Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

The Mike Sammes Singers were a British classical music ensemble that was active from the 1950s to the 1970s. The group was founded by Mike Sammes, a talented musician and arranger who had worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby. Mike Sammes was born in Reigate, Surrey, England, in 1928. He began his musical career as a choirboy at St. Mary's Church in Reigate, where he developed a love for choral music. He later studied music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he honed his skills as a singer and arranger. In the early 1950s, Sammes began working as a session singer and arranger for various record labels. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the business, and his services were in high demand. He worked on countless recordings for artists such as Shirley Bassey, Petula Clark, and Cliff Richard. In 1957, Sammes decided to form his own vocal group, which he called the Mike Sammes Singers. The group consisted of six singers, all of whom were highly skilled musicians and arrangers in their own right. The original members of the group were Mike Sammes, Marion Ryan, Enid Hurd, Valerie Masters, Ross Gilmour, and Mel Todd. The Mike Sammes Singers quickly became one of the most sought-after vocal groups in the UK. They were known for their tight harmonies and their ability to sing in a wide range of styles, from classical to pop. They were also known for their versatility, and they were equally at home in the recording studio or on the concert stage. One of the highlights of the Mike Sammes Singers' career was their performance at the 1961 Royal Variety Performance. The group sang a medley of songs from the hit musical "Oliver!", which was a huge success both in the UK and abroad. The performance was widely praised, and it helped to cement the group's reputation as one of the best vocal ensembles in the country. The Mike Sammes Singers also had a successful recording career. They released numerous albums and singles, many of which were best-sellers. Some of their most popular recordings included "The Sound of Music", "The Wonderful World of Christmas", and "The Best of the Mike Sammes Singers". In addition to their work as a vocal group, the Mike Sammes Singers also worked as session singers and arrangers for other artists. They provided backing vocals for many of the biggest names in the music industry, including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby. They also worked on numerous film and television soundtracks, including the James Bond film "Goldfinger" and the TV series "The Avengers". Despite their success, the Mike Sammes Singers eventually disbanded in the 1970s. Mike Sammes continued to work as a session musician and arranger, and he remained active in the music industry until his death in 2001. The legacy of the Mike Sammes Singers lives on, however. Their recordings continue to be popular with fans of classical and choral music, and their influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary vocal groups. They were a talented and versatile ensemble that made a significant contribution to the world of music, and they will always be remembered as one of the great vocal groups of their time.

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