From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hank Marvin
Hank Marvin
Hank B. Marvin He chose the name Hank Marvin while launching his
music career. The name is an amalgamation of his child-
hood nickname of Hank, which he used to differentiate
himself from a number of friends also named Brian, and
Marvin Rainwater, a country and western singer.
When Marvin was 16, he travelled with his Ruther-
ford Grammar School friend Bruce Welch to London,
where he met Johnny Foster, Cliff Richard’s manager,
at The 2i’s Coffee Bar in Soho. Foster was looking for
a guitarist for Richard’s upcoming tour of the U.K., and
Marvin agreed to join as long as there was also a place
for Welch. Foster had actually been looking for guitarist
Tony Sheridan at the Two 2i’s, but by chance he encoun-
tered Marvin. Marvin and Welch joined The Drifters, as
Cliff Richard’s group was then known, beginning their ca-
reers as professional guitar players.
Hank B. Marvin live on stage 22 April 2005 in Esbjerg,
Marvin met Cliff Richard for the first time at a nearby
Denmark Soho tailor’s shop, where Richard was having a fitting for
a pink stage jacket. They had their first rehearsal with
Background information
him at his parents’ home in Cheshunt.
Also known as Brian Robson Rankin Marvin lived in the hills above Perth, Western Aus-
tralia from 1986 but has since relocated to a luxury apart-
Born 28 October 1941 (1941-10-28)
ment in East Perth. He is a committed Jehovah’s Wit-
Genres Rock, instrumental rock, rock & roll ness.[3] When not relaxing at his home in Perth, Marvin
runs a successful recording studio: Nivram studios (part
Occupations Musician
of Sh-Boom studios in Tiverton street owned by Trevor
Instruments Guitar, banjo, piano Spencer and Gary Taylor) where he is happy(?) to receive
Years active 1956–present correspondence from die-hard Shadows fans.
In the UK, his name is often humourously recognised
Associated acts The Shadows, Cliff Richard as cockney rhyming slang for the word "starving". [4]
Notable instruments
Hank Marvin Signature Stratocaster Professional background
Burns "The Marvin" and the "Shadows Custom Elite Guitar"
Hank Brian Marvin (born 28 October 1941) is an English
guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist for The Shad-
ows. The group, which primarily performed instrumen-
tals, was formed as a backing band for vocalist Cliff
Richard.[1] Marvin has a distinctive guitar sound and ap-
pearance, primarily using a clean sound with very dis-
tinctive echo and vibrato giving a dreamy effect.[2]
Personal life
He was born Brian Robson Rankin on 28 October 1941
in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. As a child, he played
the banjo and piano. After he heard one of Buddy Holly’s Hank Marvin and Jean-Pierre Danel, 2007
songs, he decided to also learn the guitar.[1]
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hank Marvin
Equipment Stratocaster reproduction
Marvin played and owned the first Fender Stratocaster in
the UK, serial number 34346, finished in Fiesta Red, with
gold hardware. This guitar, with its tremolo arm, con-
tributed to the Shadows’ sound. The guitar was imported
from America by Cliff Richard.
Marvin almost immediately customised this guitar’s
red paintwork with three simple cheap aluminium sticky
back transfers or decals of his initials viz: "H", "B", "M",
bought from a local hardware shop in London and simply
stuck them on top.
Marvin’s original sound was achieved with this Stra-
tocaster, a Vox amplifier (initially an AC15 and later on
an AC30 models) and a tape echo machine Meazzi
Echomatic that was shown to him by Joe Brown.
He later used a Vox-badged Meazzi, then a Binson Cliff Richard and the Shadows 2009
Echorec (Drum) Echo Machine and finally another tape-
loop machine, the Roland 301 Space Echo, before moving In 2009, to mark the The Shadows 50th anniversary and
on to electronic units like the Behringer Delay Machine. "34346", the original Stratocaster is being reproduced in
In 1959, Marvin and Richard searched through a Fen- detail by Fender’s Custom Shop in California. Built by
der catalogue to find the model of guitar played by James Fender Master Luthier Greg Fessler, the run is limited to
Burton, Ricky Nelson’s lead guitarist. They assumed that 50 pieces and has been produced within Fender’s Dealer
Burton’s guitar was a Stratocaster, because the most ex- Select program. Commissioned by Oasis Musical Instru-
pensive guitar in the brochure was a gold-plated example ments (a UK guitar dealer run by "Shads" fan Howard
with a red body and a one-piece Maple neck. Burton, Gillespie) The guitar is a faithful reproduction of the orig-
however, played the Telecaster, and the Stratocaster was inal, down to the mythical colour which Marvin called
a relatively new model, available only to special order. "Flamingo Pink". This colour is also referred to by Dire
Richard made the arrangements and the chosen gui- Straits Guitarist Mark Knopfler in Alan Yentob’s BBC TV
tar was imported specially for Marvin, who used it be- series. Fender has always denied the existence of that
tween 1959 and 1961. It remained Richard’s property and colour, and remained true to form by naming the colour
was returned to him when Jennings Musical Instruments of the reproduction "U K Custom Red". Exclusive to this
outfitted the whole group with matching Fiesta Red Fen- guitar the colour is not available to order despite being
der guitars, which featured necks with rosewood finger- given a colour code by the Custom Shop. Each one of
boards. Marvin continued borrowing the original Strato- the limited edition includes a certificate of authenticity
caster for recording. from Fender, stating that the instrument is a reproduc-
tion of "The first Stratocaster to be imported into the
Second (and third) Fender Stratocaster UK" signed by the Master Builder, there is also a signed
certificate of endorsement from Hank Marvin and Bruce
Guitar(s) Welch.
