Christopher Kearney

Last updated
Christopher Kearney
Also known asChristopher Kearney
Born (1948-12-06) 6 December 1948 (age 74)
Origin Toronto, Ontario, Canada
GenresRock music, folk music
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1970s to 2000s
Labels Apex, MCA, Capitol,
Formerly ofChina

Christopher Kearney is a Canadian singer and songwriter who kicked off his career after military service. He had a hit in 1970 with "Theme for Jody". He had more chart success with the single "Loosen Up".

Contents

Background

Born in Toronto, Ontario, he was raised in the San Francisco Bay area. After military service in the Vietnam war, he returned to Toronto in the early 1970s. With some assistance from Gordon Lightfoot, his debut single was "A Theme for Jody", released in 1970. The follow up single was "Country Lady" in 1971. [1]

Having signed with Capitol and recorded three albums for the label, Christopher Kearney, Pemmican Stash and Sweetwater. He later joined with Danny McBride and Bill King to form the group China. [2]

In 1972, he was chosen to represent Canada at the Brazil Song Festival. [3]

He was managed by Magic Management which was formed in 1971 by Peter Francey and Clark Spencer. In addition to Kearney, they also managed Jay Telfer, The Good Brothers and Truck. [4] [5] Their subsidiary Slic Bros. took care of his promotion design and designed the cover for his album. [6] [7] He stayed with Magic management until around mid-1974. [8]

Career

By August, 1970, he was signed to Early Morning Productions and scheduled to appear at the Mariposa Folk Festival. [9] Also in that month, his single "Theme for Jody" had been released on Apex 77113. [10] By September 12, the song had moved from the previous position of #15 to #13 in the MAPL Top 50 Canadian chart. [11] It was also at #71 in the RPM100 Singles chart. [12]

1972

For the week ending June 24, 1972 his song "Loosen Up" was at #84 in the RPM100 singles chart. [13] His album, Christopher Kearney was at #70 in the RPM100 album chart. [14]

In September, 1972, a full page advertisement for Magic Management appeared in Billboard magazine showing their acts, Kearney, Truck and The Good Bros. being managed by Peter Francey and Clark Spencer, with M. Frank Associates handling publicity and promotion. It also had Tim Lawrence down as the field representative. [15] By December 1972 it was noted by Billboard that he had been in the studio for the past two weeks with Dennis Murphy of Sundog Productions cutting his second album for Capitol. His latest single "Country Lady" was picking up speed at secondary stations. Capitol was planning a heavy promotion action with him appearing at Grumbles Coffee House. Michele Frank (M. Frank Associates [16] ) was handling his press publicity. [17] A party for him and Ronnie Abramson was hosted by Capitol at the coffee house in mid December. [18]

1973

In late January, 1973, it reported by Billboard in the January 27 issue that Magic Management's umbrella org., Truck Music Limited, the company headed by Peter Francey had produced a 20 minute 16mm film of performances by their Capitol signed artists, Truck, Christopher Kearney and The Good Brothers. The film was intended to promote the acts to potential clients and booking agencies. [19] [20]

By May, Dennis Murphy of Mattawa Publishing and Nigel Haines of Chrysalis Music Ltd. had cemented the agreement between the two companies for representation of Kearney in the UK with a view to expanding more internationally. Mattawa also handled publishing for Josh Onderisin, Truck and Jason. [21]

As of August, Magic Management had placed Karen Quee as director of public relations. She was coordinating publicity for Kearney as well as the group Truck. [22] Working with Quee was Clark Spencer. Armed with promo kits and video tapes, they were launching a promotion campaign to get Kearney, Truck, Craig Nicholson, Doug Brittain and the Good Brothers to the attention of more than 400 colleges in Canada as well as in the United States. They were also looking at setting up a US tour in the fall. [23]

By September, the success that he had with his two Capitol LPs and his performance at the 1972 Maple Music Junket concert in Toronto had been noted. He was also set to take his first major United States tour. A song from his album, Pemmican, "Sarah's Stash" was being prepared for a September release. [24]

1974 to 1979

Some time prior to June 7, Kearney and another act Hero left the Magic Management roster. [25] In 1975, his single "Runnin' Child" was released. [26]

Later years

In 1993, Kearney he attracted publicity when he wrote "A Letter From Sarajevo" with Scott Lane and Neil Dobson. It appeared with a video about the plight of the children in war ravaged Sarajevo, Bosnia.

