SLIM WHITMAN TOURS
1970, 1976
THE 1970 TOUR was supported by three of the four British acts who were all notable winners at that year's 'Country Music Association (Great Britain) Awards'.
This was SLIM WHITMAN's first UK tour in 14 years. Just three venues; Hammersmith Odeon (Apollo), Liverpool Empire and Sunderland Empire - two shows a night.
COUNTRY FEVER (Jon Derek, Pete Oakman, Roger Dean, Jed Kelly and Gerry Hogan) had their own spot on the show and they also backed Slim throughout the tour. Apparently, due to overwhelming public demand, the tour was extended and further dates were added. However, due to prior commitments, Country Fever were unable to fulfil these shows and another British band 'The Tumbleweeds' stepped in to replace them.
SLIM WHITMAN SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH (1970)
Jon, Sure good working with you
Wish you all the best - Slim Whitman
THE 1976 TOUR was one of Slim Whitman's longest ever - 36 dates including two performances a day.
Jon Derek was billed as a solo act but he was using, at the time, the backing services of a very fine group in their own right - Jeannie Denver and the J.D. Band. Together, they also backed Slim Whitman.
In addition to having his own spot on the show and backing Slim, Jon also compered the entire tour. On the final date at the London Palladium, Jon introduced on stage legendary disc jockey Alan 'Fluff' Freeman who presented Slim Whitman with a gold disc for sales of his current album 'Happy Anniversary'.
STOP PRESS
After initial advertisements went to press, further dates were added to the March leg of the tour:
Cavendish Club, Blackburn (25th)
Davenport Theatre, Stockport (26th)
Civic Hall, Barrow-In-Furness (27th)
Batley Variety Club, West Yorkshire (28th)
LOCAL PRESS AD FOR THE DATE AT DUNDEE'S CAIRD HALL
PROMOTIONAL FLYER - LONDON PALLADIUM SHOW
THE LONDON PALLADIUM SHOW SOLD OUT
BIOG TAKEN FROM THE TOUR PROGRAMME
SLIM WHITMAN & JON DEREK ON TOUR (1976)
Autographed by Slim Whitman, Byron Whitman
and Jon Derek in 1991
JON DEREK
Tuning up in his dressing room prior to his performance
Colston Hall, Bristol - February 29, 1976