Any fans of this American singer, who was one of Mitch Miller's less successful proteges? I think he had hits in the US with Down Yonder and I Apologise.
Funnily enough he duetted with another second-division Columbia star, Toni Arden. He has a very nice voice IMO.
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Champ Butler
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 ChardonnayPascoe |
Champ Butler |
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Posts: 3204 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 18:39:31) Super Turnip |
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camaygirl |
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Posts: 8282 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 19:07:13) Super Turnip |
I have to confess, Theo, that I've never heard of him.
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ChardonnayPascoe |
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Posts: 3205 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 19:27:16) Super Turnip |
He released dozens of singles on various American labels, up until the early 60s, I doubt many were issued in the UK. One I read of that he released around
1960 is 'Rock Hudson Rock'. I saw the title and thought of you, Judy!
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camaygirl |
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Posts: 8286 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 19:34:48) Super Turnip |
I bet his real name wasn't "Champ", probably Alf or something. |
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william brown |
Champ Butler | ||
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Posts: 9033 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 21:45:58) Super Turnip |
Must confess I've never heard of him either. However, I once went out and bought the single - "I Apologise" by Timi Yuro - a great track.
Listen here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9LG26T5tLQ Seems above link isnt working - just type above title and singer it in to You Tube search box and you can listen. |
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ChardonnayPascoe |
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Posts: 3206 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 23:18:09) Super Turnip |
Champ's Down Yonder is here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xaVBjiHykIk&feature=related |
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musikooluk |
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Posts: 7198 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 23:18:16) Super Turnip |
A few biographical lines on Champ Butler from a 1954 USA 'Billboard' magazine.
Born in St. Louis, Mo., Champ Clark Butler was reared in California. After his army discharge he and two girls formed a trio called 'The Holidays'. Then for a short time he and a dancer worked as a comedy set. Champ next encountered theatrical manager Barbara Belle, who signed him to a personal management contract. Six months later he debuted at the Mocambo, shortly thereafter appearing on Jo Stafford's radio show and singing with Columbia. He had a great commercial voice, but never made much of a dent in the charts, appearing briefly on just 4 occasions. 26.5.51 I Apologise (No.29) 29.9.51 Down Yonder (No.17) 17.5.52 Be Anything (No.26) 9.11.55 Someone On Your Mind (No.77) Strangely none of these titles were familiar to me by Champ (although the songs were popular here for other singers), but the Champ Butler titles I know well because I've had them on disc or tape for so long are 'Fit As A Fiddle' / 'Kaw-Liga' (an early Philips 78), and an earlier track titled 'Meet Me On The Corner' (not the Max Bygraves song). More recently, because a few years ago I was given a home produced CD collection of Champ's Columbia label years, I've grown to love his version of the 'Kismet' song 'Night Of My Nights'. Thanks for reminding us of him, Theo, and it's a shame that no-one else here seems to have remembered him. Brian |
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ChardonnayPascoe |
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Posts: 3207 (Tue, 22-Jul-08 23:35:10) Super Turnip |
Thanks for the chart info, Brian. Interesting to see he had a hit post-Mitch, on Coral, 'Someone on Your Mind' - the Jimmy Young song I assume.
Oddly enough the same day I read of Jo's passing, I also read that it was Jo and husband Paul who introduced Champ to Mitch Miller, think after he had sung on their radio show as you mention Brian. |
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Pearsonovitch |
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Posts: 4592 (Wed, 23-Jul-08 08:28:05) Super Turnip |
He's obviously as well known as some of those characters Wendy dredges up for 'On this day' Theo!!! But I agree that being unknown shouldn't
mean necessarily that he DESERVES to be unknown. Indeed, many fine performers are out there known to only just a few. A certain female classical singer who has
featured many times on these boards is a perfect example of that!!
Incidentally, I thought it was Mr. B who sang 'I apologise'!! |
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musikooluk |
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Posts: 7201 (Wed, 23-Jul-08 12:13:33) Super Turnip |
For me too, Billy Eckstine's version will always be THE version of 'I Apologise'. As you say though, Kenny, there are a lot of fine performers
out there who never quite made it to the top - and Champ sings with a lot of style.
Brian |
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jimbo |
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Posts: 18315 (Wed, 23-Jul-08 14:35:39) Moperator |
I agreed Bria until I heard PJ Proby's version. Brilliant.
See the man and enjoy the rendition here from less than 12 months ago - PJ - I Apologise And his recording from yonks ago - I Apologise with feeling
Last Edited By: jimbo
Wed, 23-Jul-08 14:38:23.
Edited 1 times.
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musikooluk |
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Posts: 7203 (Wed, 23-Jul-08 14:51:58) Super Turnip |
I like PJP's voice too, and he was more than a little influenced by Eckstine on that track. Nevertheless he had - and still has it seems - one of the best
voices around in his era - albeit just a little spoilt for me by those exaggerated vowels punctuating his pronounciation.
Bria |
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william brown |
P J Proby | ||
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Posts: 9039 (Wed, 23-Jul-08 20:01:08) Super Turnip |
P J Proby was the first man I ever saw with a ponytail. He therefore has a lot to answer for.
Also remember his trouser splitting turn on TOTP. |
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BFC |
Cheap trousers ? | ||
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Posts: 1205 (Wed, 23-Jul-08 21:04:15) Super Turnip |
WB - It wasn't on TOTP - it was during a nationwide package tour in early 1965 when he was on the bill with Cilla Black.
PJ was subsequenty banned from appearing on the BBC. Apparently his velvet trousers split in Croydon, generating huge publicity and the episode was reported to have happened again in Luton. ' I apologise ' was his answer to the critics. |
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ChardonnayPascoe |
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Posts: 3225 (Tue, 29-Jul-08 01:28:38) Super Turnip |
Is Ossie Champ-ing for some Butler?
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ossiedales |
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Posts: 5916 (Tue, 29-Jul-08 16:53:17) Super Turnip |
What does this mean? Are you losing your marbles, Theo???
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ChardonnayPascoe |
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Posts: 3227 (Tue, 29-Jul-08 18:05:16) Super Turnip |
It means, do you like him?
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ossiedales |
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Posts: 5920 (Tue, 29-Jul-08 18:57:48) Super Turnip |
Yes.
Perhaps Stephen Lewis will help in a release of his material - didn't he used to say "I'll get you, Butler. |
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