I’m researching the career of musician Cherry Wainer and the 1950s-1960s music scene.
In the summer of 1956, Cherry shared bills with Morecambe and Wise, who became legends of British television.
For most of 1957 Cherry featured on the cabaret circuit alongside regular fifteen minute slots on television, playing her organ. After a short stay in South Africa, she returned to Britain on 15 November 1957. However, she did not return alone. Drummer Don Storer accompanied her on the voyage and soon they were featuring in shows as a couple. They were also associated with the prestigious Grade agency. All aspects of Cherry’s life were on the up
An interesting item from The Stage, December 1957 on the “psychological effects of rock numbers”. The Stage also noted that 1957 had been the year of “more nudes, skiffle groups, and crying crooners”. The writer hoped for a “return to variety in 1958”.
May 1958 and the first mention of Cherry Wainer in association with Lord Rockingham’s XI. Cherry was “twelfth woman” at this time, but she would soon join the team.
Cherry featured in a milestone of popular music – the television debut of Oh Boy! on 13 September 1958. What’s more, the media used Cherry’s image to promote the show.
Released on the 30 October 1958, and featuring Cherry Wainer as a member of Lord Rockingham’s XI (pictured), Hoots Mon became a number one hit and, many years later, introduced me to popular music.
As a member of Lord Rockingham’s XI, Cherry Wainer topped the chart in late October 1958. Here’s the chart from earlier that month. As you can see, it featured some classics, some records worth checking out, and others best forgotten.
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