COUNTRY FEVER

Soon after their formation in 1968, they undertook two short tours with American artists, Rose Maddox (Sing A Little Song Of Heartache) in August and, Jody Miller (Queen of the House) in September. 

The Jody Miller tour included a BBC Radio show in which Country Fever appeared in their own right and, backed Miss Miller.

Country Meets Folk - introduced by Wally Whyton was broadcast on Radio 1.

In October 1968, Country Fever embarked on a 21-date tour with the legendary American star, Guy Mitchell (Singing The Blues). However, the tour had to be cut short due to Guy Mitchell's poor health.

In the latter part of 1968, Country Fever recorded a rushed, low-budget album for the Rediffusion label 'Mountain Music Jamboree'. Jon's cover of 'Ring of Fire' along with Albert Lee's 'Dang Me' and instumental 'Country Fever' are among the only highlights on an album that was recorded and produced in less than a day. 

Following a few recent appearances on the BBC Radio 'live' show 'Country Meets Folk' backing other artists - the newly formed 'Country Fever' appeared in their own right on December 21, 1968 from the Playhouse Theatre in Charing Cross, London alongside folk artists, Ralph McTell (Streets Of London) and surprise guest Gordon Giltrap. Coincidently, it was also Albert Lee's birthday and the band members sang Happy Birthday to him 'live' on air.

In October 1969, Country Fever signed a recording contract with the first British country music record label Lucky Records and a personal management agreement with Gordon Smith. Their first single 'Mental Revenge', taken from the band's forthcoming album 'Listen To The Country Fever', was soon released. 

Due to their expertise in backing top American acts, Country Fever + part-time member, Gerry Hogan on steel guitar (who would join the band on bigger shows/tours and radio broadcasts) were booked to join the Country Stars In Concert tour, organised by record company RCA. Country Fever were the only non-RCA recording artists on the tour which comprised of; Chet Atkins, Bobby Bare, Connie Smith, Nat Stuckey, Skeeter Davis, George Hamilton IV and British band, The Hillsiders. The tour commenced on October 31, 1969. With five dates in the UK, including London's Royal Albert Hall and, twelve European cities - Country Fever appeared in their own right and also backed both Connie Smith and Nat Stuckey throughout the tour. Country Fever also performed with Bobby Bare, George Hamilton and The Hillsiders at a pre-tour press gathering/peformance at the 'Nashville Room' in West Kensington, London. 

In February 1970, Country Fever received a 'Certificate of Merit' for their outstanding contributions to British Country Music from the 'CMA of Great Britain'. They were also voted 'Best Group' by the 'British Country Music Association'. The media reported that Country Fever achieved more progress in the year of 1969 than any other British country music band.

Two days after the festival, Jon Derek, Jerry Hogan and Albert Lee of Country Fever (augmented by another band's bass player and drummer) backed Don Gibson again at the 'Nashville Room' in London's west Kensington. Also appearing was Loretta Lynn and her band. The show was recorded and was the main feature on BBC Radio 2's 'Country Style' programme. 

Following massive sales of their first album, the highly acclaimed - 'Listen To The Country Fever' the group's second album 'A New Dimension' was released in September 1970. It received rave reviews from the music industry's press journals including, Melody Maker, New Musical Express and Record Mirror.

In September 1970, the legendary Slim Whitman (Rose Marie) returned to the UK to perform for the first time in 14 years. Promoter Mervyn Conn organised a short tour which included dates at the 'Liverpool Empire', London's 'Hammersmith Apollo' and the 'Sunderland Empire'. Country Fever were included on these three dates. In addition to having their own spot on the show, Country Fever also backed Slim.

In February 1971, US singing sensation Charley Pride, who by this time had already scored 13 top 10 hits in the US country singles chart including 6 No.1's, made a short promotional visit to the UK in association with the BBC and his record label 'RCA Records'. Unable to bring his own band with him, Country Fever were asked to back him on a BBC Radio broadcast.

In March 1971, Country Fever toured for the first of many times with American country/rockabilly artist, Marvin Rainwater (Whole Lotta Woman, Gonna Find Me A Bluebird) on an extensive tour of the UK, Ireland and Europe. Marvin returned to England again later that year to do some shows with the band - this time at Irish ballrooms and US Air Force bases. They also recorded an album together recorded at Orange Studios in London 'Marvin Rainwater Gets Country Fever' which was released on the 'Phillips' label the following year. This album was then re-released three years later on 'Emerald Records' and retitled 'New Country Sounds'.

The same month, Country Fever toured England and Ireland with American actor and country singer, Randy Boone (The Virginian, Cimarron Strip). 

Albert Lee sat in with Country Fever for two weeks in July 1971. He also appeared with the band on BBC Radio's 'Country Meets Folk' playing mandolin. Also joining Country Fever and Albert Lee in the second week was Chas Hodges on fiddle and Keith Nelson on banjo.

Towards the end of 1971, a dispute between members of Country Fever and their record producer Gordon Smith in relation to artist royalty statements from record sales not being submitted to the Performing Rights Society, caused a low morale within the group and eventually lead to a formal break-up. In order to fulfil forthcoming engagements, Jon Derek temporarily acquired bandmembers from 'Jamie's People' to form a temporary 'Country Fever'. 

Hank Locklin returned in July 1972 - backed by Country Fever, they toured the UK and Ireland.

In October 1972, Country Fever teamed up with George Hamilton IV (Abilene, Canadian Pacific) once again for what would be at the time, the biggest country music tour ever in the UK - 'Up Country'. Also on the bill were, The Stoneman Family. Country Fever appeared in their own right and also backed George IV throughout the 21-date tour. At the Royal Albert Hall (October 26), they were joined by special guest, Sammi Smith (Help Me Make It Through The Night).

Lead guitarist Adrian Legg left the band in mid-1973 and was replaced by Graham Walker.

Country Fever toured with American artist, Jeanne Pruett (Satin Sheets) the same year and with the well known British country music duo, Miki and Griff (A Little Bitty Tear) the following year.

Country Fever's three tracks on the album were; 'The Race Is On', 'Kentucky Woman' and 'Behind Closed Doors'. Jon Derek also compered the entire show. 'The World Of Country Music Vol.6' was released on the Decca Records label. 

By the autumn of 1974, the cooperative 'Country Fever' (1968-1974) was disbanded. Having achieved so much with the band, Jon felt the time was right to go it alone and forge a solo career.