Hubbry Logo
Johnny WakelinJohnny WakelinMain
Open search
Johnny Wakelin
Community hub
Johnny Wakelin
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Johnny Wakelin
Johnny Wakelin
Johnny Wakelin
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Johnny Wakelin (born 1939) is an English recording artist best known for songs like "Black Superman" and "In Zaire", both celebrating boxer Muhammad Ali.

Career

[edit]

Wakelin had his first outings in clubs in his hometown but without big success.[1] Discovered by Pye record producer Robin Blanchflower, the man who launched Carl Douglas to the top of the UK Singles Chart with "Kung Fu Fighting", and working with Steve Elson and Keith Rossiter in addition to Blanchflower, Wakelin set about writing songs that would, he hoped, "catch people's eye"[1]

"Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)"

[edit]

Wakelin wrote a tribute to the boxing champion Muhammad Ali who fought on 30 October 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire, against George Foreman in a matchup known as The Rumble in the Jungle. Ali gained victory in the eighth round. Wakelin used a reggae style at a time when West Indian music was growing in popularity. The new song was Wakelin's "Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)" released in late 1974.

In January 1975 the song reached number seven on the singles charts of both the UK[2] and Australia. By October of the same year, it had reached number one in Canada on the RPM Singles Chart.[3] It also spent six months in the US Billboard Hot 100 in more than one chart run in 1975, eventually peaking at No. 21 in September of that year.[1][4]

Later songs

[edit]

1975 brought a further single, "Cream Puff," backed by "Gotta Keep on Going"; it flopped, but both songs would be incorporated into Wakelin's March 1976 album, Reggae, Soul & Rock 'n' Roll.[1]

A bigger success was "In Zaire", also about the 1974 fight, which reached the charts in many parts of Europe in 1976, including #4 in the UK Singles Chart.

After few further releases ("Africa Man", "You Turn Me On", "Dr. Frankenstein's Disco Party") his success cooled down.[1] He re-recorded his hit "In Zaire" in different versions which had a little success. He stayed active as a songwriter, and continued to release albums.[1]

Wakelin sang "Where Seagulls Fly", the Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. anthem released for their appearance in the 1983 FA Cup Final.[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Black Superman (1975)
  • Reggae, Soul & Rock 'n' Roll (1976)
  • In Zaire (1976)
  • African Man (1976)
  • Double Trouble (1978)
  • Gems from the Pen (1984)
  • Rock 'n' Country Blues (1996)
  • From Ali to the Naz (1997)
  • Sway with Me (2005)
  • In Africa (2005)
  • Right Before My Eyes (2006)
  • No Smoking (2007)

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
UK
[5] 		AUS
[6] 		AUT
[7] 		BE (FLA)
[8] 		CAN
[3] 		GER
[9] 		IRE
[10] 		NL
[11] 		NZ
[12] 		US
[13]
1974 "Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)" (as Johnny Wakelin & the Kinshasa Band) 7 7 — — 1 — 9 — 21 21
1975 "Tennessee Hero (Elvis)" — 50 — — — — — — — —
"Cream Puff" — — — — — — — — — —
1976 "Reggae – Soul – And Rock 'n' Roll" — — — — — — — — — —
"In Zaire" 4 25 2 2 — 2 10 2 — —
"Africa Man" — — 8 24 — 10 — — — —
1977 "Doctor Frankenstein's Disco Party" — — — — — — — — — —
1978 "Afro Afrique" — — — — — — — — — —
1979 "Lay Down and Rock Me" — — — — — — — — — —
"Grand Theft" — — — — — — — — — —
1983 "Where Seagulls Fly" — — — — — — — — — —
1986 "Bruno" — — — — — — — — — —
1988 "Get Off the Street" (Germany-only release) — — — — — — — — — —
1989 "One Million to One" (Germany-only release) — — — — — — — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Johnny Wakelin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Johnny Wakelin (born 1939) is an English pop and R&B singer-songwriter best known for his mid-1970s hit singles "Black Superman ()" (UK #7, #21) and "In " ( #4), both novelty tracks celebrating boxer 's 1974 "" victory over in (now the ). Born in , , , Wakelin began his career performing in local seaside cabarets and clubs during the and early , honing a style that blended pop, R&B, and influences. He was discovered by producer Robin Blanchflower, who had previously worked with artists like , and signed to the label in the early . His debut single, "Hungarian Superman (Joe Bugner)" (1972), a tribute to boxer , failed to chart but foreshadowed his later success with sports-themed songs. Wakelin's breakthrough came with "Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)" in late 1974, released under the moniker Johnny Wakelin and the Band; the reggae-infused track captured the global excitement around Ali's underdog triumph and became his signature hit, also reaching #1 in and charting internationally. The follow-up, "In " (1976), directly referenced the fight's location and style, further capitalizing on the theme and securing another top-five single. These tracks marked his commercial peak, with "Black Superman" as his only major US entry. Beyond these hits, Wakelin released several albums and numerous singles on Pye and other labels throughout the and , including tracks like "Africa Man" (1976), though none replicated his earlier chart success. He continued performing live and recording into later decades, maintaining a for his humorous, topical songwriting. Wakelin's work exemplifies the trend of celebrity tribute songs, blending lighthearted commentary with infectious rhythms.

