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Les Gray
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Key Information
Thomas Leslie Gray (9 April 1946 – 21 February 2004) was an English musician best known for his work with glam rock pop band Mud. Gray was also known for his distinctive vocal impersonation of Elvis Presley, as well as being a lifelong supporter of Leeds United.[1]
Early life and career
[edit]Gray was born in Carshalton, Surrey, in 1946.[2][3] He was a self-taught musician,[3] and during his school years he played trumpet with a jazz band, and then, with a younger brother, went on to form the skiffle unit The Mourners. After leaving school he worked for Pearl & Dean, writing commercials, and later for Moss Bros before finding success with Mud.[4]
Mud
[edit]With a few line-up changes, The Mourners evolved into Mud in February 1966, with Gray on vocals, Dave Mount on drums, Rob Davis on guitar, and Ray Stiles on bass, and won the Search for Sound song contest the same year.[5][3] After a few unsuccessful singles including "Flower Power", they were signed to Mickie Most's RAK record label, and gained television exposure via an appearance on The Basil Brush Show.[4] They toured in support of Jack Jones in 1973.[3] Mud had a string of hits written by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, including two which topped the UK Singles Chart in 1974, "Lonely This Christmas", and "Tiger Feet", and, re-punctuated as Oh Boy, a chart-topping cover of "Oh, Boy!" (originally performed by Buddy Holly). They disbanded in 1979.
Gray later toured with backing musicians under the name Les Gray's Mud, but never found the same level of success as he had with the original version.
Solo work
[edit]Gray had a Top 40 solo hit (#32) in 1977 with his cover version of "A Groovy Kind of Love."[6] He appeared as a guest in the 1979 TV series Jack Good's Oh Boy!. Also during the 1970s, he appeared in one of several public service announcements themed Be Smart, Be Safe, instructing children on how to safely cross a road.
Personal life
[edit]In 1992, Gray moved with his wife Carol to live in the Algarve region of Portugal. He died on 21 February 2004, of a heart attack, whilst fighting throat cancer.[4]
Discography
[edit]With Mud
[edit]Albums
[edit]- 1982: Mud Featuring Les Gray
- ????: Les Gray's Mud [1]
Singles
[edit]- 1977: A Groovy Kind of Love b/w U.S. Style
- 1977: What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For? b/w Stand Still Stella
- 1979: I Think of You b/w I Think I'll Go That Way
- 1981: Rock on Elvis Medley (as Tulsa McLean)
- The King of Rock And Roll, King Creole, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Wooden Heart, Rock-A-Hula Baby, Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do!, (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
- The Songs of the King, Love Me Tender, Heartbreak Hotel, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Can't Help Falling in Love, Crying in the Chapel, The Wonder of You, An American Trilogy
- 1982: Don't You Say It b/w Streetfighter
Additional Sings
[edit]- 1979 Quarter to Three [2]
- 1979 Stagger Lee [3]
References
[edit]- ^ Sweeting, Adam (25 February 2004). "Les Gray: Glam rock star who led Mud in the 1970s". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
- ^ Leigh, Spencer (24 February 2004). "Obituaries: Les Gray". The Independent.