In 1970 to facilitate a new Shadows’ type guitar sound,
Marvin and bandmate John Farrar bought electric and Branding
two Martin acoustic guitars. Farrar purchased a Fender
In the early 1960s, Jennings named a range of guitar ac-
thinline Telecaster with a Bigsby tremolo arm whereas
cessories after Marvin. The accessories included plec-
Marvin purchased a new Fender Stratocaster guitar with
trum, a guitar strap, and a Bigsby-styled tremolo unit.
a sunburst finish with non-Fender custom pickups and a
They used the Hank Marvin signature tremolo unit on
large headstock.
several of their own Vox guitars. Marvin also worked
This Fender Stratocaster guitar was subsequently re-
with Jim Burns, head of the Burns London guitar com-
sprayed in a Black-gloss finish and was used by Marvin
pany, to develop his own signature model, known as the
during the 1970s and early 1980s Shadows’ studio albums
"Burns Marvin".
and concerts. By the mid-80s Marvin reverted to a third
The "Marvin" appeared in 1964 and a 12-string ver-
Red Fiesta Fender Stratocaster guitar for studio and con-
sion called the "Double Six" appeared a little earlier. In
certs. Marvin subsequently gave the Black Fender Strato-
1967, the Burns London company was taken over by the
caster to his son Ben Marvin who had it resprayed back
American piano-maker, Baldwin Piano Company, and
to its original sunburst finish.
partly as a result of the takeover, the fewer-than-400
original Burns-made Marvins are now highly sought af-
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hank Marvin
ter. The revived Burns company made a limited reissue Marvin and the Shadows reformed for a 2004 Final
of 2004 signature Marvin guitars with a certificate of au- Tour, which was so successful that a 2005 European tour
thenticity, signed by Marvin. Those instruments were was also organised.
promoted on the Shadows’ 2004 Final Tour. Marvin’s Marvin dueted twice with French award-winning gui-
original Burns guitars had been stolen in 1972 and never tarist Jean-Pierre Danel, on his 2007 and 2010 albums.
appeared again. Marvin also participated to one of his dvds and wrote the
Marvin influenced many guitarists, including Pete foreword for Danel’s book about the Fender Stratocaster.
Townshend, Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi, Ritchie Black- While his Shadows colleagues Bruce Welch and Brian
more and John Fogerty. Although neither Marvin nor Bennett accepted the honour of an Officer of the Order
the Shadows were ever well known in the United States, of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2004 Queen’s Birthday
despite several appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, Honours List for services to music, Marvin declined, cit-
Marvin is listed by Frank Zappa as an influence on the ing "personal reasons".[5]
first Mothers of Invention album. Afrikaa Bambaataa cit-
ed the group’s first UK number one single "Apache" as a
big influence, though it is likely that Bambaattaa was re-
Early career groups (pre-Shad-
ferring to the cover of "Apache" by The Incredible Bongo ows/Drifters)
Band, which was popular among early hip hop DJs, due to
• Marvin (banjo), John Tate (guitar), Derek Johnson
the extended bongo break.
(guitar), Joe Rankin (bass), Mal Malarky (mandolin),
In Canada, Cliff Richard and the Shadows met with
and Howard Muir (wb)
success, especially 1961-1965 when they enjoyed several
1956–1957 – The Railroaders (#1)
top 10 hits. Canadian guitarists Randy Bachman and Neil
• Marvin (guitar), Welch (guitar), George Williams
Young have credited Marvin’s guitar work as influential.
(guitar), Jim ? (drums)
Carlos Santana’s nickname in his formative years was
1956–1957 – The Railroaders (#2)
Apache because it was one of the earliest pieces he
• Marvin (guitar), Welch (guitar), Eddie Silver (guitar),
learned to play.