Early life

Childhood and upbringing

Johnny Wakelin was born in 1939 in , , . He grew up in post-war Britain amid the economic challenges and social recovery of the era, in a seaside town renowned for its lively entertainment scene that catered to working-class visitors and residents. During his teenage years in the , Wakelin gained early exposure to music through Brighton's vibrant and club circuit, where live performances were a staple of the town's and holiday attractions. At age 16, a severe accident resulted in the of one , a pivotal event that redirected his youthful athletic ambitions toward the .

Initial musical pursuits

Johnny Wakelin began his musical journey performing in the seaside cabarets and local clubs of his hometown Brighton, immersing himself in the South Coast entertainment circuit. These early appearances, often in modest venues, garnered limited initial success as he established himself as a local vocalist. His development as a singer was shaped by the pop music landscape of the era, though he remained largely self-taught in cultivating a straightforward vocal delivery suited to cabaret settings. Wakelin's persistence in these grassroots performances drew notice from key figures in the regional music scene, including producer Robin Blanchflower, who encountered him during one such local gig and recognized his potential for broader professional avenues.

Recording career

Discovery by Pye Records

In late 1972, while performing at local clubs in , , Johnny Wakelin was discovered by producer Robin Blanchflower, who had previously launched Carl Douglas's hit "." Blanchflower recognized Wakelin's potential as a vocalist and songwriter, leading to his signing with shortly thereafter. Following the signing, Wakelin formed a creative team that included producer and songwriter Keith Rossiter, with Blanchflower continuing as a key collaborator in production. This partnership focused on crafting material that capitalized on Wakelin's strengths in upbeat, narrative-driven songs, blending influences with pop sensibilities. The initial recording sessions under Pye emphasized novelty tracks and tributes linked to contemporary events, particularly in the realm of . Wakelin's debut single, "Hungarian Superman ()" (late 1972), a tribute to boxer , failed to chart. These efforts set the stage for his signature style of event-driven anthems.

Breakthrough hits

Johnny Wakelin achieved his first major commercial success with the single "Black Superman ()", released in late 1974 on . The track, credited to Johnny Wakelin and the Band, was a lyrical adaptation of his 1972 debut "Hungarian Superman ()" and drew direct inspiration from 's historic victory over in the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match held in , (now the ) in October 1974. The song's lyrics celebrate Ali's charismatic persona, physical prowess, and cultural significance, with lines such as "He moves like the black superman / And calls to the fighting man" capturing his dominance and showmanship in the ring. The single performed strongly on international charts in 1975, peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, number 1 in , and number 7 in . Its reggae-influenced rhythm and upbeat tribute to resonated amid the boxer's global popularity following the fight, contributing to Wakelin's breakthrough as a recording artist. Building on this momentum, Wakelin released the follow-up single "In Zaire" in 1976, another Ali-themed track revisiting the "Rumble in the Jungle" event from a narrative perspective. The song recounts the fight's drama and Ali's triumph, incorporating rhythmic percussion and vivid storytelling to evoke the atmosphere in . It outperformed its predecessor in the UK, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart, while charting at number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Later recordings and collaborations