In 2008, he released his Just A Step Away album. [27]

Further reading

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Me and Bobby McGee</span> Song by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster

"Me and Bobby McGee" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson and originally performed by Roger Miller. Fred Foster shares the writing credit, as Kristofferson wrote the song based on a suggestion from Foster. A posthumously released version by Janis Joplin topped the U.S. singles chart in 1971, making the song the second posthumously released No. 1 single in U.S. chart history after "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. Gordon Lightfoot released a version that reached number 1 on the Canadian country charts in 1970. Jerry Lee Lewis released a version that was number 1 on the country charts in December 1971/January 1972 as the "B" side of "Would You Take Another Chance On Me." Billboard ranked Joplin's version as the No. 11 song for 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eumir Deodato</span> Brazilian pianist, composer, arranger and producer

Eumir Deodato de Almeida is a Brazilian pianist, composer, arranger and record producer, primarily in jazz but who has been known for his eclectic melding of genres, such as pop, rock, disco, rhythm and blues, classical, Latin and bossa nova.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Sylvers</span> American R&B family vocal group

The Sylvers were an American R&B family vocal group from Watts, Los Angeles, California. The Sylvers were a popular act during the 1970s, recording the hit singles "Fool's Paradise", "Boogie Fever", and "Hot Line". Prior to becoming the Sylvers, the four eldest members recorded as the Little Angels, appearing on shows such as You Bet Your Life and Make Room for Daddy, and opening for such acts as Johnny Mathis and Ray Charles. During this time, they released two singles: "Santa Claus Parade" b/w "I'll Be a Little Angel" on Warwick Records and "Says You" b/w "Olympia" on Capitol Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moe Koffman</span> Canadian jazz musician

Morris "Moe" Koffman, OC was a Canadian jazz saxophonist and flautist, as well as composer and arranger. During a career spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s, Koffman was one of Canada's most prolific musicians, working variously in clubs and sessions and releasing 30 albums. With his 1957 record Cool and Hot Sax on the New York-based Jubilee label, Koffman became one of the first Canadian jazz musicians to record a full-length album. Koffman was also a long-time member of Rob McConnell's Boss Brass.

Lawrence Wayne "Larry" Evoy is a Canadian drummer and songwriter who was the lead singer and founder of the rock band Edward Bear.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frank Sinatra discography</span>

American vocalist Frank Sinatra recorded 59 studio albums and 297 singles in his solo career, spanning 54 years. Sinatra signed with Columbia Records in 1943; his debut album The Voice of Frank Sinatra was released in 1946. Sinatra would achieve greater success with Capitol and Reprise Records, the former of which he released his final two albums on—Duets and Duets II. Eight compilation albums under Sinatra's name were released in his lifetime, with more albums released following his death in 1998.


Graham Lear is an English-born Canadian rock drummer, best known for his time with Gino Vannelli, Santana and REO Speedwagon. He was born in Plymouth, United Kingdom.

Motherlode was a Canadian pop rock group formed in 1969 in London, Ontario. The group scored some success in the US with their single, "When I Die", which hit #1 in Canada and #18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969. The group didn't have a bass guitarist. William Smith would play the bass notes on his keyboard. They did however use bass players on their studio recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wildflower (Skylark song)</span> 1972 single by Skylark

"Wildflower" is a song written by Doug Edwards and Dave Richardson in 1972. First performed by the Canadian band Skylark, it has been covered by many artists and more recently has been sampled in a number of hip hop songs.

Chester was a Canadian bubblegum pop band, active primarily from 1972 to 1975. Although they released only two singles in their original form before breaking up, the single "Make My Life a Little Bit Brighter" was a Top 10 hit on the Canadian pop charts in 1973 and the band garnered a Juno Award nomination for Most Promising Group at the Juno Awards of 1974.

Truck was a 1970s Canadian rock group with a musical style similar to Natural Gas and Lighthouse. Signed to the Capitol label, they released two singles and an album. The outfit started out as Sound Spectrum in 1966 and by the early 1970s they had absorbed experienced musicians from groups Natural Gas and Motherlode. Their name had also been changed to Truck! The 1970s lineup was completely different to what it was when the group began. A busy live attraction, they did reasonably well with their album Truck which had an unbroken run for about a month-and-a-half in the charts.

Natural Gas was a Canadian rock music group featuring a horn section. Consisting of eight members, it was formed by George Olliver. They released an album and a single in 1970. They had hit that year with "All Powerful Man". Their self-titled album also made the charts.


Brian Wray was a veteran Canadian musician and musical arranger. He had been a member of three major Canadian bands, Natural Gas in the late 1960s, Motherlode and Truck in the early 1970s. He also worked with Lisa Hartt, Freedom North, Moe Koffman, David Johannesson and other artists. In later years he moved more towards the jazz genre.

Michael Curtis is a musician and composer. He was also a member of These Vizitors, Canadian group Truck, Crazy Horse and The Curtis Bros. He also co-wrote the hit "Southern Cross" which was recorded by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Magic Management was a music management company that managed Canadian acts such as Jay Telfer, Truck, Christopher Kearney, Terry Dee and The Good Bros. during the 1970s. They also managed English group Hit & Run which was based in Toronto. They became involved with an exercise involving Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to encourage young people to vote. They became one of the few music-related companies at the time who were able to incorporate management and creative requirements for their acts. Their subsidiary Slic Brothers was nominated three times for a Juno Award in the mid-1970s.

