Smackee was formed in 1976 by keyboard player Barry
Walker. The name is adapted from their managers' name
Scott Mackenzie - get it ?!!
During the late 70's Smackee were already in great
demand by American acts touring in the UK, Germany,
and Italy, and became the backing band of "soul
legends" Percy Sledge, Ann Peebles, and The Marvelletes.
As
the popularity of the group increased, word of their
ability was noticed by an ever increasing number of
American artistes, which resulted in them being chosen
to back No 1 "Country Legends" Del Shannon,
Johnny Tillotson, and Bobby Vee on their European
tours, performing "hits" such as :- Runaway,
Hats off to Larry, Send me the pillow that you Dream
On, The Night has a Thousand Eyes, Rubber Ball and
many more of those "Country Classics".
It
was during this intensive period of touring that Barry
decided to include 2 female vocalists in the act,
to add both harmonies and glamour to the developing
show. After struggling to find suitable applicants,
Dawn Glenville, whom Barry was livi ng with, came up
with the perfect solution. She suggested that both
her and her sister Carol would fit the bill nicely,
although Barry at the time was not fully aware of
their respective talents! |
|
 Dawn
and Carol were part of a musical family, 7 sisters
in all, originating from Robertstown, Co Kildare in
the South of Ireland, and had been singing and dancing
from a very early age . In fact they could have been
The Corrs only better looking!!
After
the audition, which they passed without a hitch, they
both became an integral part of the group, and were
together for more than 9 years. During this time,
the group toured at least twice a year throughout
Germany and entertained in major cabaret venues in
such cities as Frankfurt, Hanover, Hamburg, Köln,
and Berlin, before the fall of the Berlin Wall!
 Dawn
Glenville and Barry Walker are the only remaining
members of this original 70's band, and remember when
flares were great the first time round and Barry had
hair! However, the current members have been together
for a considerable time, and have not only survived
the immense musical changes that have taken place
during the 80's and 90's, but are now looking forward
to expanding their repertoire, and entertaining their
vast army of fans well into the new Millennium.
We
look forward to meeting you all at one of our shows!
Kind
Regards
Barry
Walker
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