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Jimmy Winston
Jimmy Winston
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Key Information

James Edward Winston Langwith (20 April 1945 – 26 September 2020), known professionally as Jimmy Winston, was an English musician and actor. He was the original keyboard player with the rock band Small Faces.

Winston's acting credits include the stage musical Hair (1968) and the Doctor Who serial Day of the Daleks (1972).

Small Faces

[edit]

In early 1965, Winston, along with his acquaintance Steve Marriott, formed Small Faces with Ronnie Lane and Kenney Jones. While originally a guitarist, his role was soon shifted to become a keyboardist.[1] Winston was fundamental in the band's emergence, as his parents owned the Ruskin Arms pub located in Manor Park, a place where the group would rehearse and occasionally perform.[2] After a performance at the Cavern Club on Leicester Square, an assistant of manager Don Arden stepped up to the band and managed to secure them a contract with Decca Records.[1] The band released their debut single "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" later that year, peaking at number 14.[3] The success of this single would be followed by "I've Got Mine", which despite good reviews failed to chart. The group including Winston performed the song in Dateline Diamonds (1965).[4] Shortly after this release, Winston left the group, and was promptly replaced by Ian McLagan.

A factor that has been rumoured about his termination is that during an episode of Thank Your Lucky Stars, Winston snubbed Marriott.[5] There has been controversy whether Winston left the group himself or was fired. Lane stated in an interview that he was fired:

Our original organist, Jimmy Winston, wasn't working out. He couldn't play – I mean, none of us could play, but we was keen. Jimmy Winston couldn't play, and on top of it he had an ego as if he could play the piano, so he had to go! We chucked him out of the Small Faces. Very exciting times, the Sixties, there'll never be another time like it, I'm sure.

— Ronnie Lane, Small Faces Talk to You: The story of the Small Faces in their own words

However, Kenney Jones later said: "He [Winston] got above his station and tried to compete with Steve Marriott."[6]

Music post-Small Faces

[edit]

Soon after being kicked out of Small Faces, Winston led his own group called Jimmy Winston and His Reflections. The group was short-lived. He would later be a member of another short-lived group called Winston's Fumbs in 1967.

Acting

[edit]

Winston was also an actor. His debut film role was as a member of Small Faces in the film Dateline Diamonds (1965), although his first role as an actor was in an episode of the 1969 series Doctor in the House, portraying "Hairy". He appeared in the Doctor Who serial Day of the Daleks (1972), starring Jon Pertwee as the Doctor, and his film and television credits would continue until the early 1980s.

Winston's last appearance on television was when he appeared on the show BBC2 Playhouse in 1983. Winston's next credit would not be for another 26 years, when he was interviewed for the Small Faces documentary Small Faces: All or Nothing 1965–1968 in 2009.

Death

[edit]

Winston died on 26 September 2020, aged 75, after suffering from mesothelioma.[7]

Discography

[edit]

Solo

[edit]

"Sun in the Morning" / "Just Wanna Smile" (1976)

(While he is credited as the sole keyboardist on their first two singles, Winston is also credited on some tracks on four further albums released by the band)

with Jimmy Winston and His Reflections

[edit]

"Sorry She's Mine" / "It's Not What You Do (But the Way That You Do It)" (1966)

with Winston's Fumbs

[edit]

"Real Crazy Apartment" / "Snow White" (1967)

Filmography

[edit]
Title Year Role Director Notes
Dateline Diamonds 1966 Himself Jeremy Summers as a member of Small Faces
Doctor in the House 1969 Hairy David Askey Episode: The Students Are Revolting!
Never a Cross Word Hippie Episode: Sir or Madam
No Blade of Grass 1970 1st Hun. Cornel Wilde
UFO Rating Ken Turner Episode: Destruction
The Ballad of Tam Lin Second Coven Roddy McDowall
Day of the Daleks 1972 Shura Paul Bernard Episodes 1, 2 & 4.
Justice 1973 Cyril Butler James Ormerod Episode: Covenant for Quiet Enjoyment
The Sweeney 1978 Sid (uncredited) Episode: Hearts and Mind
BBC2 Playhouse 1983 Flash Man Jim O'Brien Episode: Jake's End
Small Faces: All or Nothing 1965–1968 2009 Himself David Peck as a member of Small Faces, and also interviews

