MEMORIES:
A master of smooth and stylish music, Bryan Ferry came to fame with Roxy Music, eventually creating a successful solo career that would showcase his many talents as a vocalist, musician and songwriter. The son of a coal miner, Ferry was born in Washington, England in 1945. While working as a pottery teacher, Ferry continued building a career in music, eventually forming a band with his future Roxy Music band mate, Graham Simpson called The Gas Board.
In 1971, Roxy Music came together, and soon included others like Andy Mackay and Brian Eno. Together they would create hit singles and albums, such as their breakthrough hit “Virginia Plane” on their self-titled debut, and would be known for their sophisticated, thought-provoking and visually stimulating stage shows. In 1973, Ferry started to pursue a parallel solo career, working on versions of old standards from The Beatles to Elvis Presley, from the Four Tops to Bob Dylan, on his debut solo album These Foolish Things. After the intense promotion for the Roxy Music album, Avalon, Roxy Music was put on hold and Ferry continued on as a solo artist.
Ferry’s next release, his 1985 album Boys and Girls went to the top of the charts in the U.K. and he performed solo at the Wembley Stadium portion of the Live Aid concert in 1985. The success of the album and its single “Slave to Love” which was featured on the soundtrack to 9½ Weekskept the album on the British charts for over a year. In 1987, Bête Noire has a hit with “Kiss and Tell” his only single to crack the American Top 40. Taxi, another covers release in 1993 came about, followed by an original LP, Mamouna in 1994. For the 1996 soundtrack to the film Phenomenon, Ferry recorded the “Dance With Life” before taking a break from his music career.
In 1999, Ferry appeared on BBC’s Comic Relief and soon came back to performing with his collection of standards, As Time Goes By. After touring in support for the album, the rumor mill started suggesting that Roxy Music would reunite, and in 2001 Roxy Music fans’ many wishes came true when most of the band regrouped for a tour of Europe and the U.S. celebrating their hits. Meanwhile, Ferry released 2002’s Frantic his follow up to As Time Goes By. Roxy Music has plans to reunite completely (Eno and all) for the Isle of Wight Festival, as well as recording an album of new material, giving fans of both Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry something to celebrate!
