James Royal | |
|---|---|
 James Royal in 1968 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Nairn |
| Born | 14 July 1938 |
| Genres | Rock, pop |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1964-1973 |
| Labels | Decca, Parlophone, CBS |
James Royal (born James Nairn, 14 July 1938) is a British pop singer. His most international successful record was "Call My Name" in 1967.
James Nairn was born on 14 July 1938 in Ealing, near London. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) (Some later sources give his year of birth as 1941. "James Royal born 14 July 1941". fromthevaults-boppinbob.blogspot.com. Retrieved 6 December 2022.) After leaving secondary school, he served three years in the Royal Air Force. "James Royal: Album review". louderthanwar.com. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
In 1963 he formed a band that performed in London pubs and clubs under the name Jimmy Royal and the Hawks. "The Early Radio London Fab Forties". radiolondon.co.uk. Retrieved 6 December 2022. The group recorded its first track in 1964 for Decca, followed by singles in 1965 for Parlophone, the second of which was credited to “James Royal.” He soon emerged as a solo artist.
Royal signed with CBS in 1966, and his first release for the label, “Call My Name” (1967), became a hit in continental Europe. The single reached No. 11 in France in December 1967 "Top 40 TMP France". laurentpons.com. Retrieved 19 December 2022. and No. 4 in Belgium in March 1968. "Hits of the World – Belgium". Billboard . 13 March 1968. p. 59. Retrieved 19 December 2022. Although it failed to chart in the UK, ‘’Record World’’ later highlighted it as an example of foreign songs that found success in France despite limited recognition in their country of origin.Michel Brillié (28 December 1968), "À Paris – Yéyé Exits with Year; New Music Trends Click", Record World , vol. 23, no. 1125, p. 50
Between 1966 and 1970 CBS issued eleven of his singles and one album, with additional releases tailored to markets such as Germany, Spain, and Italy. During this period, Royal was often described as a British blue-eyed soul singer.
In 1970 Royal left CBS to join impresario Mervyn Conn’s Carnaby label, which produced six singles and two albums, including Spanish-language versions for overseas markets. "International News Report – London". Billboard . 22 August 1970. p. 81. Retrieved 19 December 2022. His 1971 single “Carolina,” written by Terry Britten, achieved success in France, Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Australia.
Royal recorded three albums between 1970 and 1973, along with singles in multiple languages for specific markets. In 1972 he also toured with Jerry Lee Lewis. By the end of the decade, however, his recording career had slowed. In 1984 he emigrated to Australia, his wife’s native country, and settled in Toowoomba in 1988.Calcino, Chris. "Rock star looks back on career" (pdf). thechronicle.com. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
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