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jimmy Winston (20 April 1945 – 26 September 2020) was an English musician and actor best known as an original member and keyboardist of the mod rock band . Born James Edward Winston Langwith in Stratford, , Winston grew up in a family that ran the Ruskin Arms pub in , a venue that later became a key rehearsal spot for the . He joined the band in 1965 shortly after its formation, contributing organ and occasional guitar to their early sound, and appeared on their debut singles "" (which reached No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart) and "I've Got Mine." Winston left the group later that year amid internal tensions, including disputes over his brother Derek's 10% earnings share as the band's driver and personality clashes with frontman ; he was replaced by . Following his departure from , Winston pursued a solo career and formed bands such as Jimmy Winston & His Reflections and Winston's Fumbs, releasing the mod-influenced single "Real Crazy Apartment" in 1967, which has since become a among collectors. He also transitioned into acting, training at and taking roles including an extra in films, General Grant in the London production of the musical , Shura in the 1972 serial "Day of the Daleks," and the 1st Hun in the 1970 post-apocalyptic film No Blade of Grass. In later years, Winston established a sound equipment business and maintained a low profile, though he occasionally reflected on his time with in interviews. He was married with two children at the time of his death from cancer in .

Early life

Birth and family background

James Edward Winston Langwith, known professionally as Jimmy Winston, was born on 20 April 1945 at the Pigeons Hotel in Stratford, (then part of ), . His father, Bill Langwith, served as the landlord of the Pigeons Hotel, providing the family with a stable but modest livelihood in the post-World War II era. When Winston was 11 years old, the family relocated to the Ruskin Arms pub in Manor Park, , where his parents took over its management. Winston grew up in a working-class household alongside two older brothers, Frank and ; later supported the early by driving their van. This East London upbringing occurred amid the economic recovery and social rebuilding following the war, in a community shaped by traditional entertainment venues like music halls and the gradual rise of youth-oriented rock 'n' roll culture in the 1950s.

Early interests and influences

Born in Stratford, , in 1945, Jimmy Winston grew up immersed in the vibrant music scene of the East End, where and emerging rock 'n' roll were gaining popularity among working-class youth. His family's management of the Pigeons Hotel in Stratford, followed by a move to the Ruskin Arms pub in around 1956, placed him at the heart of local musical gatherings, including amateur performances that echoed the influences of American imports like . This environment fostered his early passion for music, as the Ruskin Arms became a hub for young musicians experimenting with guitars, organs, and vocal harmonies in informal settings. Winston's educational experiences reflected his dual interests in performance arts. He attended local schools in Stratford before the family relocation, though specific institutions are not documented. More notably, as a teenager, he enrolled in a theatre workshop drama school, completing a three-year program by 1965, which honed his skills in and . This training aligned with his initial aspirations to pursue , leading to early uncredited extra roles in films and participation in school-related dramatic activities that built his stage presence. Before adopting his professional , Winston performed under the alias James Moody in local East End gigs, contributing to amateur bands and compere roles at venues like the Ruskin Arms. He sang and played with a three-piece resident band during musical evenings at the pub, self-taught on guitar and organ without formal instrumental lessons, which shaped his versatile but unpolished style. These pre-fame activities, often part-time alongside any youthful employment, immersed him in the mod subculture's energy, emphasizing sharp dress and energetic performances influenced by the boom. Winston's musical tastes were deeply rooted in , , and artists who dominated the and early 1960s airwaves. Key influences included , whose piano-driven soul ignited his keyboard interest; and other rock 'n' roll pioneers for their raw energy; and figures like , , , Jimmy Smith, , , and , which informed his appreciation for emotive vocals and improvisational flair. These inspirations, absorbed through radio and local record collections, guided his shift toward mod aesthetics and helped cultivate the keyboard focus that defined his later contributions.

