Known for his acting as well as his singing, Gary Bland was born in Stepney, London just a couple of miles from Hackney, the birth place of Anthony Newley. Arriving late into performing, age 51, Gary’s first musical was, Epidemic produced by The Old Vic, with his second at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where he was given a standing ovation during his solo song. His first movie appearance was in, Les Miserable. Amazingly, Gary’s first cabaret wasn’t until 2014 at Le Crazy Coqs in London’s West End, which was by invitation from, The Pheasantry’s very own, Ruth Leon. Gary’s wife, Deborah, only heard him sing for the first time in 2012; they have been together for 35 years.
Anthony Newley
Antony Newley is a name out of today’s general consciousness, but his songs remain favourites across the world for people of all ages. Feeling Good (made famous by Nina Simone), Goldfinger (made famous by Shirley Bassey)), and What Kind of Fool Am I (made famous by Sammy Davis Jr.), are just three of his amazing songs.
Newley and his writing partner, Leslie Bricusse, received an Academy Award Nomination for their score for Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Tony, born in Hackney London, began his performance career as a child actor. He appeared as the Artful Dodger in David Lean’s Oliver Twist (1948) and transitioned seamlessly into a successful adult actor in TV and film. During the 1960s he added his greatest accomplishments on the London West End theatre and Broadway theatre stage, and in Hollywood films and British and American television. He was even a rock/pop star in the late 50s to early 60s in the UK.
The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles & Albums described Newley as "among the most innovative UK acts of the early rock years before moving into musicals and cabaret". Newley was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989.
www.garybland.co.uk
