A British rock and roll pioneer, known for his hit songs like "Endless Sleep" and "Abergavenny", and as the father of Kim Wilde, a popular 80s singer.
Marty Wilde, born Reginald Leonard Smith on April 15, 1939, is a British singer and actor renowned for being one of the first generation of British pop stars to emulate American rock and roll. With a career spanning over six decades, Wilde has left an indelible mark on the music industry, scoring numerous hit singles including "Endless Sleep," "Sea of Love," and "Bad Boy."
Born in Blackheath, London, Wilde's entry into the music scene began in 1957 when he performed under the name Reg Patterson at London's Condor Club. Discovered by impresario Larry Parnes, Wilde adopted the stage name "Marty Wilde," inspired by the acclaimed 1955 film of the same name.
From mid-1958 to the end of 1959, Wilde emerged as one of the leading British rock and roll singers, alongside Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard. His backing group, the Wildcats, featured notable musicians such as Big Jim Sullivan, Tony Belcher, Bobby Graham, and Brian Locking. Wilde's popularity soared with regular appearances on the BBC Television show 6.5 Special and ITV's Oh Boy and Boy Meets Girls. His courtship with Joyce Baker, a member of the Vernons Girls, was highly publicized, contributing to his teen idol status.
During the late 1960s to early 1980s, Wilde continued to record and co-write hit singles for others, including "Jesamine" for the Casuals and "Ice in the Sun" for Status Quo, in collaboration with Ronnie Scott. Wilde's most notable collaborations, however, were with his children, Kim and Ricky Wilde. He co-wrote many of Kim's hit singles, including "Kids in America."
Marty Wilde's contributions to British rock and roll have been instrumental in shaping the country's music landscape. His pioneering work paved the way for subsequent generations of British musicians. Wilde's impact extends beyond his music, with his son Ricky and daughter Kim Wilde both achieving significant success in the industry.
Wilde's remarkable career has earned him various accolades, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music.
Marty Wilde has been married to Joyce Baker since 1959, and they have two children, Kim and Ricky. Wilde has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, using his platform to support causes close to his heart.
As a trailblazer in British rock and roll, Marty Wilde's enduring legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike.
87 Years Old
A British rock and roll pioneer, known for his hit songs like "Endless Sleep" and "Abergavenny", and as the father of Kim Wilde, a popular 80s singer.
86 Years Old
A British rock and roll pioneer, known for his charismatic stage presence and hit songs like "Halfway to Paradise" and "Jealousy".
85 Years Old
A legendary British pop icon, known for his enduring music career spanning over 60 years, with hits like "Summer Holiday" and "Living Doll", and a charismatic stage presence.
85 Years Old
A British teen idol of the 1950s and 1960s, known for his pop music and film appearances, with a distinctive voice and style that captivated young audiences.
89 Years Old
A legendary vocalist renowned for powerful, soulful performances of iconic theme songs for James Bond films, including "Goldfinger" and "Diamonds Are Forever".
84 Years Old
A British rock and roll pioneer, known for his distinctive voice and guitar playing, blending skiffle, folk, and rockabilly styles. He had several UK chart hits in the 1960s.
Born in 1877
Noted baseball player and manager who played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs, and later managed the New York Mets to a World Series championship in 1969.
