Biography
Roy G Hemmings embodies the golden era of mid-’60s simplicity, a period when creative expression surfaced in music. He triumphs at capturing the energy and magnetism of singers back then. Artistes who were renowned for captivating audiences for the sheer love of music. They who dominated night-life establishments created for rebellion and underground entertainment. Back then, music was soul, and it fed the appetite of those who fell into its lure. Years later, and Roy’s music has not lost its potency. It still incites, excites and delights and can pull at both the feet and the heartstrings!
Roy has finessed his infusion of rhythm and blues, soul and even jazz elements to entertain a wide selection of audiences. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Roy left the island at a young age and lived in both the United States and Europe, consecutively. Ruled by his passion for music Roy went on to create his first band in the ’60s, Stax Explosion – a British Soul campaign to capitalise on the success of Rhythm and Blues that had erupted onto the European scene.
Roy was seen performing by Faye Treadwell, a formidable businesswoman, who had inherited the role of managing the iconic Drifters – a band that had a host of singers passing through its ranks. Roy was enlisted for his soulful sound and is cited as being the longest-serving former member, working alongside founder Johnny Moore for more than 12 years.
A multi-talented singer-songwriter, Roy first enjoyed success when he signed a recording deal with Magnet Records in the mid-‘70s with the J.A.L.N. Band, one of the first bands to dominate the British charts with the dance record, ‘Disco Music, I Like It’ co-produced by Pete Waterman and featured on the BBC Top of the Pops, a British music chart television programme, popular between the 60s until the mid-2000s.
After three well-received albums, Roy launched his solo career with the release of his first critically acclaimed album in 1997; ‘No Afro, No Sequins, No Flares’. He followed this in 1999 with his second solo album, ‘All Talked Out’. The release of his latest album in 2017, ‘Philly vs Motown’ includes songs from his stage show and features an ode to ‘Drifters’ classic, ‘Like Sister and Brother’.
The Dictionary of Soul ® show includes songs by Otis Redding, James Brown, The O-Jays, The Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops, Drifters and other Soul / Motown greats.
Furthermore, Roy has unparalleled stage artistry. He consistently illustrates a sophisticated timeless charm in his performances, evocative of when music held a definitive and elegant sort of poetry. It’s easy for audiences to become entranced by the magical quality of the shows he delivers.
With a career spanning four decades, Roy’s appeal has been high-profile, with appearances in several Royal Variety shows and two performances at The White House for the then president, Bill Clinton. The shows also feature the Prim-ettes, who add a stunning dimension of smooth harmonies and slick Motown dance routines, jam-packed with timeless songs performed with energy and sensitivity. Interestingly, The Supremes, Diana Ross, and Mary Wilson were the founding members of the Prim-ettes.
Roy’s global audiences are often delighted by the musical assemblage of the well-loved classics such as: Get Ready, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, Me & Mrs Jones, Under the Boardwalk, Can’t Help Myself, My Girl, Save the Last Dance for Me, and Love Train.
Amidst his list of accolades, Roy remains a very humble, down-to-earth guy who has an unquenchable passion for music. Showing no signs of stopping and still in possession of a rich voice – imbued with the warmth, intimacy and smooth approach to performing, he has succeeded with his fan-favourite classics and fresh innovations.
There is no end date to this. I love what I do, and I will continue to perform until I can do it no longer.
Roy’s classic style and performance impeccability will undeniably keep the RGH brand solidly embedded in music heritage always.
Latest Video
Upcoming Shows
May
7:30 PM
May
12:00 AM
Latest Albums
