Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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CONWAY, Russ

(b Trevor H. Stanford, 2 Sep. '27, Bristol, England) Pop pianist. Self- taught; played in local accordian band age 10. Joined merchant navy as galley boy for two years age 15, then signalman in Royal Navy; during service lost part of a finger in a bread slicer. Re-enlisted RN (won DSM), then merchant navy again; back to civilian life as club pianist '55. became audition pianist, then accompanist with Lita Rosa, Gracie Fields, Dorothy Squires, others; also touring. Signed with EMI and had a score of hit singles incl. "Side Saddle' and "Roulette' (both no. 1 '59), six top ten albums '58-60. Remained a sell- out attraction at clubs and theatres, had own ITV series, first appearance at London Palladium '66. He slowed down because of ill health; recorded for Pye '71-2 but the pop market had changed quite a lot.