Gerry Marsden

Gerard Marsden MBE (24 September 1942 – 3 January 2021) was an English singer-songwriter, musician and television personality, best known for being leader of the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers. He was the younger brother of fellow band member Freddie Marsden.

Gerry and the Pacemakers had the distinction of being the first act to have their first three recordings go to number 1 in the UK singles chart. Although they never had a number 1 in the US, they were the second-most successful group from Liverpool, after the Beatles, to have hits on the Billboard pop charts. Their 1963 UK chart-topper "You'll Never Walk Alone" became the anthem of Liverpool F.C., Marsden's lifelong club, and in 1964 his group along with the team performed it on The Ed Sullivan Show. The group's 1965 musical film Ferry Cross the Mersey was co-written by Tony Warren.

Marsden was born at 8 Menzies Street, Toxteth, Liverpool, to Frederick Marsden and Mary McAlindin. His interest in music began at an early age. He remembered standing on top of an air-raid shelter singing "Ragtime Cowboy Joe", and getting a great reception from onlookers.

Gerry and the Pacemakers formed in 1959. They were the second group signed by Brian Epstein, the first being the Beatles, and remained among his favourite artists. Their first single was 1963's "How Do You Do It?", recommended by George Martin after it was initially given to the Beatles. This was the first number one hit for the Pacemakers. It was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and was released on EMI's Columbia label.

The group's second number one was "I Like It", followed by "You'll Never Walk Alone", both released later in 1963. The group's other singles included "It's Gonna Be Alright", "I'm the One", "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying", and "Ferry Cross the Mersey", all released in 1964. A musical film Ferry Cross the Mersey, considered to be their version of the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night, was co-written by Coronation Street creator and writer Tony Warren, and was released in 1965.

Biography summary from English Wikipedia, photograph via Wikimedia Commons.