CHRONOLOGY

Jon Derek is born March 10, 1941 in Marlborough, Wiltshire where his Welsh parents had just recently relocated to after leaving their home in Harlech, North Wales. Christened John Derek Roberts.

Forms a 'Skiffle' group at college called 'The Kool Kats' and learns to play guitar.

Leaves college and takes an apprenticeship with a local building firm to train as a draughtsman. Guests with local bands in the evenings.

Meets Gerry Hogan and Gordon Huntley and together they form a group called 'The Black Stetson Boys'. After winning a Radio Luxembourg talent show, they play the US Air Force bases and broadcast regularly for BBC Radio on such network programmes as 'Easy Beat' and 'Saturday Club' hosted by Brian Matthew.

Johnny and The Hayriders support Jim Reeves on a short tour of US Air Force bases within England. 

The Flintlocks support Eddy Arnold on a Radio Caroline live show.

The Flintlocks sign with Don Arden.

Murray Kash becomes honorary president of the Jamie, Jon and Jerry Fan Club.

Jon buys his iconic Gibson J200 guitar for £315 (over £5000 in today's money)

Jamie, Jon and Jerry sign with Decca Records and release three singles within the year. 

Jamie, Jon and Jerry support Hank Locklin on a UK tour with guest artist Clodagh Rodgers also on the bill. 

The same year they also work with Lulu on a show at RAF Upper Hayford.

Jamie, Jon and Jerry split.

The Jon Derek Group is formed primarily to back Clodagh Rodgers on a number of TV and Radio 

Jon Derek and Albert Lee form Country Fever

Country Fever support American stars: Jody Miller, Rose Maddox and Guy Mitchell on separate tours to the UK and Europe.

Country Fever appear in their own right on BBC Radio's 'Country Meets Folk' show with other guests including Ralph McTell.

Country Fever are added to the RCA Stars tour of the UK and Europe. They appear in their own right and back both Connie Smith and Nat Stuckey.

Country Fever tour the UK and Ireland with Hank Locklin

Country Fever tour England and Scotland with Hank Locklin

Country Fever appear on the second International Festival of Country Music at Wembley. They appear in their own right and back American stars including Don Gibson and Charlie Walker.

Country Fever are voted top British country music group.

Country Fever tour with Slim Whitman and also back him.

Country Fever appear on the George Hamilton IV TV show in their own right. They also back Ethna Campbell on the same show.

Country Fever back Charley Pride on a live BBC Radio show 'Country Style' broadcast from The Playhouse Theatre in London's Charing Cross.

Country Fever support and back Marvin Rainwater on his tour of the UK, Ireland and Europe. 

Country Fever support and back 'The Virginian' US actor and singer Randy Boone on his tour of the UK and Ireland.

Albert Lee sits in with Country Fever for a couple of weeks playing mandolin for them. Chas Hodges joins them for a week on fiddle and Keith Nelson on banjo.