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504) Tony Sherwood
Monday, 15 November 2021 11:40 AM
Remembering Chris Black.

Apart from his own close family I doubt there is anyone, anywhere, who knew, and spent more time with Chris Black than me! I view it now, following his recent death, as a privilege! From the very beginning I loved his company, his wit, his great use of the English language, his knowledge of all things musical, and his ability to bounce back following any adversity in his life!

It was obvious from the very first time we met, back in the early 60's, that Chris was somebody special, and already showing signs of the great Musician that he became. Then he was a very young semi-pro - performing with a local Nottingham Band called Mosaic Sunset who were following in the tradition of the East Midlands top Harmony Group - Sons & Lovers - a Band, and its members, he would have a lot to do with later on his career!

One memorable night in 1963, as his equally young and enthusiastic Agent, we were out together- proposing to look at rival Groups playing in the area when we learned of John F. Kennedy's assassination! That's how far back we go together! One way or another, as his Agent, or his Manager - but more importantly as his Friend - we stayed together throughout his times with 'Mosaic', 'Highly Likely', the wonderful 'Fresh Aire' and lastly 'Mike Pender's Searchers'!

When Mike recruited him to the Group he knew that he wasn't employing a mere 'jobbing' musician - he was gaining a 'class' act! The original line-up of the Group - Chris, Steve Carlisle, and Barrie Cowell remain - to this day - the definitive line-up of Mike Pender's Searchers!

Chris brought to Mike's Group all the quality and experience he had used to great effect in Fresh Aire! This great harmony act - other members included Spike Cowlard from Sons & Lovers and Tony Harding from Harmony Grass - had provided On Stage 'live' vocal back up to both Cilla Black and Lena Martell for many years and had also worked - 'In Concert' with international 'greats' including Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Petula Clark and many more!

So Chris already 'knew his stuff' !

His tenure with Mike Pender's Searchers was full of great 'gigs' memorable travel and just a few equally memorable 'artistic' disputes. He weathered, however, many 'storms' and continued for many years to contribute to the quality that the Group were, justifiably, famous for!

When he, eventually, decided to leave the Group - to take up a new life in Australia - we all - Mike included - were the poorer for it! His time in Australia was marred by some adversity, poor health, and, if I am honest, poor judgement. But to me he remained that wonderfully free thinking, always hopeful, enthusiastic person who once acted as 'Musical Director' to my then very young Daughter - Stevie - when she entered a School singing competition performing - at Chris's suggestion - "Oh What a Circus" from the Musical 'Evita' instead of the usual "boring stuff" (and 'blew' the competition away), the person who once phoned me up one Saturday afternoon 'suggesting' that I get up to Edinburgh - "straight away - right now" to take up the Management of singing Star - Lena Martell - who had just 'sacked her previous one!

In short - there was nobody quite like Chris Black! A truly great Musician and - my Buddy!
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