Peter Beckett

Peter Beckett (born 10 August 1948) is an English musician and songwriter who has written songs for recording artists, his own bands, solo work, and films. He is the lead singer and guitarist for 1970s soft rock band Player, which scored a U.S. number one hit in 1977 with "Baby Come Back".

Beckett was born in the Aigburth district of Liverpool, England on 10 August 1948. He was influenced by seeing the Beatles perform at the famous Cavern Club.

At 16, he recorded his first record, "All Night Stand", with a band called the Thoughts. "All Night Stand" was written by Ray Davies from the Kinks. He then joined a band called Winston G and the Wicked, later renamed 'Whip'. After they disbanded, Beckett auditioned for Badfinger on the heels of "Come and Get It", and was on Peter Ham's and Tommy Evans' short list, but they ultimately offered the job to Joey Molland. Beckett then joined a progressive rock band called Paladin, recording two albums, Paladin and Paladin Charge!.

Beckett moved to Los Angeles, California in 1974 and performed with 'Skyband' before joining up with JC Crowley, Ronn Moss, and John Friesen in 1976 to form Player. Player enjoyed a number one hit in 1978 with "Baby Come Back" – written by Beckett and JC Crowley.

After recording four albums, Player split up and Beckett began writing songs for other recording artists such as Janet Jackson, Olivia Newton-John, The Temptations and Kenny Rogers and for films and television during the 1980s.

Biography summary from English Wikipedia.