- published: 24 Dec 2010
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Jess Conrad OBE (born Gerald Arthur James on 24 February 1936) is an actor and singer from England. As a boy he was nicknamed "Jesse" after American outlaw Jesse James; as there was already an actor named "Gerald James" in Actors Equity, a dramatics teacher who was a fan of Joseph Conrad suggested the stage name of "Jess Conrad".
Having started his career as a repertory actor and film extra, Jess Conrad was cast in a television play Bye, Bye Barney as a pop singer. He was noticed by Jack Good, who included him in his TV series Oh, Boy, and then was signed to Decca Records and had a number of chart hits, including "Cherry Pie", "This Pullover", "Mystery Girl" and "Pretty Jenny"; also recording for Columbia, Pye President and EMI.
Between the late 1950s and mid-1960s Conrad appeared in a number of films such as Serious Charge (uncredited), The Boys, Rag Doll, (filmed in 1960, and released in 1961); K.I.L. 1 and Konga as well as Michael Powell's The Queen's Guards.
During the 1970s he spent some time in the stage shows Godspell and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and also featured in a cameo role in the Sex Pistols film The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle. In 1977, no fewer than 7 of Jess Conrad's singles were included in the 'World's Worst Record' list, chosen by listeners to Capital FM DJ Kenny Everett's show, and "This Pullover", voted 6th worst song ever, later featured on an LP dedicated to the songs voted for, together with two other Conrad recordings "Cherry Pie" and "Why Am I Living?"
Jess may refer to:
Conrad may refer to:
This was voted one of The Worst 30 Pop Records Ever, on Kenny Everett's radio show!
Jess Conrad talks about his life, career and biting noses
British 60's star Jess Conrad in Concert (edited) at the London Palladium. One of the few original 60's stars still busily treading the boards today, amusing self-effacing act. See Jess on tour throughout 2013!!! See www.jessconrad.com
Kenny Everett often praised this records naffness on his Worlds Worst Records Show. Some truly cringey lyrics in there
Jim Davidson Special 1980's. Jess appears as a 'special guest' with a legendary backing band, Hank Marvin,Rick Wakeman,Roy Wood,Georgie Fame, Status Quo etc.the off camera/studio rehearsals day was hysterical,everyone played it very tongue-in-cheek and Jess took the 'P' out of himself with the usual glint in his eye.
British actor/singer Jess Conrad performs rock'n'roll classic "Johnny B Goode" in 1983 for a Channel 4 TV charity show for the Stuart Henry Fund (Filmed in London), the band play this one fast! Top rockin' muso's on this one. Del Shannon, Kathy Kirby,Heinz, Bert Weedon, Screaming Lord Sutch also appeared on this show. www.jessconrad.com
This was voted one of The Worst 30 Pop Records Ever, on Kenny Everett's radio show!
Jess Conrad talks about his life, career and biting noses
British 60's star Jess Conrad in Concert (edited) at the London Palladium. One of the few original 60's stars still busily treading the boards today, amusing self-effacing act. See Jess on tour throughout 2013!!! See www.jessconrad.com
Kenny Everett often praised this records naffness on his Worlds Worst Records Show. Some truly cringey lyrics in there
Jim Davidson Special 1980's. Jess appears as a 'special guest' with a legendary backing band, Hank Marvin,Rick Wakeman,Roy Wood,Georgie Fame, Status Quo etc.the off camera/studio rehearsals day was hysterical,everyone played it very tongue-in-cheek and Jess took the 'P' out of himself with the usual glint in his eye.
British actor/singer Jess Conrad performs rock'n'roll classic "Johnny B Goode" in 1983 for a Channel 4 TV charity show for the Stuart Henry Fund (Filmed in London), the band play this one fast! Top rockin' muso's on this one. Del Shannon, Kathy Kirby,Heinz, Bert Weedon, Screaming Lord Sutch also appeared on this show. www.jessconrad.com
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Jess Conrad talks about his life, career and biting noses
Director: Pete Walker Writer: Murray Smith (screenplay) Stars: Robin Askwith, Janet Lynn, Jess Conrad | See full cast & crew
A naive couple leave their small town for success in London's adult entertainment culture.
Cool It Carol Trailer 1968 Director: Pete Walker Starring: Robin Askwith, Janet Lynn, Jess Conrad, Derek Aylward, Kenneth Hendel, Stephen Bradley Official . Available on DVD from Joe Sickles (Robin Askwith) and Carol Thatcher (Janet Lynn) leave their quiet lives in the countryside to seek .
Director: Pete Walker Writer: Murray Smith (screenplay) Stars: Robin Askwith, Janet Lynn, Jess Conrad | See full cast & crew