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THE DENVERS

The Denvers started in the late '50s as a school band from Grangefield Grammar School in Stockton, playing school dances and functions, and the odd pub! Roy Smith (the founder) is seen on the left clutching his prized Hofner Colorama.

As time and a half went by early members were shuffled to include Johnny Maunder (from West Hartlepool) and his pal Johnnie Hebb (also from Hartlepool) on bass. John Maunder was one of the best Elvis impersonators around at the time.

In 1960 adding a full time drummer Ron Telford, from Stockton, and singer Johnny Rocco, a "Smoggie," and some better equipment, the band made it's name at such vibrant spots such as the Maison de Danse, the Empire Continental and the Saddlers Arms in Thornaby.

Also taken in 1960 at the same photographic session session, this shows Roy Smith on lead guitar, Johnny Hebb on bass, John Maunder on rhythm guitar, Johnny Rocco lead vocalist with Ron Telford on drums.

In 1961 the group got work in France where they teamed with London vocalist Jenny Paul. During this period their manager was Sam Curtis, who had been formally connected with the Shadows.

Adding another female vocalist (Pauline Riley from Norton) this studio shot featured a stand in drummer for the newly hired Adrian Tilbrook (who couldn't make the photo session) Brian Ashcroft from Billingham. There was also a stand in Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar held by Roy. His original order of a Gretsch Country Club arrived at Burdons, on Yarm Street, damaged and the only quick replacement was a garish orange Gretsch 6120 - Chet Atkins model.

Thusly equipped, the band in its final configuration, returned to France playing on their own account, and occasionally backing luminaries like the Everly Brothers, Billy Eckstein and The Platters....and the Everly - Don and Phil - are pictured above with The Denvers in France. It was during this period that Roy was solicited from the Shadows organization to replace Jet Harris on the Harris/Tony Meehan British tour promoting their current hit records. As the Denvers own record deal was then in the works, he declined!

In early 1962 the band was very successful in French clubs and was signed by Polydor Records.

Recording twenty-odd songs over two days in Paris in early 1962 - resulting in two hits "Little Latin Looby Loo" and "Mix It Up."

The records actually sold quite well in France, Spain and even Japan. But never released in the United Kingdom or the United States! The same session generated the EP including the 'hits'

You can listen to "Little Latin Looby Loo" and "Mix It Up" here!

"Little Latin Looby Lou" "Mix It Up"

.....and finally the album - cunningly named "Liverpool Party" to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity of The Beatles!
The Denvers would have preferred "Teesside Booze Up" but it was not to be!

It was a thrill to spot the album for sale in a shop, to first hear it on the radio and first run across it on a juke box!

Pauline and Roy

Adrian Tilbrook

Shown on a less formal gig is the intrepid crew, now joined by Mal from Birmingham on the Vox organ!

Brian, Pauline, Roy and Adrian on a return to the UK in 1962 for a short tour of the finest Working Men's Clubs around. The group were photographed by the Billingham Express in Billingham Town Centre.

On stage in one of the north east workmen's clubs

Here Pauline, Roy and new member Mal pose for the camera at the infamous Maginot line fortifications. This picture was taken by comedian Johnny Clive who later became a famous movie actor, and was the voice of John Lennon in Yellow Submarine! (Not bad for a cockney!)

The Denvers parted ways in 1963 to follow individual pursuits (as they say!) Pauline's direction was to marry a Norton lad prior to emigrating to Canada.

Jenny, Roy and Pauline in the studio

If you would like to hear the sounds of the sixties you can buy "Liverpool Party'" on this "Rock in Beat" CD issued in 2006

The Denvers, probably from the Evening Gazette, Middlesbrough, showing Roy Smith, Pauline Riley, who used the stage name of Jackie Peters, Brian Ashcroft and Jenny Paul. Partially hidden in the background is the drummer Adrian Tilbrook.

The Denvers parted ways in 1963 to follow individual pursuits - as the saying goes - and Pauline's individual direction was her marriage to Norton lad, Peter Brown, prior to emigrating to Canada. She was also a valued member of the Johnny Taylor Five as well as The Denvers.

Thanks to Roy Smith for his contribution to this page and sharing his collection of photos, memorabilia and music

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