Following the success of his mid-1970s hits, Johnny Wakelin continued releasing music with a blend of , , and influences, though achieving more modest commercial results. In 1976, he issued the single "African Man," which gained some radio play but did not replicate the chart impact of his earlier boxing-themed tracks. This was followed by the accompanying album African Man in 1977 on , featuring tracks like "No Jive Talking" and exploring similar rhythmic styles. By 1978, Wakelin released the album Double Trouble with the Kinshasa Band on , incorporating and elements in songs such as "Afro Afrique" and "Black Magic Man," marking a shift toward broader explorations amid waning mainstream popularity. In the early 1980s, Wakelin's output included sports-inspired work tied to his roots. His single "Where Seagulls Fly," released on Wide Awake Records, served as an unofficial for & Albion Football Club during their appearance in the that year, capturing local pride with lyrics referencing the team's "Seagulls" nickname. Later in the decade, he issued singles like "Bruno" in 1986 on and a 1987 collaboration with on a of " / In " via Unidisc, blending his reggae-pop sound with the martial arts hit's legacy. These efforts reflected sustained creativity but limited presence. Into the 2000s, Wakelin maintained activity through independent releases and local collaborations. He produced the 2006 album Right Before My Eyes on South Coast Records and the 2007 collection Johnny Wakelin Invincible. That year, he teamed up with the band The Diablos for the single "No Smoking," an anti-smoking track inspired by his own habit cessation 25 years prior, distributed via to coincide with the UK's national . Wakelin also performed live regularly in venues, including Brighton-area spots, continuing his cabaret-style shows into the as a enduring local figure.

Discography

Albums

Johnny Wakelin released over a dozen and compilations during his career, primarily in the 1970s with , blending , soul, funk, and influences often centered on themes of sports, African , and party music. His reflects a shift from tribute songs to and events to more diverse explorations of rhythm and global sounds, with later works issued on independent labels.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelKey Themes
Black Superman1975Pye RecordsTribute to , -pop
Reggae, Soul & Rock 'n' Roll1976Pye Records-pop tributes to , soul grooves
In Zaire1976Pye RecordsAli-themed tracks, and soul
African Man1977Pye RecordsAfrican-inspired and
Double Trouble1978Pye Records and jungle rhythms
Gems from the Pen1984Pye RecordsSongwriter reflections, pop and R&B
Rock 'n' Country Blues1996Independent and rock influences
From Ali to the Naz1997IndependentSports tributes, including
Sway with Me2005South Coast Records and love themes
Right Before My Eyes2006South Coast RecordsContemporary , ballads, and re-recordings
Johnny Wakelin Invincible2007South Coast RecordsMotivational and rhythmic tracks
Best of 40 Years2016South Coast RecordsCareer , re-recordings
Wakelin's debut full-length album, Black Superman (1975), focused on his breakthrough hit with reggae-infused tributes to . Reggae, Soul & Rock 'n' Roll (1976) captures his breakthrough sound with upbeat tracks celebrating Muhammad Ali's "Rumble in the Jungle," including "In Zaire" and a reworking of "Black Superman," alongside soulful numbers like "Cream Puff" and "Me I'm a Capricorn." The album's fusion of rhythms with rock elements marked Wakelin's commercial appeal in the mid-1970s music scene. Subsequent releases like African Man (1977) expanded on cultural motifs, featuring the title track evoking African heritage and novelty tunes such as "Doctor Frankenstein's Party," emphasizing Wakelin's playful approach to global and party-oriented music. Double Trouble (1978) further incorporated influences with songs like "Rhythm of the Jungle" and "Congo," highlighting brass sections and energetic arrangements that aligned with late-1970s dance trends. Later works like Gems from the Pen (1984) showcased his songwriting depth, while releases such as Rock 'n' Country Blues (1996) and From Ali to the Naz (1997) revisited sports themes with and rock elements. In the , Wakelin returned with Sway with Me (2005) and Right Before My Eyes (2006) on his associated label South Coast Records, collections blending new original songs with updated versions of his hits, incorporating ballads, love themes, and styles to appeal to both longtime fans and newer audiences. Johnny Wakelin Invincible (2007) continued this with motivational content. The 2016 compilation Best of 40 Years provides a retrospective, including re-recordings and new tracks like "Pebble On the Beach." These later albums represent a maturation in his songwriting, focusing on personal reflection amid rhythmic foundations.

