MARTY WILDE: The Rock N Roll Journey of a British Pop Star

Marty Wilde (born Reginald Leonard Smith) is an English singer and songwriter who was among the first generation of British pop stars to imitate American rock'n'roll.

He began performing under the name Reg Patterson until he was spotted by impresario Larry Parnes who subsequently changed his name to Wilde.

From mid 1958 to the end of 1959, Marty was one of the leading British rock singers, along with Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard. His backing group, the Wildcats featured Big Jim Sullivan on lead guitar, and Brian Locking and Brian Bennett (drums) who later joined The Shadows.

Marty appeared regularly on TV and his fan base grew exponentially. He met and married Joyce who was one of The Vernons Girls who also appeared as TV show regulars. The courtship was highly public but, after the marriage, Wilde's popularity as a teen idol declined.

Marty moved partly into all-round entertainment, appearing in musicals such as the West End production of Bye Bye Birdie and films.

He enjoyed success as a songwriter in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He has written countless songs for other recording artists including Tom Jones, Status Quo, Lulu, Adam Faith, Joe Brown, The Casuals, Mac & Katie Kissoon, Kim Wilde, Roxanne Wilde, Peter Shelley, Hot Chocolate and Capricorn

In the early 1970s, Marty reinvented himself, changing his music style to Glam Rock and became known as 'Zappo'. The singles he released under this name never charted and he reverted back to Marty Wilde shortly after.

Later on, as songwriter and/or record producer, he masterminded a string of 1980s hits for his daughter Kim Wilde. His son, Ricki Wilde also gained some notice in the music industry, working mainly in promotion and A&R.

Today Marty Wilde is 84 years old. Like many of his contemporaries, he continues to perform with nostalgia tours in the UK and beyond and is just as passionate about making music as he ever was.

He was appointed MBE for Services to Popular Music in the UK 2017 New Year’s Honours List and celebrates a rare feat – securing eight consecutive decades of British singer/songwriter success on the Official Singles and Albums Charts

Marty joins us this week to look back over his career and regales us with many 'behind the scenes' stories.

If you'd like to learn more about Marty Wilde and songs like "Endless Sleep" "Donna" and "A Teenager in Love" head for his website here

I hope you enjoy Marty Wilde's lifestory.