Written by: Cassandra Blake

Crispian St. Peters: The Pied Piper of 1960s Pop

Crispian St. Peters, born Robin Peter Smith, was a British pop singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s with his catchy tunes and charismatic stage presence. He is perhaps best known for his iconic hit song "The Pied Piper," which topped the charts in 1966 and catapulted him to international stardom.

Early Life and Career

Born on April 5, 1939, in Swanley, Kent, England, St. Peters grew up with a passion for music and performance. He learned to play the guitar at a young age and left school in 1954 to pursue a career in music. He began performing in local bands, including The Hard Travellers, The Country Gentlemen, Beat Formula Three, and Peter and The Wolves.

Rise to Fame with Decca Records

In 1963, St. Peters was discovered by EMI publicist David Nicholson, who became his manager and helped him secure a record deal with Decca Records in 1965. Nicholson suggested that St. Peters adopt a stage name, which eventually became Crispian St. Peters, and shaved off five years from his actual age to make him appear more youthful to the public.

St. Peters' first two singles on Decca Records, "No No No" and "At This Moment," failed to make an impact on the charts. However, his third single, "You Were on My Mind," a cover of a song by Canadian folk duo Ian and Sylvia, reached the Top 10 in the UK Singles Chart in 1966.

Chart-Topping Success with "The Pied Piper"

In 1966, St. Peters' career-defining song "The Pied Piper" was released, and it became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in the UK and US. The song, written by The Changin' Times, features St. Peters' distinctive vocals and a catchy melody that stuck in the minds of listeners.

Controversy and Decline

St. Peters' success was short-lived, however, as he struggled to replicate the success of "The Pied Piper." He made headlines for making bold claims about his talent, declaring that he was a better performer than other well-known singers and a better songwriter than the Beatles. This perceived arrogance led to a decline in his popularity, and he eventually faded from the music scene.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his relatively short period of fame, Crispian St. Peters left a lasting impact on the music industry. His hit songs continue to be enjoyed by fans of 1960s pop music, and his influence can be heard in the work of later artists.

Discography

• You Were on My Mind (1966)
• The Pied Piper (1966)
• Change Your Mind (1967)
• Almost Persuaded (1967)
• Free Spirit (1969)

Trivia and Fun Facts

• St. Peters was known for his distinctive vocal style, which was often described as "woolly" and "laid-back."
• He was a prolific songwriter, penning many of his own songs, including "You Were on My Mind" and "The Pied Piper."
• St. Peters was a regular performer on British television, appearing on shows such as "Ready Steady Go!" and "Top of the Pops."

Personal Life and Later Years

Little is known about St. Peters' personal life, as he kept his private life out of the public eye. He passed away on June 8, 2010, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most memorable pop singers of the 1960s.