A talented singer songwriter based in London, known for collaborations with iconic artists such as Dusty Springfield and the James Last Orchestra, has made a significant impact on the music scene, reminiscent of the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye.
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SIMON BELL was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he began his journey as a singer songwriter, performing with local Soul bands in the mid sixties. To advance his career, he moved to London in the early seventies. In London, he signed as a writer with Sparta Florida Music under the legendary Hal Shaper, and later with Screen Gems-Columbia and Roger Cook's Gas Songs. His development as a London musician was guided by Ray Williams, known for pairing Elton John with Bernie Taupin. During his tenure at Screen Gems, Simon famously turned down Ken Gold & Mickey Denne's "You To Me Are Everything" and "Can't Get By Without You," both of which became No.1 hits for The Real Thing!
While contracted to Gas Songs, Simon released his one and only single - "Givin' It Plenty" (1978), which gained recognition by being featured in the soundtracks of two films - "No.1 Of The Secret Service" and "Tintorera." During this period, he was mentored by U.S. Soul legend DORIS TROY, who introduced him to the vibrant London session scene. In a special tribute during her West End run in the musical based on her life, "Mama I Want To Sing," Doris invited Simon to perform alongside her again.
Throughout his career, Simon has collaborated with numerous artists, including MARVIN GAYE, the JAMES LAST ORCHESTRA, HOT CHOCOLATE, LULU, ELKIE BROOKS, JULIO IGLESIAS, JAMES LAST, MADELINE BELL, DEMIS ROUSSOS, CILLA BLACK, ADAM & THE ANTS, LEO SAYER, MIGUEL BOSE, JOHNNY LOGAN, JOHNNY HALLYDAY, TWISTED SISTER, and his inspiration, the late, great DUSTY SPRINGFIELD, who requested that Simon sing "The Wind Beneath My Wings" at her funeral.
In recent years, Simon has been featured in numerous TV documentaries and books about Dusty Springfield, establishing himself as a leading authority on both her music and her life. Simon appears with Dusty in the live concert recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in 1979, now available on DVD. He is also the subject of a collection of poems by Jeanette Lynes titled "It's Hard Being Queen - The Dusty Springfield Poems," available from Freehand Books.
Simon has released six EPs on all digital platforms: ABOUT TIME, A BETTER DAY, WINTER TALES, SHOULD I MOVE ON?, FIND YOURSELF SOON, and NOBODY TOLD THE WORLD.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Performing at Buckingham Palace during the wedding of Diana, Princess of Wales & Prince Charles (with Hot Chocolate).
- Singing in "the cage" on Tiswas for Elaine Paige.
- Singing at Dusty Springfield’s funeral at her request.
- Collaborating with Doris Troy & Chaka Khan in the finale of Mamma I Want To Sing.
Any enquiries about the music of Dusty Springfield, the James Last Orchestra, or the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye will be answered by our knowledgeable team, including insights on various London musicians and singer songwriters.
