OTHER NOTABLE SHOWS

THE SOUTHERN COUNTRY MUSIC CONVENTION (1965)

Jon's band Johnny and The Hayriders featuring the great Gordon Huntley on steel guitar, were one of the bands featured on a show staged at 'The Marquee Club' in London's Wardour Street - August 29, 1965. It featured the very best acts in British country music of the time including 'The Hillsiders' and 'The Tumbleweeds'. 

GRAFTON BALLROOM - LIVERPOOL 'NEW SOUND IN COUNTRY MUSIC' (1967)

Jon's band Jamie, Jon and Jerry topped the bill in January 1967 on a show titled, 'New Sound In Country Music' staged at a venue that was once a thriving dance hall attracting a host of star names including 'The Beatles' - 'The Grafton Ballroom' on West Derby Road in Liverpool. Jamie, Jon and Jerry played for an hour to an audience of 1200. Jon was quoted to have said after the show, "The Country scene in Liverpool is marvellous - the people up there really go for our kind of music. We had a great reception and a terrific night and we'd like to go back very soon."

SUMMER BASE FAIR - RAF UPPER HEYFORD (1967)

Jon's band Jamie, Jon and Jerry appeared at the 'Summer Base Fair' - RAF Upper Heyford in 1967. Also on the show was Lulu (pictured leaving the stage). It was on this show, Jon was quoted to have said, "We were asked, which one of you was it that got Lulu drunk? They were trying to sober her up at the time, before she went on! Honestly, which member of our team would do that? Seriously though, she did a great show and we all really enjoyed working with her."

GEORGE HAMILTON IV SHOW - ETHNA CAMPBELL (1971)

Jon's band Country Fever appeared on George Hamilton IV's TV show, first transmitted on BBC2 - January 1, 1971. Also appearing was Ethna Campbell (The Old Rugged Cross). Country Fever provided the backing.

TOP RANK SUITE - SOUTHAMPTON (1971)

'Lucky Stars In Concert' was the name of an album recorded 'live' in front of an audience of 1400 people at a once unique entertainment venue in Southampton known as the 'Top Rank Suite'. Featuring Jon's band Country Fever, this album made history on the country music scene by being the first modern country album recorded 'live' featuring all British talent. The album sold for 19/11 when it was first released. Journalist, Richard Day wrote at the time, "The atmosphere turns electric with a very exciting performance from Country Fever. A nice contrast to the rest of the acts on the show."

JIMMY PAYNE (1975)

American artist, Jimmy Payne (like George Hamilton IV), had fast become a more familiar and popular name across the pond with an appreciative British audience. Making several tours to the UK, predominantly under the guidance of promoter, Mervyn Conn - a live album was recorded in June 1975 by the 'Mervyn Conn Organisation' at the notorious 'Broadmoor Hospital' in Berkshire. Hosted by the since disgraced, Jimmy Saville - the album entitled 'Jimmy Payne & Friends' features Jon Derek and his band Country Fever. It was released later that year on Ocean/Pye Records.

LONDON COUNTRY (1976)

The advertisement on the left was taken from the 'Radio Times' (October 1976). 

Jon Derek was a regular on Bob Powel's 'BBC Radio London' programme 'London Country' - a show which ran from 1971 right up until 1988. 

Jon, singing live and playing guitar, would perform an acoustic set of about four or five songs, sometimes accompanied by another guitarist - on this occasion - Graham Walker. 

TOMMY JENNINGS (1977)

Talented singer/songwriter, Tommy Jennings - brother of Texan country superstar, Waylon Jennings, toured the UK in 1977. A 'package show' took place at the 'Intimate Theatre' - Palmers Green, London N13 on June 5, 1977 which featured Jon Derek. - Despite sounding very much like his brother, US country chart placings sadly tell the story - 'Make It Easy On Yourself' (No.96) and 'Don't You Think It's Time (No.71). 

BUSKETT ROADHOUSE - MALTA (1978)

Jon Derek had become a country music star overnight in Malta after the release of his single 'Till The Rivers All Run Dry' topped their charts in 1977. This was then followed up by the flip side 'Making Believe' also making the number one slot. Jon made his first promotional trip to Malta in the early part of 1978 and along with radio broadcasts and television appearances, he appeared nightly (February 25 - March 6) at a well known cabaret venue on the island known as the 'Buskett Roadhouse'.  

BOXCAR WILLIE (1978)

Jon Derek and his band Country Fever took part in a 'special' BBC Radio 2 'live' show staged at the 'Golders Green Hippodrome' in London - June 1978. It was broadcast on David Allan's programme 'Country Club'. Headlining, was the everpopular Texan 'hobo' country artist, Boxcar Willie. Special guests were; Jon Derek, Lorne Gibson and Pete Stanley. 

PORTSMOUTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL (1980)

Jon Derek and his band Country Fever were on tour with American newcomer Liz Howard in 1980. Making her first visit to the UK, she had been booked to appear at the third and final day of the 'Portsmouth Country Music Festival' staged at Portsmouth Airport. Following the appearance of 'Johnny Tillotson', top journalist/publicist of the time, Alan Cackett wrote; Liz Howard, a relatively unknown, but up-and-coming singer, took to the stage next. She ran through a substandard set distinguished only be her duets with Jon Derek, highlighted by 'Till The Rivers All Run Dry' (which would have been even better sung solo by Jon)! It was a pity because Liz has a stylish voice, well capable of tension and variety - as she demonstrated with some of her original material. But she is a singer in search of a song and a convincing stage personality. On this evidence she has precious little of either.

ESSEX COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL (1980)

Jon Derek and his band Country Fever were one of four British acts supporting American stars, Don Everley (The Everly Brothers), Webb Pierce (who charted more No.1's on the Billboard Country Chart in the 1950's than any other artist), The Wiburn Brothers (popular duo 1950's to 1970's) and the lesser known, B.J. Wright. They all appeared at the 'Essex Country Music Festival' staged at the 'Essex Showground' in Chelmsford the weekend of August 16-17, 1980. Compere was Wally Whyton. 

MEAN FIDDLER (1983)

Due to personal family issues, Jon Derek remained, for the most part, closer to his home in Ealing for a period of time in 1983, when he took up MC duties at the newly opened 'Mean Fiddler' venue in Harlesdon, North London. A glitzy night spot with an American style honky-tonk slant to it, music venue mogul and owner 'Vince Power' referred to Jon as Britain's answer to Ernest Tubb when he realised just how long Jon had been on the scene for. A firm favourite for visiting cabaret acts and Irish acts such as 'Margo' and 'Rose Marie' to name a few, the Mean Fiddler offered Jon some stability and comfort, especially during the winter months when touring can be hazardous. 

PATSY MONTANA (1983)

Jon Derek and his band Country Fever took part on a 'Country Music Special' featuring American singer, songwriter and actress, Patsy Montana whose signature song 'I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart' was a million-selling single in 1935. The show was held at the 'Carleton Inn', Morecambe - September 30, 1983.

MALTA (1995)

In association with the 'Maltese Country Music Appreciation Society' and, 18 years after Jon Derek scored two No.1 hits in Malta, he returned for a third visit in October 1995 to do a few shows. One of them - promoted as a 'Country Music Bonanza' was staged at the Topaz Hotel's 'Forum Suite' where Jon topped the bill, appearing alongside some of Malta's finest cabaret acts including, 'Manuel'. 

TRIBUTE TO THE COUNTRY GREATS (1999)

Throughout Jon's career he's been referred to as the British version of his idol, George Jones. So, when staging a 'Tribute To The Country Greats' who else would you choose as your 'George Jones'? Jon Derek, backed by 'West Virginia' appeared at this event staged at 'The Lakeside Country Club' - Frimley Green, Surrey on September 5, 1999. Promoter, Dave Street wrote in the programme, "A real veteran and one of Britain's most popular and successful country singers who will always be remembered for fronting one of the finest ever home grown bands 'Country Fever' who included in their line-up the man who is acknowledged as one of country music's finest guitarists, Albert Lee. Jon went on to top the bill at most of the festivals and, until a couple of years ago, still toured the 'club' and 'festival' circuit. He will be remembered with affection for many things not least for the way he can sing a George Jones song."

GEORGE HAMILTON IV's MEMORIAL CONCERT FOR PETE SAYERS (2005)

Having now retired from 'live' performing, Jon Derek received a telephone call from his friend, George Hamilton IV who asked if he would take part in a memorial concert he was arranging for British country music artist, Pete Sayers who passed away in February 2005. Jon, who had worked with Pete on many shows over the years, kindly obliged and was one of a few selected acts (Ann & Ray Brett, Steve Somers and Tom Travis) who featured on a show held at St. Andrew's Church in Isleham, Ely, Cambridgeshire. Journalist and broadcaster, David Allan covered the show for the publication 'Country Music People Magazine' - he wrote; "I had high hopes that the recent memorial concert arranged by George Hamilton IV for his friend Pete Sayers would be a memorable evening, but I had no idea how good it would be. None of the artists taking part were - how can I tactfully put this - in their first flush of youth. However, from the very start, it became apparent that they were all in their prime."