George Williams (bass), and Jim ? (drums)
1958 – The Vipers (aka The Vipers Skiffle group)
Solo career
• live concert
As well as playing with The Shadows, Hank Marvin has • Wally Whyton (vocals), Johnny Booker (guitar), Hank
had a successful solo career. He has been willing to ex- Marvin (guitar), J. Harris (bass), and Johnny Pilgrim
periment with styles and material, doing some purely in- (wb)
strumental albums, some with only vocals (e.g. "All Alone 1958 – The Five Chesternuts
With Friends"), one with only acoustic guitars and one • 7" single – ("Jean Dorothy" on Columbia)
with a guitar orchestra ("The Hank Marvin Guitar Syndi- • Gerry Hurst (vocals), Marvin (guitar), Welch (guitar),
cate"). In 1970, Marvin and Welch formed Marvin, Welch Neil Johnson (bass), and Pete Chester (drums)
& Farrar, a vocal harmony trio which failed to appeal to
many Shadows fans or to contemporary music fans. They
reverted to being The Shadows in 1973, for the Rockin’ UK solo tours
with Curly Leads album. • 1994 – w/Brian Bennett (drums), Ben Marvin
As a writer, Marvin was solely responsible for (guitar), Warren Bennett (guitar/keyboards), Mark
"Driftin’", "Geronimo", "Spider Juice" (his daughter’s Griffiths (bass)
name for orange juice), "I want you to Want Me" for The • 1995 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett
Shadows, and "The Day I Met Marie". As co-writer with (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
Bruce Welch, Brian Bennett, and John Rostill, he wrote • 1997 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett
other hits, mainly for Cliff Richard, including "I Could (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
Easily Fall in Love with You" and "In the Country". • 1998 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett
In 1988, Marvin collaborated with French keyboardist (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
and composer Jean Michel Jarre on the track "London • 2002 – w/Ben Marvin (guitar), Warren Bennett
Kid", which appeared on Jarre’s "Revolutions" album and (guitar/keyboards), Mark Griffiths (bass)
taking a guest role in the Frenchman’s giant Destination
Docklands concert at the Royal Victoria Dock. Jarre stat-
ed that the Shadows’ success had a huge influence on him Production credits
and his decision to devote the majority of his career to • Spaghetti Junction Work’s Nice – If you can get it/Step
instrumental music. right Up Columbia DB 8935
In 1992, Duane Eddy guested on Marvin’s album Into • Des O’Connor – Another Side Des O’Connor – LP – NSPL
the Light on the track "Pipeline". 18559.
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hank Marvin
• Flair – Stop look & listen – LP – MLP 15611. • "Human Desert" (with Alan Hawkshaw) on Human
• Flair – Fair – LP – CC 227324 Desert
• Flair – Fair play – LP – CC 327224
Discography
Guest appearances See also: The Shadows discography
• 1972: Spaghetti Junction Work’s Nice – If you can get it/
Step right Up Columbia DB 8935 Singles
• 1976: Evita: guitar on "Buenos Aires" (V) – Vocal
• 1977: Dennis Waterman Waterman album (also
features Brian Bennett) Studio / Live Albums
• 1977: Roger Daltrey One of The Boys album – guitar on
• 1969 Hank Marvin #14
"Parade" and "Leon"
• 1977 Hank Marvin Guitar Syndicate (no chart position)
• 1978: Des O’Connor Another Side of Des O’Connor album
• 1982 Words and Music #66
• 1979: Wings Back to the Egg album – "Rockestra
• 1983 All alone with friends (no chart position)
Theme" and "So Glad To See You Here"
• 1992 Into the light #18
• 1982: British Electric Foundation Music of Quality and
• 1993 Heartbeat #17
Distinction volume 1
• 1995 Hank plays Cliff #33
guitar on "Anyone Who Had A Heart" with Sandie
• 1996 Hank plays Holly #34
Shaw and "It’s Over" with Billy MacKenzie
• 1997 Hank plays Live #71
• 1983: Tracy Ullman You Broke My Heart In 17 Places
• 1997 Plays the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber #41
album: guitar on "Move Over Darling" and "You
• 2000 Marvin at the Movies #17
Broke My Heart in 17 Places"
• 2002 Guitar Player #10
• 1983: Leo Sayer Have You Ever Been in Love album:
• 2007 Guitar Man #6
guitar on "Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow"
• 1984: Shakin’ Stevens "Teardrops" single
• 1985: Dire Straits plays "Going Home" ("Local Hero’s
