Johnny Gentle

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Johnny Gentle was the stage name of John Askew (1936 to 2024), a singer and songwriter from Liverpool. He trained as a carpenter, built his own guitar from a borrowed book and sang Everly Brothers songs in clubs. After a job on a luxury ocean liner, he entered talent contests under various names. In London he won a competition at the Locarno Ballroom in Streatham. In 1959 the manager Larry Parnes had him sign a contract with Philips Records and gave him his name.

Music and breakthrough

The singles Wendy and Milk from the Coconut were released in 1959 but did not reach the charts. An EP, The Gentle Touch, missed them as well. His place in history stems from a short tour in May 1960. Parnes held auditions in Liverpool for groups to back his artists, and chose the Silver Beetles to accompany Gentle in Scotland. They played from 20 to 28 May 1960 in towns such as Alloa, Inverness and Peterhead. The group consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Tommy Moore.

Influence

On the posters they appeared only as Johnny Gentle and his group. They played songs such as Raining in My Heart and C'mon Everybody. On the tour Gentle wrote the song I've Just Fallen For Someone, by his own account with Lennon's help. Adam Faith later recorded it. Gentle said he rated the group highly, and later also that he had suggested to Parnes that he sign them. In this way he is a footnote in the earliest history of The Beatles.

Listening