- ^ a b c d Gregory, Andy (2002) International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002, Europa, ISBN 1-85743-161-8, p. 203
- ^ a b c "Obituaries: Les Gray", Daily Telegraph, 24 February 2004, retrieved 2010-07-19
- ^ "Mud lead singer Gray dies at 57". BBC News. 24 February 2004. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
- ^ "LES GRAY | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
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Les Gray
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Early life
Childhood and family background
Thomas Leslie Gray, known professionally as Les Gray, was born on 9 April 1946 in Carshalton, Surrey, England.[1][3][4] He grew up in the suburban area of Carshalton and nearby Mitcham during the post-World War II period, alongside his younger brother Pete.[5][6] The family maintained ties to Northern Ireland through his grandfather Joseph Clarke, originally from Ballymena, reflecting a modest immigrant heritage within England's working communities.[7] After completing his education, he pursued initial employment as a copywriter for the advertising agency Pearl & Dean, crafting commercials, and later joined Moss Bros as a tailor.[1][3][8]Initial musical training and influences
Les Gray began his musical journey during his school years in Carshalton, Surrey, where he learned to play the trumpet around the age of 12 and joined a traditional jazz band.[1] As a self-taught musician without formal lessons, Gray developed his skills through personal practice and immersion in the local music scene.[2] His early influences were rooted in the trad jazz and skiffle genres popular in mid-20th-century Britain, which shaped his initial appreciation for ensemble playing and rhythmic improvisation.[2] While working as a copywriter, he formed the skiffle group The Mourners with his brother Pete.[1][5] A pivotal moment came when a cousin introduced him to rock 'n' roll by playing Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog," igniting Gray's fascination with the genre's energetic style and vocal delivery.[9] This exposure to early rock 'n' roll artists like Presley broadened his musical horizons beyond jazz traditions. During his teenage years, Gray balanced part-time musical pursuits with day jobs, including work as a copywriter for the advertising agency Pearl & Dean and later as a tailor at Moss Bros.[1] These informal gigs allowed him to hone his trumpet playing and vocal abilities in casual settings, supported by family encouragement for his budding interests.[9]Career
Formation of Mud and early performances
Les Gray formed the skiffle group The Mourners in 1966 with his younger brother Pete, which evolved into Mud with school friends from Carshalton, Surrey.[1] Rob Davis joined as lead guitarist, while Gray served as lead vocalist; the lineup soon expanded with drummer Dave Mount and bassist Ray Stiles, both of whom had previously played in a rival local group called Remainder.[5] Gray's background as a self-taught trumpet player from his school jazz band days added versatility to the group's sound, allowing him to contribute occasional horn parts during performances.[6] By early 1966, the Mourners had rebranded as Mud, marking a shift toward a more defined rock-oriented identity while retaining skiffle influences.[10] The band quickly began performing at local venues in South London, with their debut gig taking place in April 1966 at the Silver Blades Ice Rink in Streatham, followed by regular appearances at pubs such as the Cricketers Inn and other community spots.[10] These early shows helped build a grassroots following in the area, though the group faced challenges in securing broader recognition amid the competitive 1960s music scene. Throughout the late 1960s and into the early 1970s, Mud remained unsigned for much of their career, enduring a period of struggle that included failed auditions and minor lineup adjustments, though they avoided major name changes after adopting "Mud." However, in 1967, they won the national 'Search for Sound' contest, leading to a signing with CBS Records and the release of their debut single "Flower Power" that received some airplay but failed to chart, after which they were released from the label and returned to relentless local gigging.[5][10] This unsigned phase honed their live performance skills, as they supported emerging acts at clubs like the Marquee and navigated the vibrant but unforgiving South London pub circuit.[5] The band's fortunes turned in late 1972 when producer Mickie Most, owner of RAK Records, spotted Mud performing at the Revolution Club in London and signed them, propelling them toward professional status by 1973. This pivotal deal under Most's guidance provided the resources and songwriting support needed to elevate Mud from regional obscurity to a viable recording act.[11]Breakthrough hits and glam rock era