Musical career

With Small Faces

Jimmy Winston served as the original keyboardist for from their formation in 1965 until his departure in late 1965. His primary credited releases with the band were the debut singles on . The group's first single, "" / "What's a Matter Baby," released in August 1965, featured Winston on keyboards and backing vocals, reaching number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. The follow-up single, "I've Got Mine" / "It's Too Late," issued in November 1965, also credited Winston on organ, guitar, and backing vocals but failed to chart. Although no full-length album was released during Winston's active tenure, he contributed to several tracks on the band's self-titled debut album, , issued by Decca in May 1966. Winston is credited with organ, guitar, and backing vocals on "Come On Children," "It's Too Late," "What'Cha Gonna Do About It," "Don't Stop What You Are Doing," "E Too D," "I've Got Mine," and "What's a Matter Baby"; he also provided lead vocals on an alternate mono version of "Don't Stop What You Are Doing." Early live recordings featuring Winston appeared on the 1999 compilation The BBC Sessions, which includes performances from the band's August 23, 1965, appearance on BBC Radio's Saturday Club. He played keyboards on "Whatcha Gonna Do About It," "Jump Back" (where he sang lead), and "Baby Don't You Do It," marking the only officially released BBC material from his time with the group. Later reissues and compilations have preserved Winston's contributions, often highlighting his role in the band's formative mod sound. Notable examples include The Decca Anthology 1965-1967 (2001), which features the early singles and select album tracks with his keyboard work, and Master Series (1986), crediting him on period recordings like the debut singles. Deluxe editions of Small Faces, such as the 2012 remastered version, explicitly list his instrumentation across multiple bonus tracks and originals.

Post-Small Faces bands

After departing from in late 1965, Jimmy Winston formed his own group, Jimmy Winston and His Reflections, drawing on his experience as a to lead the band on guitar and vocals while incorporating keyboard elements reminiscent of his prior role. The lineup featured Tony Kaye on keyboards, who would later join Yes, alongside bass and drums support that contributed to a mod-infused sound blending R&B covers with emerging psychedelic influences. In June 1966, the group released their sole single, a cover of "Sorry She's Mine" backed with "It's Not What You Do (But the Way That You Do It)," produced by at for ; the track showcased Winston's raw vocal delivery and the band's energetic style but achieved limited commercial traction. The band performed regularly in London's vibrant club circuit during the swinging London era, including shows at venues like the Tiles on and the Jazz Cellar Club in , where they shared bills with other mod and R&B acts, helping to sustain Winston's presence in the underground scene. By 1967, the group rebranded as Winston's Fumbs, retaining core members including Kaye on , Alex Paris on bass, and Ray Stock on drums, and shifted toward a more overtly psychedelic mod rock aesthetic with effects-laden guitar and dynamic organ work. Their only release under this name, the single "Real Crazy Apartment"/"" on RCA Victor in June 1967, captured this evolution through Winston's Marriott-esque vocals and trippy arrangements but similarly struggled for airplay and sales. Despite ties to the mod subculture and occasional collaborations within London's music circles, Winston's Fumbs disbanded later that year amid ongoing challenges with label support and audience reception, marking a period of instability as Winston navigated life beyond Small Faces' rising fame without recapturing similar momentum. The brief ventures highlighted Winston's adaptability but underscored the difficulties of establishing new bands in a competitive scene dominated by established acts.

Solo recordings

Following his band activities in the late and a subsequent focus on , Jimmy Winston pursued solo recordings in the 1970s, beginning with his solo single "Sun in the Morning" backed with "Just Wanna Smile," issued in 1976 on NEMS Records. The A-side, a melodic pop-rock track, featured backing vocals by emerging singer and showcased Winston's songwriting and vocal talents in a more introspective style compared to his earlier band work. Despite its polished production, the single achieved limited commercial reception and did not chart, reflecting the challenges Winston encountered in re-establishing himself as a solo artist amid a shifting . In 1978, Winston contributed to the Festivals and Suns by the project Spheres, composed by for a Mind, Body, Spirit festival. He provided vocals on several tracks and wrote the "Children of the ," marking one of his few self-penned compositions in this period and demonstrating his involvement in experimental, thematic music with orchestral elements. The album's niche focus limited its broader impact, but it highlighted Winston's versatility in production and performance outside traditional rock formats. Post-1970s, Winston struggled to secure major recording deals, leading to sporadic and low-key musical output as he pivoted toward running Sound Business Music, a sound equipment company that served clients like . He made occasional appearances at Small Faces fan conventions, particularly at the Ruskin Arms pub—site of the band's debut gig—where he performed selections from the group's repertoire for dedicated audiences into the 2010s. These informal sessions and gatherings underscored a shift to personal, fan-oriented engagements, allowing Winston to maintain connections with his musical legacy without the pressures of commercial releases.

