THE MOODY BLUES:
A TASTE OF SIX HISTORIC ALBUMS

The Moody Blues' music is unique in so many ways. It purveys instant communication. Lyrics cover a kaleidoscope of thoughts. Yet all the moods invoked have a personal intensity that strikes a compelling empathy with the listener. It's music that is immediately arresting because of the poetic projection of emotions common to us all. Our aspirations and sorrows are presented with earnest and impelling expression. A typical example is "SIMPLE GAME". This song won the coveted United Kingdom Ivor Novello award for 1972 - the oscar of the songwriting world.

These are composers, effusive and assertive, who dare to be free. They're not bound by convention, by any style and form used by other writers. The songs are simple but always eloquent and effusive.

It all started in 1964 in Birmingham, an industrial city, the second largest in England. Denny Laine had been playing lead guitar with the Diplomats there. He left the group on a musical disagreement. Almost immediately he joined with other local lads - drummer Graeme Edge, reedman Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder (keyboards). On May 2, 1964, at Birmingham's Carlton Ballroom, The Moody Blues was born.

Their second British Decca LP that Christmas reached number one in the charts. The following year they did their first British tour along with Chuck Berry. Later they played in France, Germany and Spain - then to America for a TV appearance on "Shindig".

December 1965 they toured with the Beatles. Then they flew to New York for "The Murray the K Show". The rest is history as the cliche goes. Concerts throughout the world invariably are sell-outs. The group has five gold records at the time of this writing.

Credit for the special sound initially created, the lyrical approach and original direction must go to Denny Laine and Mike Pinder. Denny started in showbiz as a seven-year-old kid in an amateur pantomime - the Christmas stage shows beloved of children in England. He then formed a fold singing group moving to the "skiffle" sounds that were so popular in the British Isles. He worked two months as a trainee in a record store before forming Denny Laine and the Diplomats. Denny sings and plays lead and twelve string guitars. He's also competent on piano and banjo.

Mike Pinder originally wanted to be an electrical engineer. Then, at local pubs in his home town, he became excited by the life of the local entertainers. He was hooked. He knew then where his future had to be. He's a self-taught musician with an engrossing interest in electronic keyboard instruments. He plays electric piano, organ, and that instrument of dazzling sound featured by The Moody Blues - the mellotron. Mike has been dubbed as the man with the intriguing mind - he dabbles in astrology, psychology and anthropology.

For Moody Blues buffs, you will be interested to know that the first published and recorded song written by Mike Pinder and Denny Laine was "LOSE YOUR MONEY (BUT DON'T LOSE YOUR MIND)" and I signed this song from Mike and Denny on 25th August 1964.

With the advent of "GO NOW", which was released on 13th November, 1964 and sold over two million copies, the Moody Blues had moved in a very short time into being one of the most potent and lasting groups on the popular music and international scene.

Only two days ago at the Music Publishers Association luncheon, in London, for the Presentation of the Ivor Novello Awards, I stepped up to receive the British Oscar as the publisher of "SIMPLE GAME".

That song should be given the highest award in British music as the Best Song of the Year, Musically and Lyrically, seemed a fitting tribute to Mike Pinder, but it was as much a tribute to every member of the group that makes up THE MOODY BLUES. Ever since the public beginning of the group in 1964, it has been a source of craftsmanship and sheer beauty of recorded sound that the group has achieved.

"SIMPLE GAME" has been a huge hit via The Four Tops throughout Europe and deserved Ivor Novello Award winner - The Four Tops have also recorded "SO DEEP WITHIN YOU" which will certainly give Mike Pinder another chart success as the writer. Denny Laine, presently with Paul McCartney and "Wings", will undoubtedly continue to write with the same perception and musical inventiveness that made "SAY YOU DON'T MIND" such a compelling hit for Colin Blunstone.

It is a never ending stream. Mike Pinder, Denny Laine, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Ray Thomas and Graeme Edge continue to create and add a sense of serenity and beauty to a world in urgent need of being reminded that these qualities still exist.

It has been a privilege to have been associated with them and they have added to my own good feeling for life, immeasurably.