In the later part of his school years, he became

“The wonder boy of snooker”

Roy at the age of 14 practising for England’s championships & Roy became close friends with Cliff Thorburn, 1981 world snooker champion

 

His enthusiasim for snooker was put aside when he heard Bill Haleys’ “Rock Around the Clock” and realized that

Rock’n’Roll

was to become his life...

 

 

 

Young eventually returned to England where he joined Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, who were managed by Brian Epstein. They joined The Beatles on their 1966 tour of Germany and later worked with the band to produce a version of “Got to Get You Into My Life”, where Paul McCartney joined Roy on keyboards.

Laurie O’Leary, who later became his manager, recognized Young’s talent, and persuaded him to form The Roy Young Band. The band released numerous albums throughout the seventies under such labels as E.M.I., Columbia, Ember, Philips (Germany), Parlophone, Screen Gems Columbia, Fontana (Philips), RCA Victor and British MCA (Decca G.B.) including a live recording during a British tour of Roy and Chuck Berry, "My Dingaling" which reached number 1 in the British charts.

In 1974, Young was in England recording his latest album with the help of his friend Jeff Beck when he received a phone call from David Bowie in Los Angeles asking him to join him there to record his “Station to Station” album. Owing to his recording commitment, Roy was unable to commit to the project. One year later, he joined him at the La Chateau, Paris, France, where they recorded David’s “Low” album.

In 1976, Young moved abroad and toured The Roy Young Band throughout Canada and the USA. He also teamed up with the legendary British blues artist Long John Baldry and became Johns' manager for a period of 3 years. At this time, John had an international hit with "You've Lost That Loving Feeling".

During the 80's, Foreigners drummer, Dennis Elliott, also ex Roy Young Band member introduced Roy to Ian Hunter while in New York. Roy teamed up with Ian and Mick Ronson and toured throughout Canada and America. Between touring he produced various artists.

In 1995, Young returned to Germany performing concerts including the 40th Anniversary of The Star-Club and a personal appearance with Yoko Ono at Radio Braeman for John Lennons' art show. In 1996, Roy was invited to represent Canada and play John Lennon’s Steinway piano for a charitable event in support of The Abused Children Foundation in Toronto, Canada.

During the late 90's, Roy recorded the old classic “White Cliffs of Dover” with the the Toronto choir of 150. The intention was to put Roys’ and Vera Lynns’ voice together for release to the war vets. Available to buy from the CDs & Merchandise page.

In 2002, Roy appeared at the 40th Anniversary of the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany, where he met the famous songwriter, Dennis Morgan. Dennis has had over 40 No. 1 hits with Rod Stewart, Garth Brooks, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Eric Clapton, Faith Hill, Vince Gill etc. He was so inspired by Roy’s voice he dropped all of his engagements to immediately start writing a new CD for Roy, entitled “Still Young”. Available to buy from the CDs & Merchandise page.

Roy has recently moved back to his native England to establish his role in history as British pioneer of Rock and Roll, the best Rock and Roll piano player this country has ever produced, and the man with vocals as sensitive as Ray Charles.

Since returning to England Roy has released “Roy Young...the best of 50 years” and “Roy Rock’em’ Young, 1959 to 1962 singles collection”, on Angel Air records. Available to buy from the CDs & Merchandise page. Roy will be featured on a tribute double CD, “Lennon Bermuda”, along with predominantely Bermudian artists, released internationally following a successful concert in Sept 2012 on the island.
The late Fifties gave birth to one of Rock and Roll¹s greatest entertainers, Roy Young, with his trademark boogie-woogie piano and vocal style that is best described as a mixture between Little Richard, Ray Charles. Roy, one of Rock´s most respected pioneers, was influenced by such Boogie players as Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson and Albert Ammons at a very young age.

Roy started playing snooker at the age of 12, by the time he left school at the age of 14, his love of snooker drew him into his local snooker club. Roy had a talent for the game and was offered a job in the snooker club giving him the advantage to practice eight hours a day between doing odd jobs. Within a short time, it was noticed that a very talented snooker player was emerging, and he was immediately put into the youth championships of England where he represented his hometown, Oxford.

By the age of 18, he joined the Merchant Navy to travel the world. He performed many shows for the crew and passengers with pianist Russ Conway who later got into the music business himself with his first No.1 hit "Sidesaddle". During a short stay in Australia, Roy saw the film "Blackboard Jungle" featuring the theme song from Bill Haley, "Rock Around The Clock". Roy was so excited that he couldn´t wait to return to England so he could share his new found Rock and Roll music with the British audience, and snooker was put aside.

It was harder to get into Rock and Roll than he anticipated. He spent at least 2-3 months walking around London visiting different agencies. He eventually met Jack Falon of 'Carna Variety Agency' who he signed a contract with. On that very day, he found himself being dubbed 'Roy Rock'em Young' and performing his first professional engagement with 'Johnny Duncan and the Bluegrass Boys', a well known skiffle band from America.

In the late 50´s Roy auditioned for the one hour Rock and Roll TV show, 'Oh Boy' with famous British producer, Jack Good. Roy performed a Little Richard song and was immediately hired, only to go on and become 'England´s Little Richard'. He later followed it up with a series of Rock and Roll shows for the BBC entitled, 'Drumbeat', backed by The John Barry Seven. During this time he was constantly releasing singles on the Fontana/Phillips label.

Performing as Roy Young, he then began extensive tours with 'Cliff Richard and The Shadows' playing clubs, theatres, variety shows and cabaret dinner clubs all over England. Around this time, he was seen frequently at the well known 'Two ii´s' coffee bar in London, where many famous Rock and Roll stars were discovered.

By 1961, a new generation of music had begun and Hamburg, Germany was the place to be. Young’s music had reached the European market scene by this time where he regularly played the legendary stages of Germany. Along with Tony Sheridan, and Ringo Starr they formed 'The Beat Brothers', at the Top Ten Club to become the house band. In the spring of 1962, Young was offered the very first contract to appear at Hamburg’s famous Star-Club where he and Sheridan formed the Star Combo and became the Star Club’s house band. As well as performing, Young was hired by the club to enlist the talent of such acts as The Beatles, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Bill Haley and Jerry Lee Lewis among others. It was here that a dynamic friendship began between Roy and The Beatles and before long they enlisted Young to play keyboard and sing back-up vocals with the band.

At this time, Beatles manager Brian Epstein approached Young with an offer to return to England to procure an international record contract with The Beatles. It was this record that ultimately thrust The Beatles into international superstardom. Unfortunately, Young was in the middle of a three-year exclusive contract with the Star-Club and regretfully declined the offer.