Acting career

Film roles

Jimmy Winston made his film debut in the 1965 British musical crime drama Dateline Diamonds, where he appeared as himself alongside the Small Faces, performing in scenes tied to the promotion of the band's single "I've Got Mine." The film, a low-budget teen-oriented production, captured the mod subculture and British Invasion era, with Winston's on-screen presence highlighting the intersection of music and cinema during the mid-1960s youth scene. Following his departure from the , Winston took on more substantial acting roles in feature films during the early . In No Blade of Grass (1970), a post-apocalyptic thriller directed by , he portrayed the character of 1st Hun, a member of a amid . That same year, he appeared in The Ballad of Tam Lin (also known as ), a based on , playing Second Coven in a supporting role within a of witches led by Ava Gardner's character. These appearances showcased Winston's shift toward ensemble casts in genre films. Having begun as a teenager with extra roles and training at the from 1962, he rekindled this path in the late 1960s, leveraging his performative experience from music to secure agent representation and steady work in film and .

Theatre roles

Winston portrayed General Grant in the original London production of the musical at the .

Television appearances

Jimmy Winston's most notable television role was as , a resistance fighter and leader of a guerrilla unit in the 1972 Doctor Who serial , the first story of the show's ninth season. In this four-part adventure, set in a dystopian future dominated by , Winston portrayed a determined ally to the Third Doctor () and (), contributing to the episode's tense action sequences amid paradoxes. Beyond , Winston appeared in other British television productions during the and , often in supporting dramatic roles. In the sci-fi series UFO (1970), he played a in the episode "Destruction," depicting an alien sabotage plot against a ship. Earlier, in the ITV sitcom Doctor in the House (1969), he guest-starred as the character Hairy in "The Students Are Revolting!," bringing a countercultural edge to the medical comedy. His dramatic work included Cyril Butler in the legal Justice (1973) episode "Covenant for Quiet Enjoyment," Steve Binns in the crime series Hazell (1979) episode "Hazell Bangs the Drum," and an uncredited role as Sid in (1978) episode "Hearts and Minds," a gritty involving IRA tensions. Winston's final scripted acting credit was as The Flash Man in the BBC2 Playhouse anthology series episode "Jake's End" (1982), a tense exploring rural isolation and conflict. Winston's transition to character acting reflected a deliberate shift after his early music career, building on his training at the from 1962, where he honed skills in ensemble work and improvisation. In a 2012 interview, he discussed balancing the two pursuits, noting how his time in bands like the informed his on-screen presence, allowing him to infuse roles with rhythmic energy while acting provided creative outlets during musical lulls; he described the dual paths as complementary, with acting offering stability amid the music industry's volatility. This evolution saw him move from youthful, rebellious parts to more nuanced supporting characters in anthology and procedural formats, showcasing versatility in British broadcasting. Winston's last television appearance was as an interviewee in the 2009 documentary Small Faces: All or Nothing 1965–1968, where he reflected on his tenure with the band, providing archival insights into their mod-era performances and internal dynamics.

Personal life and death

Personal relationships

Jimmy Winston led a private personal life, largely maintaining a low profile after his early fame with the , which allowed him to focus on family and personal fulfillment away from the public eye. He resided in , including Stratford and , where he enjoyed a quieter centered on social activities with close friends, such as drinking and music sessions. Winston was married and had two children, though he kept details of his life out of the spotlight, emphasizing privacy in his later years. In the , he shared a home with his girlfriend Annie, who played a role in his personal circle by suggesting the name for his band. His extended to his brother, whom he loyally defended during band-related decisions, highlighting his commitment to familial bonds. As a peace-loving individual opposed to color prejudice, Winston's non-career interests aligned with the countercultural movements of the era, though he avoided deeper public involvement to preserve his personal space. He maintained friendships with mod scene associates from his youth but prioritized reconciliations and ongoing ties with former members like and outside professional contexts. In public statements, he reflected on the importance of temperament and age differences in relationships, underscoring his preference for harmonious personal connections over fame's pressures.

