Les Vandyke

Les Vandyke (born John Worsley; 21 June 1931, Battersea, South London, England) was a popular music singer and later songwriter in the 1950s - 1970s. He was also known as Johnny Worth and John Worth.

Early life

When John was born, his father, a Greek Cypriot, determined to christen his son as Yannis Paraskos Skordalides as a Greek Orthodox, but his Welsh mother insisted that he be named John Worsley and christened in the Church of England. The name Worsley was chosen by his father because during The Wall Street Crash, his father feared having a Greek name he would not be able to get work, so he changed his name by deed poll. The name Worsley was chosen by his father placing a pin at random on a map of England, which happened to land on Worsley.

AllMusic journalist Bruce Eder states, "Vandyke is one of those rare talents in English pop music whose songwriting success crossed several genres and eras, from the end of the 1950s right into the 1970s".

Career

In his youth he was simply known as John Worsley. After schooling, he began work as a draughtsman prior to his compulsory two years national service which he claims were the happiest two years of his life. Returning to civilian life, he determined to become a singer, changing his name for the purpose to Johnny Worth.