Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

FROGGATT, Raymond

(b 13 Nov. '41, Birmingham, England). British country singer- songwriter who developed his own style in mid-'70s owing little to American styles. Brought up in a single-parent household after father killed in WWII. Worked in various industrial jobs; formed band Monopoly early '60s and signed to Polydor Records. His own song 'Red Balloon' gained extensive radio plays but had poor distribution; Dave Clark Five cover took it into the top five, and it was a hit in France by Marie Laforet. Froggatt went solo, signed writer's contract and had songs covered by Cliff Richard, Shirley Bassey, etc. First album Bleach '72 on Bell failed; he joined Don Arden's Darbilt company for album Rogues And Thieves, leased to Reprise. Then he was launched on country scene with album Southern Fried Frog, recorded in Nashville with producer Larry Butler. Played the Tulsa Country Festival to some acclaim, returned to England to play Wembley Country Festival '78 for lukewarm reception. Continued to play to country audiences, supporting American acts like Hoyt Axton, Tammy Wynette and Billie Jo Spears, performing his own songs, eventually built up a following that made him the biggest British country star of late '80s, but failed to cross over. Wrote autobiography Raymond Who '92; tours smaller provincial theatres. Albums incl. Voice And Writing Of Raymond Froggatt '69 (Polydor), Conversations '79 (Jet), Here's To Everyone '93 (Red Balloon), Someday '95 (Red Balloon).