Tommy Steele: A Life in the Spotlight

In 1956, Thomas Hicks became Tommy Steele after being spotted playing rock music in a London coffee bar. He became a sensation in the UK and went on to have a successful career in radio, records, Broadway, and Hollywood. This book is the first to detail his career, authorized by Steele himself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Fonthill Media

In the summer of 1956, while on shore leave from the Merchant Navy, Thomas Hicks was spotted playing a new type of music in a coffee bar in London. Having never heard anything like this rock performed in Britain, he became an overnight sensation—never returning to his ship. He changed his name to Tommy Steele and for 65 years he has been Britain's greatest showman.

In a remarkable career spanning radio, records, Broadway, and Hollywood, Tommy Steele started the rock revolution in the UK before moving to lighter, family entertainment and becoming a well-loved household name. He received an OBE for Services to Entertainment in 1979 and a knighthood for Services to Entertainment and Charity in 2020. He has conquered the West End, Hollywood, and Broadway; holds records for the longest-running one-man-show in the London's West End and also the record for most appearances at the hallowed London Palladium.

However, his remarkable career has never been detailed accurately and comprehensively—until now. Authorised by Sir Tommy Steele himself, A Life in the Spotlight offers readers a detailed insight into the career of an unrivalled entertainment legend, with countless facts, stories, details, and anecdotes never before committed to print.

Thomas Hicks was born in 1930 in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up in a working-class family. He was always interested in music and started playing the guitar at a young age. After completing his naval training, he joined the Merchant Navy and served for several years.

While on shore leave in London in 1956, Hicks was spotted playing a new type of music in a coffee bar. It was rock and roll, and he was immediately captivated by it. He had never heard anything like it before and was amazed by the energy and excitement of the music.

Hicks decided to pursue a career in music and changed his name to Tommy Steele. He started performing in clubs and bars in London and quickly gained a following. His unique style and voice made him stand out from other rock and roll performers, and he soon became an overnight sensation.

Tommy Steele's career took off rapidly, and he soon became one of the most popular performers in Britain. He released several hit records, including "Singing the Blues," "Tommy Steele," and "Little White Lies." He also appeared on television and in films, including "The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing" and "The Leather Boys."

However, Tommy Steele's success was not without its challenges. He faced criticism from some quarters for his style and image, and he was often accused of being too provocative for young audiences. Despite these challenges, Steele remained committed to his music and his fans.

Over the years, Tommy Steele's career continued to flourish. He toured the world, performed in sold-out concerts, and appeared on television and in films. He also became a respected figure in the entertainment industry, receiving an OBE for Services to Entertainment in 1979 and a knighthood for Services to Entertainment and Charity in 2020.

In conclusion, Tommy Steele's career is a remarkable testament to his talent, dedication, and resilience. He started his career playing rock and roll in a coffee bar in London and became an overnight sensation. He faced criticism and challenges throughout his career but remained committed to his music and his fans. Today, he is regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time and a true icon of British music.

Weight: 858g
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781558478