John Baldry
Great BritainBiography of John Baldry
John "Long John" William Baldry was born on January 12, 1941, in East Haddon, Northamptonshire, England. Standing at an impressive height of 2.01 meters, he earned the nickname "Long" John. Possessing a deep resonant voice, John became one of the first British vocalists to sing blues in clubs.
In the early 1960s, Baldry performed with the rhythm and blues group "Blues Incorporated," recording the first British blues album, "R&B from the Marquee" in 1962, with Alexis Korner. The band included members such as Mick Jagger, Jack Bruce, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones, although none of them participated in the album recording.
Baldry befriended Paul McCartney after a performance at Liverpool's rock and roll club, the "Cavern Club," which led to an invitation to play with the legendary quartet in the television musical comedy "Around the Beatles" in 1964.
Boldry was open about his unconventional sexual orientation, which was still considered illegal and highly condemned in the 1960s. He briefly dated Dave Davies, the guitarist of the English rock group "The Kinks." John even helped Elton John come to terms with his own preferences. On his 1978 album, "Baldry's Out," the singer openly declared his homosexuality and addressed the subject in the song "A Thrill's a Thrill."
In 1967, the blues artist recorded the song "Let the Heartaches Begin," which became a number one hit in the UK. Following its success, he released the song "Mexico," which entered the top 20 hits of 1968 and became the musical theme for the British Olympic team.
Baldry's group, "Bluesology," disbanded in 1968, leading to his solo career and collaboration with Elton John and Bernie Taupin in writing music. In 1969, Elton John attempted suicide due to relationship problems with women, with Taupin and Baldry providing immense support. Baldry, understanding his feelings, convinced John not to marry a woman and to accept his homosexuality.
Throughout his career, Baldry struggled with his mental health and spent time in a psychiatric hospital. His 1979 album, "Baldry's Out," was recorded after his release from the institution. He played his final concert in Columbus, Ohio, in 2004, alongside guitarist Bobby Cameron. The last performance of the "Long John Baldry Trio," featuring John, Budge Colter, and Dave Kelly, took place on November 13, 2004, in Norfolk, England.
In 1979, Baldry recorded a version of the duet "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by "The Righteous Brothers" with singer Katie MacDonald. MacDonald went on to tour with Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley for two decades. The song did not make a splash in the US, but in 1980, it reached the fifth spot on Australian charts.
Baldry's last recording was on the "Stony Plain" label. His release, "Right To Sing The Blues," in 1997, was named the "Blues Album of the Year" at the Juno Awards ceremony. John Baldry passed away on July 21, 2005, due to a lung infection. He left behind his partner, Felix "Oz" Rexach, his brother Roger, and his sister Margaret.
