John Otway
John Otway (born 2 October 1952) is an English singer-songwriter who has built a cult audience through extensive touring.[1]
For the cricketer, see John Otway (cricketer).
John Otway
2 October 1952
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England
Guitar, theremin, violin, vocals
1969–present
Polydor Records
U-Vibe Records
Red Bowler Records
Biography[edit]
Early life[edit]
Otway was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. From the age of nine all he ever wanted to be was a pop star.[2]
1970s and 1980s[edit]
Although his first single, "Gypsy"/"Misty Mountain" was released in 1972, Otway gained wider recognition riding the wave of punk rock and his unique performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test.[3] His sixth single, the half-spoken love song "Really Free" reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart in 1977.[4] It would be his greatest success for some time. The song earned him a five-album deal with Polydor Records, who viewed him as a punk rather than merely an eccentric.[1] His first album, recorded with Wild Willy Barrett, was produced by Pete Townshend but sold only fitfully.[1] The follow-up singles fared no better despite some imaginative promotion, which included an offer for Otway to come to a buyer's house and perform the 1979 single, "Frightened and Scared", if their copy was one of only three copies from which the vocal had been omitted.[1] Otway's and Barrett's only other UK chart success came in July 1980 with "DK 50/80", a modest No. 45 hit.[4]