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Christopher Neil
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Key Information
Christopher Neil (born 1948) is a British record producer, songwriter, singer, and actor.
Neil has produced records for A-ha, Amazulu, Bonnie Tyler, Celine Dion, Cher, Dollar, Edyta Górniak, Gerry Rafferty, Jennifer Rush, José Carreras, Leo Sayer, Marillion, Mike and the Mechanics, Morten Harket, Paul Carrack, Paul Young, Rod Stewart, Shakin' Stevens, Sheena Easton, the Moody Blues, Ian Thomas, Wax and Toyah Willcox.
In 1973, Neil's song "Help It Along" finished third in the BBC's annual A Song for Europe contest, performed by Cliff Richard. The track was a hit single later in the year for Cliff and the title of his 1974 live album.
Neil started in the mid-sixties as a singer with Manchester group the Chuckles. In 1972 he released a solo album Where I Belong on RAK Records.[1]
Neil worked as an actor during the 1970s, playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Ginger in Leaping Ginger at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, before working full-time as a record producer. In 1976, he performed the role of the Eva Peron Fund Manager on the original studio album of the musical Evita. His song "And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)" was given to the character Che in subsequent stage productions.
Neil's film roles included The Sex Thief (1973), Eskimo Nell (1975), and Three for All (1975), and in 1976 he starred in the British TV series Rock Follies. In 1977 and 1978 he starred in two of the three 'Adventures of...' British sex comedy films: Adventures of a Private Eye and the final film in the trilogy, Adventures of a Plumber's Mate. In addition to taking the lead role, he wrote and sang the theme songs to the two films. From 1976, Neil was the host of the BBC children's programme You and Me.[2]
Discography
[edit]| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Where I Belong |
Hit singles as producer
[edit]Christopher Neil has produced many songs that reached the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart or the US Billboard Hot 100:
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Christopher Neil – Where I Belong (LP, Album) at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "Search Results - BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 21 December 2016.
- ^ a b c "The Official Charts Company – Paul Nicholas". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "Allmusic ((( Paul Nicholas > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "The Official Charts Company – Marshall Hain – Dancin' In The City". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "Allmusic ((( Marshall-Hain > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ a b "The Official Charts Company – Dollar". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ a b c "The Official Charts Company – Sheena Easton". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ a b c "Allmusic ((( Sheena Easton > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "The Official Charts Company – Dennis Waterman – I Could Be So Good For You". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "WAVELENGTH | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
- ^ "Wavelength - Hurry Home". Discogs.
- ^ a b "The Official Charts Company – Shakin' Stevens". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "Allmusic ((( Shakin' Stevens > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "The Official Charts Company – Shaky And Bonnie – A Rockin' Good Way". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ a b c "The Official Charts Company – Mike and the Mechanics". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ a b c "Allmusic ((( Mike + the Mechanics > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "The Official Charts Company – Amazulu – Too Good To Be Forgotten". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "The Official Charts Company – Celine Dion – Think Twice". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ "Allmusic ((( Celine Dion > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Retrieved 12 May 2010.
