CRISPIAN ST. PETERS (Robin Peter Smith) RIP

5^th April 1939 to  8^th June 2010

Crispian St. Peters the 60’s Pop Star passed away today 8^th June 2010 aged 71 after a series of illnesses that kept him chair bound and unable to continue the music career he so loved for over 50 years.  

Crispian St.Peters a lifelong resident of Swanley in Kent began his career in 1956 with local Kent bands 'The Hard Travellers”, “The Two Tones”, 'The Country Gentlemen”, “Beat Formula Three” and “Peter & The Wolves”.

He was signed by Decca in 1965 who released his single 'At This Moment' bringing TV appearances that eventually and inevitably lead to fame with Top Ten hits records 'You Were On My Mind' in 1965 and 'Pied Piper' which made No.1 in Canada in 1966, and many other recordings which are still intensely played worldwide.

Crispian’s astounding fame and unbelievable talent spread around the world, where he was met by screaming fans in every country he visited. His self penned songs were written with true emotion and when performing he sang with such feeling and a natural professionalism that left his audiences wanting more, unable to believe the overwhelming talent and charisma that oozed from this remarkable man with the wonderful voice.

Crispian was loved, cherished and admired by anyone and everyone fortunate enough to meet him. To know him a pleasure, to hear him sing an experience of a lifetime. He spent his whole life dedicated to his love of music. He travelled the world performing and entertaining on many radio and television shows, continually writing new songs, many still not heard by the public.

In 2001 Due to worsening health problems Crispian officially retired, his last major public performance was in 1999 with the Fortunes at Dartford

Over the years Crispian suffered 3 nervous breakdowns, a divorce, a major stroke, Pneumonia and then Emphysema. In a conversation with his record company in 2010 as chirpy as usual he said “ I have just come out of hospital again, I am on permanent oxygen and can’t walk. The good news is though, I have given up smoking those big cigars”.

.

The Pied Piper was originally written by Steve Dubof and Artie Kornfeld who is also known as the music promoter and Father of the Woodstock Festival. Artie says “I co-wrote this song. Our version cracked the Top 100 on Billboard and Cash Box, but Crispian St. Peters had a number 4 smash with our song in 1966”.  John Lennon told him “Pied Piper, that’s one of my favourite songs”

Old Crow – Crispian’s Band

Crispian St Peters and Old Crow finished their last album in 1993. It was eventually fully released on Red Admiral Records in September 2009 – as “Night Sessions Vol.1

Sample Medley
Vocalists - Crispian St Peters - Margaret Rose - Brian Star - Gary Silver  

Crispian said recently in a conversation after a spell in hospital, “I don’t think I will be around much longer, make sure that if you write about me, don’t forget the band, they have been the best friends anyone could have ”

Old Crow, was formed over 30 years ago. The name was thought of by Crispian’s steel guitar player, the late Gordon Huntley, with the help of bass player George Plummer, Gordon was also a man of fame and talent who performed and recorded with many of the most famous American country singers, his name can be seen in the Hall of Fame at Nashville.

Old Crow worked well together as one unit under the guidance and influence of the master - Crispian St.Peters. The man they loved and admired. When Crispian was forced to retire from regular performance due to a stroke in late 1993, the band carried on as Old Crow, never allowing the audience to forget that they were Crispian’s band. Although Crispian could no longer play guitar or perform on stage he was still their leader in every way. One happy unit of friends and family of long standing, they didn’t just work together they mixed as close friends in their social lives.

Margaret Rose first met Crispian and became a close friend in 1983, when she hired him and his band for a venue that she and Brian Star were promoting. She then enjoyed trying to promote Crispian in other venues and various other ways. When Crispian found out she could also sing, after hearing some recordings, he encouraged her to sing duets with him and eventually solo, so she was now part of the band. Crispian has been her rock throughout her career and is the reason she is still singing today. She has also written and recorded a few songs that have been played on radio in USA and the Continent. Margaret Rose is now performing as the 'Silver Rose' duo, with her son-in-law, Gary Silver, but continued to work for and with Crispian in both his professional and private life.

Mike Ford joined Old Crow playing bass in 1984, but he was no stranger to Crispian St.Peters as they had been friends since school days. Mike was also with one of Crispian’s old bands called The Wheels. His knowledge and expertise of music and arranging has been welcomed in the recording studio. Although he is now retired from gigging he stayed involved. Mike played bass, keyboards and helped Crispian with arranging when in the studio. He also makes backing tracks for Silver Rose. Recently he has arranged and recorded new songs for Margaret Rose and Gary Silver that were written by Crispian St.Peters.

Peter Salisbury - the drummer joined the band in 1984. He had previously played with other well-known artists and bands. Although he has now retired he continued to be involved in the music of the other members and takes an active part in the recordings, He was always the joker of the band, with a funny story or a joke to keep everyone happy. Besides playing the drums with the band he also sang top harmomies. Peter loves to reminisce about the good old days remembering the good times they all had with Crispian.

Brian Star first met Crispian in 1983, as previously mentioned. He would help Margaret and Crispian with any promotional work, travelling arrangements and any kind of behind the scene necessities. He enjoyed supporting the band and with a little encouragement would get up on stage and give a couple of songs. As the years went on his appearances on stage became more regular and he became another member of the band. He performs, as the duo Pop'N'Stuff with is brother Richard.

Gary Silver was the last member to join the band, also the youngest. At first he would just sing a couple of songs with marvelous renditions of Elvis Presley. Crispian taught him to play the guitar and brought him into the band on rhythm guitar and additional vocals. He is now dueting with Margaret Rose as the 'Silver Rose' duo, they have been recording and compiling a CD of Crispians self penned songs.

When Crispian was indisposed after his stroke Gary was thrown in at the deep end and fronted the band with the help of Margaret and Brian.

Chris Ashman
CEO

Red Admiral Records LLP

Text Links and images at webpage http://www.redadmiralrecords.com/Crispian%20St%20Peters/