Mud's breakthrough arrived in August 1973 with the release of their debut single "Crazy", written by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, which peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and marked the band's entry into the pop mainstream. This success paved the way for their explosive rise in 1974 with "Tiger Feet", another Chinn-Chapman composition produced by Mickie Most, which topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks starting in February and became the year's best-selling single with over 750,000 copies sold.[12][13] The band's glam rock era flourished under Most's production at Rak Records, yielding further major hits such as "The Cat Crept In" in May 1974, which reached number 2, and "Rocket" in January 1975, peaking at number 6.[14][11] Between 1973 and 1976, Mud amassed 15 UK Top 40 singles, including three number-one hits—"Tiger Feet", "Lonely This Christmas" (1974), and "Oh Boy" (1975)—solidifying their status as one of Britain's leading glam acts during the period.[14] Their performances on shows like Top of the Pops featured quintessential glam aesthetics, with the band donning platform shoes, glittery scarves, and exaggerated outfits to enhance their high-energy, theatrical presentations.[13] Central to Mud's appeal was lead singer Les Gray's charismatic stage presence and his distinctive Elvis Presley-inspired vocals, which infused their bubblegum glam tracks with a rock 'n' roll swagger and helped define the band's playful yet infectious image.[15] Gray's impersonation skills, particularly evident in Elvis-tinged performances, captivated audiences and contributed to the cultural phenomenon of Mud's mid-1970s dominance.Transition to rock 'n' roll and band decline
Following the success of their glam rock hits, Mud shifted their musical direction in 1975 toward rock 'n' roll covers and medleys, exemplified by the album Mud Rock Volume 2, which featured tracks like the medley "Shake Rattle and Roll / See You Later Alligator" and Gray's charismatic vocal delivery reminiscent of their earlier glam era style. This transition was spearheaded by the single "Oh Boy", a cover of the Buddy Holly classic that reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in May 1975.[16][17] The band followed with "Moonshine Sally", peaking at No. 6, and "L-L-Lucy" at No. 10, maintaining commercial momentum through this nostalgic approach.[18] By 1976, Mud's chart performance began to wane as punk and disco influences reshaped popular music, though they scored two more top 10 hits: "Show Me You're a Woman" at No. 9 and "Lean On Me" at No. 4, the latter marking their final entry in that range.[18] Label instability exacerbated the decline, with the group leaving RAK Records for Private Stock in 1976 before signing with RCA in 1977, where subsequent releases like the albums Mud Rock On and As You Like It failed to recapture earlier success.[5] Keyboardist Andy Ball departed in 1977, replaced by Brian Tatum, signaling growing lineup instability amid these challenges. Les Gray exited the original Mud lineup in late 1978 due to creative differences and a desire to pursue solo opportunities, leaving the band to continue briefly under new configurations.[9] Without Gray, Mud released material on RCA until their dissolution in 1980, after which Gray reformed a version as Les Gray's Mud for touring.[2]Solo recordings and independent projects
After departing from Mud in 1978, Les Gray pursued a solo career marked by several singles that echoed his glam rock roots but achieved limited chart success. His debut solo release, a cover of "A Groovy Kind of Love," entered the UK Singles Chart in February 1977 and peaked at number 32, spending five weeks in the Top 75.[19] This track, produced while Gray was still affiliated with the band, showcased his versatile baritone vocals adapted to a softer pop style. Subsequent singles included "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For?" in late 1977 and "I Think of You" in 1979, both issued on Warner Bros. Records; however, neither achieved notable commercial traction, reflecting the challenges of transitioning from group stardom.[20][21] In 1981, Gray ventured into tribute material under the alias Tulsa McLean with "Rock On Elvis," a medley encompassing Elvis Presley hits such as "The King of Rock and Roll," "King Creole," and "Blue Suede Shoes," released on RCA; it briefly appeared on the UK Singles Chart at number 94 but failed to enter the Top 75.[22] Gray's later output in the 1980s and 1990s consisted primarily of independent releases and compilations, often under the banner of Les Gray's Mud, including the album Les Gray's Mud featuring covers like "Dynamite," "Oh Boy," and "Blue Moon." These efforts, distributed through smaller labels, garnered modest fan interest but lacked broader commercial viability amid the shifting music landscape.[23] Additionally, Gray contributed to session work and uncredited vocal performances on rock 'n' roll revival projects, leveraging his distinctive timbre honed during the Mud era to support nostalgic recordings.[1]Personal life and death
Marriage and family
Les Gray was married to Carol Gray, with whom he shared a long-term partnership that endured through his musical career and beyond.[1][8] The couple initially based their family life in England during the peak of Mud's success in the 1970s. In 1992, Gray and Carol relocated to the Algarve region of Portugal, seeking a quieter existence away from the demands of the music industry.[24][6] Despite the band's celebrity status, Gray maintained a private family life, shielding his personal relationships from media attention and public scrutiny.[1]Health struggles and passing
