Kenny Lynch

LuluKenny Lynch, OBE (born 18 March 1939, Stepney) is a English singer, songwriter, entertainer and actor from London. Lynch appeared in many variety shows in the 1960s.

Early life

Lynch grew up in Stepney, East London as one of 13 children and his sister, Gladys (stage name Maxine Daniels) was a jazz singer of some note. After leaving school at 15 and various jobs, he did National Service in the Royal Army Service Corps and was the regimental featherweight boxing champion. He was also a semi-professional singer.

Career

He had several UK hit singles in the early 1960s, including the two Top Ten hits, "Up on the Roof" in December 1962, and "You Can Never Stop Me Loving You" in June 1963. In addition, he has written songs for others — notably The Small Faces' #3 UK hit, "Sha-La-La-La-Lee", with the American songwriter Mort Shuman. Lynch took part in the A Song For Europe contest in 1962 with the song "There's Never Been A Girl", but failed to win through to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. He returned to the contest in 1978, this time as a writer, penning "Don't Bother To Knock" for the group 'Midnight'. This song was placed second.

His numerous TV appearances include roles in "Celebrity Squares", "Room at the Bottom" and "Curry and Chips" as well as minor parts in "Z-Cars", "The Sweeney", "Til Death Us Do Part" and "Treasure Hunt".

Known for charity work, Lynch has often played in charity football matches and Michael Parkinson's 'Celebrity Cricket' fundraisers.

Trivia

Whilst on a coach with The Beatles (on tour with Helen Shapiro), Lynch reportedly offered to help them write a song, but quickly became frustrated and criticised their ability to compose music - at the time Lennon and McCartney were writing "From Me to You". [ [http://www.beatlesbible.com/songs/from-me-to-you/ The Beatles Bible: From Me To You] Retrieved 4 October 2008.] Years later he appeared on the album cover of Wings' 1973 album, "Band on the Run", along with other celebrities.

Discography

ingles

*"Mountain of Love" (1960 - #33 UK)
*"Puff" (1962 - #33 UK)
*"Up on the Roof" (1962 - #10 UK)
*"You Can Never Stop Me Loving You" (1963 - #10 UK)
*"Stand By Me" (1964 - #39 UK)
*"What Am I To You" (1964 - #37 UK)
*"I'll Stay By You" (1965 - #29 UK)
*"Half The Day's Gone and We Haven't Earned a Penny" (1983 - #50 UK)

Filmography

* "Dr. Terror's House of Horrors" (1965)
* "The Plank" (1967)
* "Carry on Loving" (1970)
* "The Alf Garnett Saga" (1972)
* "The Playbirds" (1978)
* "The Plank" (1979) — remake of the 1967 film
* "Confessions from the David Galaxy Affair" (1979)
* "The Riddle" (2007)

References