Invatations
was a soul group. I recorded 8 song with the group,and I am still in contact
with the members.
- Have you ever had a memory in your career that you can't forget?
The memory in my career that is unfogetable was when I recorded with MFSB
and being a part of the philadephlia sound.
- Are there artists or producers you would like to collaborate with?
The producers that I would like to collaborate with would be Baby face
and R Kelly.
- What do you think about the US music scene and the music industry nowadays?
The American music scene continues to lead the world in music, even though
the music has changed over the years.In recent times it appears that soul
music/smooth R&B is on its way back.
- Are you planning any releases or recordings?
I plan to continue recording and releasing new music as much as possible.
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- I've really enjoyed listening to the album "Forever." Please tell me your impressions about it.
Forever is a very special recording for me for many reasons, it is an independent
project, and I am pleased with the overall outcome.In terms of my collaboration
with co-writers and producer.
-Would you like to say anything for your fans all over the world?
To my fans " I would like to thank each and everyone of them for
supporting my music over the years.
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| Discography |
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| as The Invitations |
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Four Your Precious Love
/ The Say The Girl's Crazy |
| (US-7", Silver Blue 801, 1973) |
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Let's Love / Love Has To Grow
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| (US-7", Silver Blue 804, 1973) |
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| same as Silver Blue 804 (UK release) |
| (UK-7", Polydor, 1973) |
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| Silver Blue 804 (another version with narration, mono) |
| (US-7", Silver Blue 804, 1973) |
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Living Together Is Keeping Us Apart
/ I Don't Know |
| (US-7", Silver Blue 809, 1974) |
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| Look On The Good Side / (inst.) |
| (US-7", Silver Blue 818, 1974) |
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| as solo |
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| Hold On To What you Got Part 1 / (Part 2) |
| (US-7", Verdith 005, 1976) |
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Do What You Want, Be What You Are
/ Come On With It |
| (US-7", Marlin 3311, 1977) |
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| Heaven In The Afternoon |
| (US-7", Alston 3743, 1978) |
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| Heaven In The Afternoon |
| (US-12", TK Disco 103, 1978) |
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| Don't Wanna Wait |
| (US-12", Tweedside 001, 1986) |
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| Don't Wanna Wait |
| (US-12", Tweedside 001, 1986) |
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| We Can Change The World |
| (US-12", Chocolate Mountain 3001, 1991) |
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| Just Arrived |
| (US-LP, Alston 4411, 1980) |
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| Talk To Me |
| (US-LP, Believe In A Dream 38956, 1983) |
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| Forever |
| (US-CD, Tweedside no#, 2005) |
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| Trex |
028 |
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What About You / Sign Of The Time |
1966 |
| Verdith |
005 |
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Hold On To Want You Got Pt.1 |
1976 |
| Marlin |
3311 |
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Do What You Want, Be What You Are / Come On With It |
1977 |
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3347 |
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Island Girl / Time To Get With It |
1978 |
| Alston |
3739 |
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New York City / Let Me Up Off My Knees |
1978 |
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3743 |
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Heaven In The Afternoon / (inst.) |
1978 |
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4411 |
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Just Arrived (LP) |
1980 |
| Believe In A Dream |
38956 |
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Talk To Me (LP) |
1983 |
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04058 |
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Talk To Me / (Inst.) |
1983 |
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04072 |
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Talk To Me / (Inst.) (12") |
1983 |
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04233 |
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Don't Give Up Your Dream (Hang On In There) / Here's My Love |
1983 |
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04380 |
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Always Will / Here's My Love |
1984 |
| Tweedside |
001 (=7001) |
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Don't Wanna Wait / Stuck In The Middle(7" & 12") |
1986 |
| Chocolate Mowntain |
3001 |
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We Can Change The World / same |
1991 |
| Tweedside |
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Forever (CD) |
2005 |
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| * Lew Kirton was with the Invitations from 1972 to 1974. He did not sing
anything else with them after that. |
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Contact to:
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