Les Gray developed a heavy smoking habit, which he later attributed as a primary cause of his throat cancer diagnosis in later life.[6] His wife, Carol, confirmed that Gray smoked 50 cigarettes a day for many years, contributing significantly to his illness.[24] Following his diagnosis, Gray underwent chemotherapy treatment after doctors recommended surgical removal of his voicebox, a procedure he rejected to preserve his ability to perform.[6] The treatment enabled him to continue touring with Les Gray's Mud into the early 2000s, though it affected his vocal capabilities.[25] Despite the health challenges, he remained active in music until shortly before his death. Gray died on 21 February 2004 at the age of 57 from a heart attack in a hospital near his home in Lagos, Portugal, while still battling throat cancer.[25] His death cut short plans for a comeback performance.[6] A planned charity concert in Glasgow, intended as his return to the stage alongside artists like Alvin Stardust and members of the Bay City Rollers, was repurposed as a tribute event in his honor.[24]Discography
Albums with Mud
Mud's albums during Les Gray's tenure as lead vocalist (1966–1978) were characterized by a shift from glam rock to rock 'n' roll revival, all highlighting Gray's prominent, raspy vocals and the band's high-energy performances. Early releases appeared on RAK Records, founded by producer Mickie Most, who oversaw the label's output, while later ones moved to Private Stock and RCA. These works, produced primarily by the songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman (Chinnichap) or others like Phil Wainman, captured Mud's commercial peak in the mid-1970s. The band's debut studio album, Mud Rock, was released in September 1974 on RAK Records. Produced by Chinn and Chapman, it blended original glam anthems with rock 'n' roll medleys, featuring key tracks such as "Tiger Feet," "The Cat Crept In," and the medley "Do You Love Me / Shake, Rattle and Roll." Gray's lead vocals drove the album's infectious, foot-stomping energy, contributing to its UK chart peak at No. 8 and 35 weeks on the charts.[26] Following quickly, Mud Rock Volume 2 arrived in July 1975, also on RAK and produced by Chinn and Chapman. This follow-up leaned heavily into 1950s rock 'n' roll covers, including standout tracks like "Oh Boy," "One Night," and "Moonshine Sally." Gray's charismatic delivery on these nostalgic reinterpretations helped the album reach No. 6 in the UK, solidifying Mud's transition toward retro sounds while maintaining glam flair.[27] Later that year, Use Your Imagination marked Mud's first release on Private Stock in December 1975, produced by Phil Wainman. It featured more original material with glam-pop elements, highlighted by tracks such as "L'L'Lucy," "Show Me You're a Woman," and "Under the Moon of Love." Gray's vocals provided the emotional core, though the album charted modestly at No. 33 in the UK, reflecting the band's evolving style amid changing musical trends.[28] In November 1976, It's Better Than Working was issued on Private Stock, produced by Pip Williams. This album explored rock-oriented tracks with humorous and upbeat vibes, including key songs like "Nite on the Tiles," "Vambo (Rools)," and "It Don't Mean a Thing." Gray's versatile singing shone through the mix of covers and originals, but it did not chart in the UK. The final studio album during Gray's time, Rock On, came out in 1978 on RCA Records, co-produced by the band, Mike Hurst, and Pip Williams. It returned to rock 'n' roll roots with tracks such as "Drift Away," "Slow Talking Boy," and "Let Me Get (Close to You)." Gray's lead performances added a mature edge, though the album did not chart, signaling the band's declining popularity. Compilation albums released during the active years included Mud's Greatest Hits in October 1975 on RAK, which collected early singles like "Dyna-Mite," "Rocket," and "Lonely This Christmas," all showcasing Gray's vocals and reaching No. 25 in the UK. Another, Mudpack, followed in August 1977 on Private Stock, compiling later hits and B-sides such as "Shake It Down" and "Lean on Me," providing a snapshot of the band's mid-decade output.Solo albums
Following the band's decline in the late 1970s, Les Gray embarked on solo projects that emphasized nostalgic rock 'n' roll and pop covers, often revisiting the glam and rockabilly sounds associated with his Mud era. These releases were produced on small independent labels with limited distribution, primarily targeting dedicated fans through re-recordings and compilations.[29] One of his earliest solo efforts was the 1983 album Mud, credited to Mud Featuring Les Gray and released by Runaway Records in Germany. This 20-track collection featured cover versions of classic 1950s and 1960s hits, including "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," "Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear," "Blueberry Hill," and "Shakin' All Over," showcasing Gray's charismatic baritone vocals over upbeat rock 'n' roll arrangements. The production, handled on a modest scale, highlighted Gray's continuity as a performer without the original band's lineup.