Micky Bakewell
lead vocal
Wilf Clare
bass guitar
Maurice “Mo” Jones
guitar, vocal
Jimmy Alexander
saxophone
Maurice “Moss” Groves
saxophone
Dave Roberts
lead vocal (left in 1961)
Tom Russell
guitar
Brian Sharpe
drums (left in 1962)
Tony Finister
drums (joined in 1962)
Ken Horden
drums (joined in 1966)
Looking at the two photos, of different bands called The Modernaires. Tope photo features John Crump (alto), and Reg Hudman on drums. Taken in the Isle of Man (summer season) circa 1956/57
Bottom photos also features Johnny Crum on alto,, with Colin Willetts (piano), Rick Lennon (tprt), Rob Kendall (bass) & self…..Eddie Haynes (drums). Taken at the Bournebrook Hotel, Selly oak, 1956.
Colin went on to become one of ‘Brums’ finest piano/vibes jazz musicians, (now dead), Rick lennon went on to play trumpet professionally before returning to ‘Brum’ where he led his own band (now dead). Johnny Crump now lives in Colorado, USA (retired), Rob?….I have no idea.
Self: Went on to become demonstrator/lecturer for two top UK drum companies, before joining the Zildjian Cymbal Company in the USA, and then left, with Bob Zildjian to commence the Sabian Cymbal Company, in Canda, where I was Vice-President. Now retired.
Hi there,
I am trying to contact any surviving members of the Midlands band The Modernaires. I have a friend who’s dad is soon to celebrate his 80th birthday. She thinks he played drums on one of their tracks. I think it is something like ‘crazy beeps’. It would be lovely to see if this was the case and if they remember the drummer John Thomas.
I was the lead singer and guitarist from 1958 -1961, our drummer then was Johnny Walker who was replaced by Brian Sharp
Contact me rob
I played drums with the Modernaires in the 90 they were still vey popular and active on the club circuit,
As far as I know only Wif the bass player was left from the original band, mickey Bakewell worked as a DJ.
I have a phone number somewhere .
Hello. For years I have had music pads for a band with Jimmy Lally arrangements, one of the matching hard back folders has The Modernairs embossed on the cover. Would this be their original music. John
My dad is Micky Bakewell – rob, contact me, I will put you in touch!!! C
Hi my dad was tom Russell married ann russell and mick bakewell is my god father married dee i remember she had a barbers in small heath dad and mick worked at the rover solihull x
I play Badminton with Wilf Clare every Thursday. Great man
HI! my birthday 26/02/1941, into my 79th. year now so familiar with the 50’s/60’s music scene in old Brum.No mention of Terry Gray, baritone sax. i believe he worked at the BSA in Kitts Green with my brother Haydn with whom he played football in the Saturday works league.My sister Sylvie worked alongside Micky Bakewell at Morris Commercial at Bordesley and i think she still has perhaps the only single the Modernaires made! Mo changed his Greisch guitar for an electric organ.Tuesday night gig at the Harlequin brings back happy memories I was the skinny kid with the Tommy Steele haircut and the rubber legs dancing the night away! ROCK ON!
Hi do you think there would be any chance off getting a copy or recording of the song please