A 1960s rock and roll sensation, known for his powerful voice, energetic live performances, and hits like "Somewhere" and "Maria".
Proby was born James Marcus Smith on November 6, 1938, in Houston, Texas. He is a great-grandson of Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin. His affluent father, a banker, and mother divorced when Proby was just nine years old, and as part of the custody deal, he was sent to military school.
Proby attended San Marcos Military Academy, followed by stints in Culver Naval Academy and Western Military Academy. This unconventional upbringing had a profound impact on his life, shaping his independent spirit and strong work ethic.
In the 1960s, Proby moved to California to pursue a career in acting and music. Adopting the stage name P. J. Proby, he took singing and acting lessons and landed small roles in films. His early singles, "Go, Girl, Go" and "Loud Perfume", were released on independent record labels.
It wasn't until 1960 that Proby's big break came, thanks to songwriter Sharon Sheeley, who persuaded him to audition for Dick Glasser of Liberty Records. This led to Proby signing with the label and music publisher Metric Music. After a string of unsuccessful singles, Proby began writing songs and recording demos for other artists, including Elvis Presley, Bobby Vee, and Johnny Burnette.
In 1964, Proby traveled to London, where he was introduced to Jack Good, who helped him secure a spot on The Beatles Around the Beatles television special. This exposure led to Proby's UK top 10 hits, including "Hold Me" (Number 4) and "Somewhere" (Number 6) in 1964 and 1965, respectively.
Proby's soulful voice and energetic live performances earned him a loyal following in the UK, where he became a regular fixture on TV shows and concert tours. His music was a unique blend of rock, pop, and R&B, which set him apart from his contemporaries.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Proby continued to release music, although with less commercial success. He also acted in films and television shows, including a stint on the UK soap opera Emmerdale.
In 2008, EMI released the greatest hits album Best of the EMI Years 1961-1972, which sparked renewed interest in Proby's music. He still writes and records on his own independent record label, Select Records, and performs in the UK in Sixties concerts.
Proby's contribution to the music industry has been recognized with several awards and nominations, including a Brit Award nomination for Best British Male Artist in 1965.
Today, P. J. Proby's music remains popular among fans of 1960s pop and rock, and his influence can be heard in the work of later artists such as David Bowie and Elton John.
With a career spanning over 50 years, P. J. Proby has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
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