Compilation Albums
Theme"), with the band, as a special guest at Live at • 1987 Would You Believe It...Plus (reissue of 1969 LP with
Wembley bonus tracks)
• 1986: Cliff Richard and The Young Ones "Living Doll" • 1994 The Best of Hank Marvin & The Shadows #19
• 1988: Jean Michel Jarre Revolutions guitar on "London • 1995 Handpicked (no chart position)
Kid" • 1997 The Very Best of Hank Marvin & The Shadows The
• 1989: Jean Michel Jarre Destination Docklands: guitar First 40 Years #56
on "London Kid" and "Rendez-Vous IV" • 1998 Another Side Of Hank Marvin (no chart position)
• 1995: Alan Jones A Shadow In Time album: guest on • 2001 The Singles Collection ’The 80’s & 90’s’ Hank Marvin
title track "A Shadow In Time" & The Shadows (no chart position)
• 1998: Jane McDonald "You’re My World" single • 2004 Shadowing The Hits (no chart position)
• 2005: Richard Hawley "I’m Absolutely Hank Marvin", • 2004 Guitar Ballads (no chart position)
b-side of "Coles Corner" single • 2007 Hank Marvin & The Shadows Play The 60’s (no chart
• 2007: Peter Frampton Fingerprints album: guitar on position)
My Cup of Tea (also features Brian Bennett) • 2008 The Solid Gold Collection (no chart position)
• 2007 Jean-Pierre Danel Nivram (French Chart #15) +
Blues jam session on DVD References
• 2008 Jason Donovan Let It Be Me on Dreamboats and
Petticoats album [1] ^ Hank Marvin - Guitar God
• 2008 Le QuecumBar Patrons Stars of Gypsy Swing [2] London Gazette: no. 42885. p. 197. 4 January 1963.
("Coquette", "Noto Swing") Retrieved 17 June 2009.
• 2010 Jean-Pierre Danel M Appeal [3] Hank Marvin discusses his faith
In addition to the above, Marvin also plays guitar on [4] http://www.londonslang.com/db/h/
the following tracks of library music recorded for Bruton [5] Actor Hurt leads Queen’s honours, — BBC News
Music: Online
• "Fighter Plane" (with Alan Hawkshaw) on Top Of The [6] Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums
Range (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records
• "Conquest of Space" (with Alan Hawkshaw) on Limited. p. 264. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
Grandiose Impressive Panoramic Persondata
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hank Marvin
Year A-side B-side UK Singles Notes
Chart[6]
1968 London’s Not Too Far (V) Running Out Of World (V) – Columbia DB 8326
(The Shadows)
1969 Goodnight Dick Wahine – Columbia DB 8552
1969 Sunday For Seven Days Sacha – Columbia DB 8601
1969 Throw Down A Line (V) Reflections #7 Columbia DB 8615 (Cliff and Hank)
1969 Slaughter on 10th Avenue Midnight Cowboy – Columbia DB 8628
(The Shadows)
1970 The Joy Of Living (V) Leave My Woman Alone #25 Columbia DB 8657 (Cliff and Hank)
(V) Boogatoo
1970 Break Another Dawn Would You Believe It (V) – (Unreleased, promo only)
1970 Break Another Dawn Morning Star – Columbia DB 8693
1970 Morning Star Evening Comes – (Australia and New Zealand only)
1977 Flamingo Syndicated – EMI 2744 (Hank Marvin Guitar Syndi-
cate)
1981 Sacha / Sunday For Seven Morning Star / Evening – (New Zealand only) Hank Marvin EP
Days Comes
1982 Don’t Talk (V) Life Line (V) #49 Polydor POSP420
1982 The Trouble With Me Is Captain Zlogg – Polydor POSP479
You (remix) (V)
1983 The Hawk and the Dove Janine – Polydor POSP581
(V)
1983 Invisible Man (V) All Alone With Friends – Polydor POSP618
1986 Living Doll #1 (Cliff Richard and The Young Ones fea-
turing Hank B. Marvin)
1989 London Kid #52 (Jean-Michel Jarre featuring Hank
Marvin)
1992 We Are The Champions Moontalk / Into The Light #66 Polydor PO 229
(with Brian May) (CD)
1993 Wonderful Land (with Hot Rox (CD) / Nivram – Polydor PO297
Mark Knopfler)
Name Marvin, Hank
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth 28 October 1941
Place of birth
Date of death
Place of death
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hank_Marvin&oldid=464490721"
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hank Marvin
Categories:
• 1941 births
• Living people
• English rock musicians
• English pop musicians
• English rock guitarists
• English pop guitarists
• Musicians from Western Australia
• People from Perth, Western Australia
• People from Newcastle upon Tyne
• English Jehovah's Witnesses
• Music in Newcastle upon Tyne
• Skiffle
• The Shadows members
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