External links
[edit]- Christopher Neil discography at Discogs
- Christopher Neil at IMDb
Christopher Neil
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and Irish roots
Christopher Neil was born in 1948 in Dublin, Ireland.[2] His family originated from Athy in County Kildare, maintaining deep roots in that region of Ireland.[3] Neil's time in Ireland was brief; his family relocated to Manchester, England, shortly after his birth.[2] This early emigration underscores his Irish heritage as a foundational element of his identity.Relocation to the UK and formative years
Christopher Neil was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1948, but his family relocated to Manchester, United Kingdom, shortly thereafter.[2] Growing up in Manchester during the post-war era, he was immersed in a dynamic urban environment that fostered his early interest in the performing arts and music, amid the city's evolving cultural landscape.[11] Neil attended Holy Name school in Manchester through his teenage years, leaving education at around age 17 to explore creative pursuits.[11] His exposure to British pop culture, particularly the rising tide of rock and roll and beat music in the early 1960s, profoundly shaped his formative influences. As a teenager, he discovered the thrill of live performance and songwriting, drawn to the energy of contemporary artists and the local music scene.[3] In the mid-1960s, Neil joined The Chuckles, a Manchester-based group, where he served as lead vocalist alongside members including John Featherstone on guitar, Barrie Spence on bass, Eddie Warwick on rhythm guitar, and Peter Hughes on drums.[11] This early band experience, performing in local venues, marked his initial foray into the entertainment world and ignited a lifelong passion for music without yet venturing into professional recording. His Irish heritage, though brief in duration, provided a foundational sense of identity that complemented his British upbringing.[2]Acting career
Stage roles in the 1970s
Christopher Neil transitioned from amateur singing and early stage appearances to professional theater acting in the early 1970s, marking his entry into London's vibrant musical scene. His professional breakthrough came in 1970 when he joined the cast of the rock musical Hair at the Shaftesbury Theatre, where he performed for two years as part of the ensemble, honing his vocal and stage presence amid the show's countercultural energy.[4][12] Neil's most prominent stage role in the decade was as Jesus in the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palace Theatre, beginning around 1972 and continuing through at least 1975. He took on the lead amid a rotating cast that included actors like Richard Barnes and Steve Alder, delivering the demanding rock-opera vocals in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's controversial retelling of the Passion. The production, which opened in 1972, enjoyed critical acclaim for its innovative score and staging, running for over 3,300 performances and establishing Neil's reputation for emotive singing and charismatic performance that would later influence his music production techniques.[12][13][14] In 1976, Neil contributed to the original studio cast recording of Evita, voicing the Eva Perón Fund Manager in a role that showcased his versatility in musical theater contexts, though it preceded the show's stage premiere. In 1977, he appeared as Ginger in the musical Leaping Ginger at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, a lively adaptation that highlighted his comedic timing and singing abilities in a regional production.[3][1][15] These 1970s stage experiences, particularly the vocal demands of lead roles in major musicals, built Neil's expertise in interpreting complex scores, skills that transitioned seamlessly into his subsequent career as a record producer.[3][1]Film, television, and hosting work
Neil's screen career began with a supporting role in the 1973 British comedy film The Sex Thief, directed by Godfrey Grayson, where he appeared alongside actors such as Ray Brooks and Sue Longhurst.[16] In 1976, he took on hosting duties for the BBC children's educational program You and Me, a series aimed at preschoolers that ran from 1974 to 1992, introducing segments with puppets and interactive elements to engage young audiences.[17][18] Other notable credits from the decade included supporting roles in films such as Eskimo Nell (1975), a sex comedy directed by Martin Campbell, and Three for All (1975), where he contributed to ensemble casts in lighthearted British productions. He also appeared in lead roles in Adventures of a Private Eye (1977) and Adventures of a Plumber's Mate (1978), both directed by Stanley A. Long, and starred in the television series Rock Follies (1976), a musical drama that aired on ITV.[19] These on-screen and presenting roles helped establish Neil's public profile among British audiences, particularly families, paving the way for his later ventures.[20] Building briefly on his stage background, this work marked his entry into more accessible media formats.[1]Music career
Beginnings as singer and songwriter