Singles

Johnny Wakelin's singles discography spans from the early to the , with a focus on novelty and tracks inspired by and pop figures, achieving notable success in the UK and internationally during his peak years. His breakthrough came with releases tied to Muhammad Ali's boxing career, which propelled him to chart prominence. Earlier singles like his 1972 debut laid the groundwork, while later ones explored varied themes, including football anthems, though with more limited commercial impact. Post-2000 releases were sporadic and largely non-charting, often re-recordings or new material linked to compilation albums. The most successful single, "Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)" (credited to Johnny Wakelin & The Kinshasa Band), was released in late 1974 and entered charts in early 1975. It peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, spending 10 weeks in the top 40. In the US, it reached number 21 on the , maintaining presence for 27 weeks across multiple runs. The track topped charts in and , underscoring its global appeal as a tribute to Ali's "" victory. His debut, "Hungarian Superman (Joe Bugner)" (1972), a tribute to boxer , failed to chart but foreshadowed his sports-themed style. Following "Black Superman," "In Zaire" arrived in July 1976, again referencing Ali's historic fight in (now the ). It marked Wakelin's highest peak at number 4, charting for 10 weeks. The single also reached number 8 in and number 1 in , demonstrating sustained international interest in his Ali-themed work. "African Man," released in 1976, followed the trend but saw limited chart success, failing to enter major or rankings despite its thematic ties to Wakelin's earlier hits. Other 1970s releases included "Tennessee Hero" (1976), a non-charting ; "Doctor Frankenstein's Party" (1977), a novelty track with no significant chart placements; and "Afro Afrique" (1978), which similarly garnered niche play without broad commercial breakthrough. In 1983, "Where Seagulls Fly" emerged as an anthem for , achieving modest recognition on the UK Indie Chart but not entering the main Official Charts. This period also featured covers and originals like reissues of earlier material, though none replicated prior peaks in the , , , or . Post-2000 activity included the 2013 single "Pebble On the Beach," a reflective track tied to Wakelin's later compilations such as Best of 40 Years, but it did not chart prominently. Re-recorded versions of hits like "Black Superman ()" appeared in 2008, maintaining his catalog's availability without new chart entries.
Single TitleYearUK PeakUS PeakOther Notable Peaks
Hungarian Superman (Joe Bugner)1972---
Black Superman ()1975721#1 (Canada, Australia)
In Zaire19764-#8 (Sweden), #1 (South Africa)
Tennessee Hero1976---
African Man1976--Limited charting
Doctor Frankenstein's Disco Party1977---
Afro Afrique1978---
Where Seagulls Fly1983(Indie Chart)--
Pebble On the Beach2013---

Legacy

Cultural impact of major songs

Johnny Wakelin's "Black Superman ()" and "In ," both released in the mid-1970s, emerged as novelty hits that encapsulated the era's intense public fascination with and heavyweight boxing, particularly the bout against . These tracks, which achieved significant chart success in the UK and parts of , portrayed Ali as a heroic, larger-than-life figure through upbeat, rhythmic narratives that blended storytelling with celebration of his athletic prowess and charisma. Their timing aligned with Ali's cultural zenith, amplifying the boxer's image as a global icon beyond the ring. The songs have been frequently referenced in media coverage and biographical accounts of Ali's life, highlighting their role in popularizing his persona during the . For instance, "Black Superman" is cited in discussions of Ali's influence on art and , where it exemplifies how his fights inspired creative tributes that merged with entertainment. Similarly, "In Zaire" is noted in retrospectives on Ali's career for evoking the dramatic atmosphere of the 1974 Kinshasa event, contributing to the enduring narrative of that historic match in cultural memory. The songs received renewed attention in media tributes following Ali's death in . Wakelin's Ali-themed songs have appeared in various films and television productions, extending their reach into visual media. "Black Superman" featured on the soundtrack of the 1999 comedy film , where it underscored scenes of youthful rebellion and rock culture, introducing the track to newer audiences. Both songs have also been used in TV programs like the British sports show World of Sport and the German music series OPA - Oldie Parade, reinforcing their nostalgic appeal in retrospective entertainment formats.