Peter Francey was the co-director of a music management company, Magic Management who in the early to mid-1970s managed some prominent Canadian rock music artists. He was the publisher of at least two magazines relating to entertainment. He later moved into software package design and consultancy as co-director of several companies. In the 1970s one of his companies was nominated three times for a Juno Award in relation to their work. During the 1980s, another company of his was selected by Time Magazine for one of the top ten designs in the software field.

Bill Usher is a Canadian drummer and percussionist. During the 1970s he was a member of the rock group Truck.

Young was a Canadian rock music group led by Roger Plomish.They released a few singles and an album during the 1970s. They had success with "Goin' to the Country" which was a hit in both Canada and the United States. Their album also spent about 14 weeks in the charts. The group may have been working on a second album prior to their break up.

<i>Truck</i> (Truck album) 1973 studio album by Truck

Truck is the debut album by Canadian jazz rock band, Truck. Consisting of original compositions, it was produced by Dennis R. Murphy of Sundog Productions. Released in early 1973 on the Capitol label, it made the Canadian charts and hung around for about a month and a half.

Lisa Hartt is a Canadian singer and Juno Award nominee. She was the lead singer of The Lisa Hartt Band during the 1970s. They had a hit with "Old Time Movies". As a solo artist, she also had a radio hit with the single "Touch Me".

References

  1. ↑ The Encyclopedia of Native Music: More Than a Century of Recordings from Wax Cylinder to the Internet, By Brian Wright-McLeod - Pages 116 - 117 Kearney, Christopher-
  2. ↑ citizenfreak.com (© Museum of Canadian Music) - Kearney, Christopher
  3. ↑ Cash Box, August 5, 1972 - Page 38 Canada
  4. ↑ Billboard, June 22, 1974 - Page 52 Canadian News, Magic Puts It All Together Under 1 Roof
  5. ↑ RPM Weekly, Volume 19 No. 25, August 4, 1973 - Page 2 MAGIC MANAGEMENT LAUNCHES PR PUSH
  6. ↑ Billboard, September 30, 1972 - C-51 mm magic management
  7. ↑ RPM Weekly, Volume 19 No. 12 May 5, 1973 - Page 6 SLIC BROS TO EXPAND OPERATION
  8. ↑ RPM Weekly, Volume 21 No. 20 July 6, 1974 - Page 12 TALENT SEENSammy Jo
  9. ↑ Billboard, August 1, 1970 - Page 58 International News Reports, Kearney to Early Morning
  10. ↑ Billboard, August 8, 1970 - Page 45 Canadian News Report, Canadian-Prod Weekly List
  11. ↑ RPM Weekly, September 12, 1970 - Page 7 TOP 50 MAPL CANADIAN CHART
  12. ↑ RPM Weekly, September 12, 1970 - Page 9-10 RRPM100 SINGLES
  13. ↑ RPM Weekly, June 24, 1972 - Pages 15-18 RPM100 SINGLES
  14. ↑ RPM Weekly, June 24, 1972 - Pages 16-17 RPM100 ALBUMS
  15. ↑ Billboard , September 30, 1972 - C-51 MM magic management
  16. ↑ Billboard, July 29, 1972 - Page 45 International News Reports, From The Music Capitals of the World, TORONTO
  17. ↑ Billboard, December 9, 1972 - Page 38 International News Reports, Kearney Gets Capitol Push
  18. ↑ Billboard, December 23, 1972 - Page 42 International News Reports, From The Music Capitals of the World, TORONTO
  19. ↑ Billboard, September 30, 1972 - C-51 MM magic management
  20. ↑ Billboard, January 27, 1973 - Page 102 International News Reports Truck Forms Design Div.
  21. ↑ Billboard, May 26, 1973 - Page 58 International News, Mattawa, Chrysalis In Pub Arrangement
  22. ↑ Billboard, August 25, 1973 - Page 47 Canadian News, Canada Executive Turntable
  23. ↑ RPM Weekly, Volume 19 No. 25, August 4, 1973 - Page 2 MAGIC MANAGEMENT LAUNCHES PR PUSH
  24. ↑ Cash Box, September 29, 1973 - Page 40 Chris Kearney In Pascal Deal
  25. ↑ RPM Weekly, Volume 21 No. 20 July 6, 1974 - Page 12 TALENT SEENSammy Jo
  26. ↑ The Encyclopedia of Native Music: More Than a Century of Recordings from Wax Cylinder to the Internet, By Brian Wright-McLeod - Page 117
  27. ↑ Rockasteria, Thursday, June 15, 2017 - Christopher Kearney - Pemmican Stash (1973 canada, wonderful folk country classic rock, 2014 korean remaster)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.