Christopher Neil began his music career in the mid-1960s as the lead singer of The Chuckles, a Manchester-based harmony group that performed locally and released material during the era.[11] After The Chuckles disbanded, Neil formed his own rock group and toured extensively across Britain and continental Europe in the late 1960s, honing his skills as a performer.[4] Neil's initial foray into recording as a solo artist came with the single "The Race," released on May 1, 1970, which marked his transition from group work to individual endeavors but garnered limited commercial attention.[21] Building on this, he issued his debut solo album, Where I Belong, in 1972 on RAK Records, a collection of original folk-rock and pop songs that showcased his songwriting and vocal style.[22] The album featured the following tracks:- "Hymn (Inspired by Adrian Mitchell's 'Miserable Sinners')"
- "I'm Over You"
- "Grey Day"
- "Bishop of My Soul"
- "Song for Myself"
- "If I Was Close to You"
- "People Are"
- "Where I Belong"
Rise as record producer
Neil's transition to record production began in the late 1970s, leveraging his background as a singer and songwriter to shift focus from performing to studio work. His earliest notable credit came in 1977 with the production of Paul Nicholas's single "Heaven on the 7th Floor," which peaked at number 40 on the UK Singles Chart.[25] This project, recorded amid his ongoing acting and music pursuits, signaled the start of his behind-the-scenes role in the industry.[26] By 1978–1980, Neil had fully pivoted to production, collaborating on key releases that built his profile in the pop and rock scenes. He produced Marshall Hain's "Dancing in the City," a number three UK hit that showcased his knack for crafting catchy, upbeat tracks. Further early assignments included work with Dollar on their 1979 single "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," which reached number eight in the UK, solidifying his transition during this period. These efforts were often carried out at renowned facilities like Air Studios in London, with later connections to its Montserrat outpost facilitating high-profile recordings in a tropical setting.[9] Over the course of the 1980s, Neil established a formidable reputation, producing more than a dozen UK Top 10 hits across pop and rock genres, including successes with Sheena Easton and Shakin' Stevens.[3] His business acumen shone through in securing production deals with major labels such as RCA and Warner Bros., enabling international projects like those with European acts including the Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha.[2] This global reach, combined with his emphasis on polished, radio-friendly sounds, positioned him as a sought-after producer in the decade's vibrant music landscape.[12]Production highlights
Key collaborations with artists
Christopher Neil's production work with a-ha marked a significant partnership in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where he handled vocal production and contributed to several tracks on their 1990 album East of the Sun, West of the Moon, including "Crying in the Rain" and "Shapes That Go Together." His involvement emphasized layered vocal arrangements to enhance the band's signature synth-pop sound, drawing on his expertise in crafting dynamic, emotive performances that complemented Morten Harket's tenor range. Neil's role in fine-tuning harmonies during sessions at Sarm West Studios in London helped refine the Norwegian trio's transition toward more mature, Beatles-influenced material.[27] Neil's collaboration with Celine Dion began with her English-language debut Unison (1990), where he produced key tracks such as "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" and "(If There Was) Any Other Way," focusing on lush vocal stacks and orchestral builds to showcase Dion's powerhouse delivery. Working alongside David Foster at studios in Canada and the UK, Neil applied meticulous editing techniques to demos, ensuring ballads retained emotional intensity while incorporating subtle R&B influences for broader appeal. This partnership extended to early career guidance, with Neil praising Dion's raw talent during recording sessions that blended live instrumentation with emerging digital sequencing for a polished yet organic feel.[28][29] In the mid-1990s, Neil teamed up with Bonnie Tyler for her album Free Spirit (1995), producing tracks like "What You Got" and "Time Mends a Broken Heart," where he emphasized Tyler's raspy timbre through innovative vocal layering and rhythmic grooves. Sessions at Olympic Studios highlighted Neil's hands-on approach, including real-time arrangement tweaks to balance rock energy with pop accessibility, resulting in a cohesive sound that revived Tyler's chart presence. Similarly, his work with Rod Stewart on Human (2001) involved vocal production on songs like "I Can't Deny It," utilizing Montserrat's Air Studios for atmospheric recordings that captured Stewart's gravelly style amid string sections and live horns.