The Clyde Valley Stompers became, in the 1950s, Scotland’s
premier jazz band. They were the focus of “Stompermania” and enjoyed huge
commercial success. And then in 1963 they disappeared mysteriously from the
scene. In “Don’t Call me Clyde!” clarinettist Peter Kerr tells the story of
what actually happened. How, at just 20 years of age he inherited Leadership of
the “Clydes, how they achieved chart success, were produced by George Martin,
soon to sign the Beatles, and were launched into the glitzy world of mainstream
popular music.
This fondly recounted, entertaining and humorous memoir by
the award-winning author of the Snowball Oranges series, chronicles the
highlights, hardships, backstabbing, generosity and greed that marked the rise
and fall of such an iconic band. But Peter also skilfully portrays an
affectionate recollection of family life during the austerity gripped years
following the Second World War.
Peter will be appearing in the Star Room, John Gray Centre,
Haddington on Tuesday 16th August at 11.00am.
All welcome to this free event. Peter will also be
signing copies of his books.
