Jack Lerole

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Aaron Jack Lerole
Also known asBig Voice Jack
Origin
Penny whistle
, voice
LabelsEMI South Africa

Aaron "Big Voice Jack" Lerole (c. 1940 – 12 March 2003) was a South African singer and

hit record in 1958 with "Tom Hark". He co-founded the fusion band Mango Groove in 1984, and later collaborated with Dave Matthews Band
, a rock band from the United States.

Biography

Lerole grew up in the

tomahawks.[1]

Jack Lerole wrote "Tom Hark", although the producer of the song Earnest Bopape claimed the credit and royalty, and Lerole was only paid $15 for the song.

UK Singles Chart in April 1958,[3] eventually selling an estimated three million copies worldwide. It was subsequently covered by various artists including Millie Small in 1964, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames (also in 1964), and The Piranhas in 1980. In 2009, Lerole's version of the tune was used for the opening credits to Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle
. The song is also a popular fanfare for English football clubs. Although it introduced South African township music to an international audience, "Tom Hark" was only modestly popular within South Africa, and the musicians received no remuneration from its success.

In 1963 Lerole left the group, and started recording solo as "Big Voice Jack". His breakthrough as a solo performer was the single "Blues Ngaphansi", which made him a national star. As the mbaqanga style developed, he took up the saxophone in place of the penny whistle, and his popularity was overtaken by younger singers. He continued to record, however, and produced such hits as "Cherry Beat", "Big Voice Jack", "Tully La Fluter" and "Bongo Twang Jive". He flitted from company to company, rejoining his old producer Rupert Bopape now at Gallo Africa's Mavuthela Music Company along the way (for two years – 1966 to 1968). His music career revived in the 1970s, and he toured in a leading role with several South African musical productions. In 1984, he co-founded the group Mango Groove.

In the early 1990s, South African-born producer Chris du Plessis made a documentary film, The Whistlers, about the music. Subsequently, the original members of Alex Black Mambazo reunited to perform in clubs. Brad Holmes, owner of the Bassline club, became their manager, and in 1997 introduced them to South African-born rock star Dave Matthews when he toured the country with his band. Matthews invited Lerole to play at Foxboro Stadium and Giants Stadium during the Dave Matthews Band Summer Tour of 1998.[4] Upon his return, Lerole and his band recorded the album Colours and Moods (1998) at the Bassline. Later that year, director Johnathan Dorfman released his documentary Back to Alexandra, which chronicles Lerole's US tour with Dave Matthews Band, and his return to South Africa.

Lerole died in

throat cancer in 2003.[5] At the 2004 South African Music Awards, he was posthumously honoured with a lifetime achievement award.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ Johnathan Dorfman (director) (1998). Back to Alexandra (video). Wireless Pictures. Event occurs at 3:08.
  2. ISBN 9781852279370
    .
  3. ISBN 978-1-904994-10-7
    .
  4. ^ Addison, Keith (19 June 1998). "Return of the Big Voice". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 30 July 2017 – via Zebra Crossing.
  5. The Sunday Times
    – via 3rd Ear Music.
  6. ^ Staff writer; Gerber, Chandrea (31 May 2004). "South African Music Awards 2004". BrandSouthAfrica.com. Brand South Africa. Retrieved 30 July 2017.

External links

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