[30] Neil's collaborations extended to a diverse array of artists, including Dollar on their 1980s hits where he shaped their bubblegum pop with tight vocal harmonies; Amazulu's reggae-infused tracks on Amazulu (1986), incorporating live dub effects; Jennifer Rush's power ballad "The Power of Love" (1984), with its sweeping arrangements; Gerry Rafferty's North and South of the River (1988), blending folk-rock with polished production; Edyta Górniak's Eurovision entry and duets; and José Carreras on operatic pop crossovers. A standout example of his songwriting and production synergy is co-writing "All I Need Is a Miracle" for Mike + The Mechanics' self-titled debut (1985), where Neil's narrative-driven structure and vocal coaching transformed a demo into a pop staple, using Fairlight sampling for rhythmic drive while prioritizing authentic band interplay. Throughout these projects, Neil's techniques—such as demo condensation and live horn integrations—stemmed from his 1980s rise, prioritizing song structure as a "one-act play" to maximize emotional impact.[2][31][32]Major hit singles produced
One of Christopher Neil's standout productions was Sheena Easton's "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" in 1980, which peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[33] Neil's approach crafted a quintessential 1980s pop sound, employing a chugging rhythm section to mimic a train's motion, honking saxophone riffs for energy, and harmonious backing vocals that amplified Easton's clear delivery, making it a durable radio staple.[34] This track exemplified his knack for blending accessibility with polished arrangements, contributing to its two-week reign atop the US charts. Another pinnacle was his work on Mike + The Mechanics' "The Living Years" in 1988, reaching number 2 in the UK and number 1 in the US.[35] Neil co-produced the emotional ballad, focusing on a gradual build from intimate piano and Paul Young's heartfelt vocals to a swelling gospel-inspired choir in the chorus, which underscored themes of regret and reconciliation without overwhelming the subtlety of the lyrics.[36] This restrained yet powerful style helped the single resonate globally, topping charts in Australia and Canada as well.[37] Neil's portfolio includes other notable UK Top 10 singles, such as Dollar's "Love's Gotta Hold on Me" (1979, UK #4) and "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" (1979, UK #9), where he infused disco-pop elements with tight harmonies and upbeat tempos to capture the era's dancefloor vibe.[38][39] For Amazulu, his production of "Too Good to Be Forgotten" (1986, UK #5) blended ska rhythms with pop hooks, featuring lively brass and group vocals that propelled the all-female band's crossover appeal. He also helmed a-ha's "Shapes That Go Together" (1990, UK #23), applying synth-driven layers to enhance the Norwegian trio's melodic style, though these achieved more modest chart success compared to his earlier smashes. Overall, Neil's productions yielded over a dozen UK Top 10 hits across the 1970s and 1980s, with several crossing over to US success, highlighting his versatility in pop, rock, and ballad formats.Discography
Solo releases
Christopher Neil's solo recording career was brief and primarily confined to the early 1970s, with a handful of singles and one album that achieved modest commercial success without charting significantly in major markets.[2] His output as a performer reflected a shift toward production work by the mid-1970s, though he made occasional guest vocal appearances later in the decade. Neil's earliest solo single was "Sharkey," released in May 1970 on Chapter One Records (CH 121), backed with "The Race." Produced by Jack Baverstock, it showcased his pop sensibilities but did not enter the UK charts. Following this, he issued "Happy Head" in 1970 on Polydor Records (2058 073), a folk-pop track that similarly received limited airplay and sales.[40] In 1972, Neil signed with RAK Records and released two singles tied to his debut album: "If I Was Close to You" / "Grey Day" (RAK 128) and "Here We Go" / "Pennine Child" (RAK 138). These tracks highlighted his songwriting and vocal style, blending introspective lyrics with orchestral arrangements, but they failed to achieve commercial breakthrough.[41] Album tracks like "Camelot Lost" and "Lots of Fun" were occasionally promoted as potential follow-ups in regional markets, though no dedicated singles were widely issued at the time.[42] His sole album, Where I Belong, was released in 1972 on RAK Records (SRKA 6753) and featured production by Neil alongside Mickie Most. The LP, recorded at RAK Studios in London, included a mix of original compositions and covers, emphasizing themes of personal reflection and social commentary. It peaked outside the UK Top 50, selling modestly and earning positive but niche critical notice for its polished sound.[22] The full tracklist is as follows:| Side | Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 1 | Hymn (Inspired By Adrian Mitchell's "Miserable Sinners") | 6:00 |
| A2 | 2 | I'm Over You | 2:58 |
| A3 | 3 | Grey Day | 2:57 |
| A4 | 4 | Bishop Of My Soul | 2:59 |
| A5 | 5 | Song For Myself | 4:23 |
| A6 | 6 | People Are | 2:36 |
| B1 | 7 | W.I. Song | 3:13 |
| B2 | 8 | Back At The Flat | 3:19 |
| B3 | 9 | Pennine Child | 3:15 |
| B4 | 10 | Lots Of Fun | 2:54 |
| B5 | 11 | Camelot Lost | 3:50 |