[30] In 1993, Gray issued Les Gray's Mud on his own LGM label, a 10-track album blending eight re-recorded Mud singles like "Dyna-mite," "Oh Boy," "Lonely This Christmas," and "Rocket" with the cover "Blue Moon" and one new original song. This self-produced release served as a nostalgic tribute, allowing Gray to perform with new backing musicians while evoking the band's early hits for longtime admirers. Its limited release underscored the independent nature of Gray's post-Mud career.[31][23] Later in his career, Gray contributed to compilations that further cataloged his solo output. The 2002 collection The Best Of Les Gray's Mud, released on Cedar, compiled nine re-recorded Mud tracks, reinforcing the theme of vocal legacy and fan-oriented retrospectives without achieving mainstream chart success. These works collectively received modest attention, praised in fan circles for preserving Gray's energetic delivery but constrained by small-scale production and distribution.[32]Singles with Mud
Mud's singles era, led by Les Gray's distinctive vocals, marked their commercial peak during the glam rock boom, with the band securing 15 UK Top 40 entries between 1973 and 1976 on the Official Charts Company listings. These releases, primarily 7-inch vinyl singles through RAK Records (1973–1975) and later Private Stock and RCA, blended original glam anthems penned by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman with rock 'n' roll covers, often featuring band-written or cover B-sides that showcased their versatile sound. The singles' success propelled Mud to three UK Number One hits, emphasizing Gray's charismatic delivery in both upbeat stompers and seasonal ballads.[14] Key releases highlighted the band's evolution from high-energy glam tracks like "Dyna-mite" and "Tiger Feet" to nostalgic covers such as "Oh Boy!" and its B-side "Blue Moon," a 1934 standard that underscored their shift toward rock 'n' roll revivalism by 1975. While early singles captured the glittery exuberance of the era, later ones like "Moonshine Sally" reflected a maturing style amid declining chart fortunes. Sales figures were impressive for top performers; for instance, "Tiger Feet" became the UK's best-selling single of 1974, exceeding 700,000 copies domestically.[33] The following table enumerates Mud's UK Top 40 singles up to Gray's 1978 departure, presented chronologically with peak positions, release years, and representative B-sides:| Year | A-Side | B-Side | Peak Position (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Crazy | Do You Love Me | 12 |
| 1973 | Hypnosis | Last Tango in London | 16 |
| 1973 | Dyna-mite | Do It All Over Again | 4 |
| 1974 | Tiger Feet | Mr. Bagatelle | 1 (4 weeks) |
| 1974 | The Cat Crept In | Morning | 2 |
| 1974 | Rocket | The Ladies | 6 |
| 1974 | Lonely This Christmas | I Can't Stand It | 1 (4 weeks) |
| 1975 | The Secrets That You Keep | Still Watching the Clock | 3 |
| 1975 | Oh Boy! | Blue Moon | 1 (2 weeks) |
| 1975 | Moonshine Sally | Bye Bye Johnny | 10 |
| 1975 | One Night | Shake, Rattle and Roll | 32 |
| 1975 | L'L' Lucy | My Love Is Your Love | 10 |
| 1975 | Show Me You're a Woman | Don't You Know | 8 |
| 1976 | Shake It Down | Laugh, Live, Love | 12 |
| 1976 | Lean on Me | Grecian Lament | 7 |
Solo singles
After leaving Mud in late 1978, Les Gray embarked on a solo career, issuing a series of singles that showcased his distinctive baritone vocals—reminiscent of his glam rock era with the band—while exploring pop-rock arrangements and tributes to rock 'n' roll icons like Elvis Presley. These releases, primarily on major and independent labels, emphasized catchy melodies and nostalgic themes but achieved limited commercial success, with most failing to chart significantly in the UK. Gray's solo singles often featured B-sides that complemented the A-side's style, contributing to their appeal on radio formats focused on 1970s revival and classic rock. His solo output began in 1977 with covers that reached moderate chart positions.[1] In 1977, Gray released "A Groovy Kind of Love," a cover that peaked at No. 32 on the UK Singles Chart, followed by the non-charting "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For?" Later efforts included "I Think of You" in 1979 and the Elvis homage "Rock On Elvis" in 1981 under the pseudonym Tulsa McLean, which reached No. 94. The 1982 release "Don't You Say It" marked another non-charting effort but received modest airplay on independent stations.[35][9] In the mid-to-late 1980s and 1990s, Gray continued issuing singles on smaller independent labels, often blending rockabilly influences with contemporary pop elements; these typically did not chart but maintained a niche following through radio play and live performances, underscoring his shift toward more personal, homage-driven projects.[9]| Year | Title | B-Side | Label (Catalog) | UK Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | A Groovy Kind of Love | U.S. Style | Warner Bros. (K16883) | 32 |
| 1977 | What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For | Stand Still Stella | Warner Bros. (K17007) | - |
| 1979 | I Think of You | I Think I'll Go That Way | Warner Bros. (K17316) | - |
| 1981 | Rock On Elvis (as Tulsa McLean) | Rock On Elvis (Medley, Pt. 2) | RCA (RCAT123) | 94 |
| 1982 | Don't You Say It | Streetfighter | Runaway (RUN503) | - |