Speedy Keen, born John David Percy Keen, was a British songwriter, vocalist, drummer, and keyboard player, best known for his association with the rock band Thunderclap Newman and his iconic song "Something in the Air," which reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart in 1969.
Keen's music career spanned several decades, during which he played with various bands, including The Krewsaders, The Second Thoughts, and The Eccentrics. His first recorded song, "Club of Lights," was released in 1966 for Reaction Records.
Before joining Thunderclap Newman, Keen shared a flat with and worked as a driver for Pete Townshend of The Who. This collaboration led to Keen writing "Armenia City in the Sky," which was included on The Who's album "The Who Sell Out" in 1967. This song remains the only one written specifically for The Who by a non-member.
Keen released two solo albums, "Previous Convictions" in 1973 and "Y' Know Wot I Mean" in 1975, both of which have been re-released on CD. One of his solo tracks, "I Promise You," was later featured in the American TV series "The Big C."
In addition to his solo work, Keen was a prolific session musician, playing for artists such as Rod Stewart, The Mission, and Kenny G. He also provided music for television advertisements and television programs, including "The Zoo."
Speedy Keen's contributions to music extend beyond his own work. As a record producer, he worked with The Heartbreakers and Motörhead. His songs have been covered by various artists, including The Swinging Blue Jeans, who recorded his tracks "Something's Coming Along" and "Crocodile Tears (Your Love)."
Keen passed away on March 12, 2002, but his music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans. His legacy serves as a testament to his boundless creativity and talent, ensuring that his place in music history remains secure.
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