Contributions to sports anthems

In 1983, Johnny Wakelin released "Where Seagulls Fly" as the anthem for & Hove Albion's appearance in the against United. The track was inspired by the club's unexpected journey to the final, including their 2–2 draw in the first match at , where a late goal by Gary Stevens forced a replay that United ultimately won 4–0. As a native, Wakelin crafted the song to honor the team's resilience and the city's coastal identity, with lyrics evoking seagulls soaring high over the south coast, symbolizing the Seagulls' nickname and the fans' soaring hopes during that memorable season. The anthem quickly gained traction among supporters, who embraced its uplifting melody and themes of pride and perseverance during the 1982–83 campaign. Although Brighton did not secure the trophy, the song became a rallying point for the fanbase, reinforcing the club's underdog spirit and tying into the adoption of the seagull emblem on the team crest in 1977 following a popular against Crystal Palace. Over the decades, "Where Seagulls Fly" has retained cultural significance in as a nostalgic emblem of Brighton's 1983 run, one of the club's most celebrated achievements before their promotion to the . It occasionally features in fan discussions and compilations of club history, though it is not part of routine matchday rituals at the Community Stadium, where "" serves as the primary traditional song. Wakelin's contribution underscores his later-career shift toward localized, event-specific music tied to British football .

References

  1. https://www.allbutforgottenoldies.net/johnny-wakelin-and-the-kinshasa-band.html
  2. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/johnny-wakelin-and-the-kinshasa-band-black-superman-muhammad-ali/
  3. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=23223
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15806/johnny-wakelin/
  5. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/johnny-wakelin-the-kinshasa-band/black-superman
  6. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/johnny-wakelin-in-zaire/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2778933/
  8. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/fa5c2968-f17c-4843-b1e4-da10439c9c00
  9. https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Great-British-Seaside-Holiday/
  10. https://theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/become-instant-expert-seaside-pierrot-troupes
  11. https://cris.brighton.ac.uk/ws/files/5346239/_Our_Pier_Leisure_activities_and_local_communities_at_the.pdf
  12. https://blog.gregwilson.co.uk/time-capsule-july-1976/
  13. https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5074010.singer-songwriter-i-had-leg-drama-at-airport-like-heather-mills/
  14. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Time-Running-Johnny-Wakelin/dp/1846243211
  15. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/johnny-wakelin-mn0000209126
  16. https://sacharts.wordpress.com/2022/10/13/johnny-wakelin-uk/
  17. https://amf.didiermary.fr/rss-club/johnny-wakelin-zaire-rumble-jungle/
  18. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/johnny-wakelin/14077443
  19. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=23224
  20. https://www.discogs.com/master/149097-Johnny-Wakelin-African-Man
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/461316-Johnny-Wakelin-Double-Trouble
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/6139740-Johnny-Wakelin-Where-Seagulls-Fly
  23. https://www.discogs.com/artist/58494-Johnny-Wakelin#releases
  24. https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/1486052.song-could-be-hit-with-quitters/
  25. https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4431066.johnny-deserves-a-plaque/
  26. https://www.discogs.com/artist/58494-Johnny-Wakelin
  27. https://www.discogs.com/master/149094-Johnny-Wakelin-Reggae-Soul-And-Rock-n-Roll
  28. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/johnny-wakelin/reggae-soul-and-rock-n-roll/
  29. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/johnny-wakelin/african-man/
  30. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/johnny-wakelin/double-trouble/
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/11708654-Johnny-Wakelin-Right-Before-My-Eyes
  32. https://music.apple.com/us/album/johnny-wakelin-invincible/1440859208
  33. https://open.spotify.com/album/5S3upJOHBgzfVhsnNeL1Us
  34. https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Johnny+Wakelin&titel=In+Zaire&cat=s
  35. https://sacharts.wordpress.com/2023/07/21/in-zaire-johnny-wakelin/
  36. https://www.discogs.com/release/6795459-Johnny-Wakelin-Africa-Man
  37. https://music.apple.com/us/album/pebble-on-the-beach-single/684773579
  38. https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/06/05/muhammad-ali-and-the-songs-he-inspired/
  39. https://twinbikerun.com/2022/06/11/the-sound-of-football-brighton-andrew/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5lraqJKfyI
  41. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/johnny-wakelin
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.