Illness and death

In his final years, Jimmy Winston was diagnosed with , a rare cancer of the that lines the lungs and other organs. He underwent treatment while continuing some creative endeavors, self-releasing a titled Off the Record in 2020 to raise funds for Mesothelioma UK. Winston died on 26 September 2020 at the age of 75 in , following his prolonged battle with the illness. No public details emerged regarding a or memorial ceremony. His death prompted tributes from the music community, including an obituary in The Telegraph that celebrated his role as a founding member of Small Faces and his subsequent acting career. Fans and associates remembered him for his innovative keyboard work and vibrant personality, underscoring his enduring impact on British rock and entertainment.

Discography

Solo

Jimmy Winston's solo discography is limited, consisting primarily of a single release in the mid-1970s. His only solo single, "Sun in the Morning" backed with "Just Wanna Smile," was issued in 1976 on NEMS Records (catalog number NES 012) as a 7-inch vinyl in the UK. The A-side, written by Winston, features upbeat pop-rock arrangements with backing vocals by , while the B-side offers a lighter, melodic counterpart; the single received minimal commercial attention and did not chart. In , a self-released titled Off the Record was issued on CD, compiling various tracks from Winston's career, including the two sides of his single ("Sun in the Morning" at 3:11 and "Just Wanna Smile" at 3:10). The album also features other solo-oriented material such as "Prince's Ball" (3:10), "Young Man Days" (4:35), "Children of the Sky" (3:02), "Broken Soldiers" (4:39), and "It's Not What You Do" (3:01), which appear to be previously unreleased demos or outtakes from his individual work. No production credits are specified for these tracks beyond Winston's involvement as performer and writer. No further solo releases, including digital reissues of the single outside the compilation, have been documented.

With Small Faces

Jimmy Winston served as the original keyboardist for from their formation in 1965 until his departure in late 1965. His primary credited releases with the band were the debut singles on . The group's first single, "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" / "What's a Matter Baby," released in August 1965, featured Winston on keyboards and backing vocals, reaching number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. The follow-up single, "I've Got Mine" / "It's Too Late," issued in November 1965, also credited Winston on organ, guitar, and backing vocals but failed to chart. Although no full-length album was released during Winston's active tenure, he contributed to several tracks on the band's self-titled debut album, , issued by Decca in May 1966. Winston is credited with organ, guitar, and backing vocals on "Come On Children," "It's Too Late," "What'Cha Gonna Do About It," "Don't Stop What You Are Doing," "E Too D," "I've Got Mine," and "What's a Matter Baby"; he also provided lead vocals on an alternate mono version of "Don't Stop What You Are Doing." Early live recordings featuring Winston appeared on the 1999 compilation The BBC Sessions, which includes performances from the band's August 23, 1965, appearance on Radio's Saturday Club. He played keyboards on "," "Jump Back" (where he sang lead), and "Baby Don't You Do It," marking the only officially released material from his time with the group. Later reissues and compilations have preserved Winston's contributions, often highlighting his role in the band's formative mod sound. Notable examples include The Decca Anthology 1965-1967 (2001), which features the early singles and select album tracks with his keyboard work, and Master Series (1986), crediting him on period recordings like the debut singles. Deluxe editions of Small Faces, such as the 2012 remastered version, explicitly list his instrumentation across multiple bonus tracks and originals.

With other bands

After departing from Small Faces, Winston formed the group Jimmy Winston and His Reflections, which released a single covering the Small Faces' track "Sorry She's Mine," backed with "It's Not What You Do (But the Way That You Do It)." Issued on (catalog F.12410) in June 1966 and produced by , the single did not achieve significant commercial success. Winston then assembled Winston's Fumbs, featuring future Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye, and the band issued their sole single, "Real Crazy Apartment" backed with "," on RCA Victor (catalog RCA 1612) in July 1967. This psychedelic beat track, also produced under Winston's leadership, remains a rare artifact of mid-1960s British mod and scenes but failed to chart. Archival material from these groups appeared on the 2020 self-released compilation Off the Record, credited to Jim Winston, which gathered previously issued and unreleased recordings to benefit UK. The album includes the full Reflections single ("Sorry She's Mine" and "It's Not What You Do") alongside the Winston's Fumbs tracks ("Real Crazy Apartment" and ""), plus additional Winston compositions such as "Prince's Ball" and "Sun in the Morning." Mastered by Mark Ayres and limited in distribution, it serves as the primary retrospective of Winston's post-Small Faces band output.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1970Second Coven
1970No Blade of Grass1st Hun

References

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