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The Fortunes, from Birmingham, England, contributed their incredible vocal harmonies to some of the most melodic and enduring pop songs to be released during the 1960s and early 1970s. Following on in the wake of Merseybeat and the R&B of the Rolling Stones, the Fortunes added another dimension to the sound of the classic pop song with their special ingredients of sophisticated orchestration, dual lead vocals and stylish counter-melodies.
The result was a succession of distinctive and distinguished hit records including Youve Got Your Troubles, Here It Comes Again and, continuing into the seventies with more successful releases such as Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling, 'Storm in a Teacup' and 'Freedom Come, Freedom Go'. These songs have stood the test of time, becoming household favorites permanently on play lists everywhere. The Fortunes remain as one of the UKs premier harmony groups, and are constantly in demand worldwide.
From the initial success in 1964 of Caroline, used as the signature tune for the influential English Pirate Radio station of the same name, The Fortunes had a steady succession of world-wide hits. As well as the huge US radio hit Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling in 1971, the Fortunes charted in America in 1970 with That Same Old Feeling and again in 1972 with the release of Storm in a Teacup. The Fortunes were also the voices for the US Coca Cola adverts (Its The Real Thing) still to be seen and heard in the US today. In the '60s Seasons in the Sun and This Golden Ring were huge hits in Holland and Belgium.
The song You've Got Your Troubles, climbing to No. 7 in the U.S. Charts, and the US follow-up Here It Comes Again enabled the Fortunes to undertake their first tour of the USA, along with Peter & Gordon and the Moody Blues, who were at that time enjoying the international success of their hit single Go Now. The Fortunes most recent trip to America was in April 2008, when they appeared in Las Vegas at the Cannery Casino with another British Invasion group, the Searchers.
Today the Fortunes line-up is Paul Hooper (drums) Michael Smitham (guitar and vocals), Bob Jackson (keyboards and vocals) and Eddie Mooney (bass and lead vocals). The groups unique blend of harmonies is backed up with a very high standard of musical ability honed by many years of experience. This ensures that The Fortunes performances exude class and professionalism. Bob Jackson was also an original member of Badfinger, signed to Beatles' label Apple. The Fortunes feature Badfinger songs in their set, including No Matter What, Day After Day and Without You. Eddie Mooney was also a member of Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, who charted in the US with Bad To Me, also included in the band's set.
Although The Fortunes show concentrates on the classic hits and golden oldies, the Fortunes fantastic vocals together with the groups dynamic musical versatility allows them to stretch their repertoire over a wide range of material; thus giving them the luxury of performing many of the great songs from the beginnings of Rock n Roll, through soul, British Invasion to the present day. As a testament to The Fortunes continued popularity you need look no further than to the Gold Disc they were awarded in 1987 for over 100,000 sales of the All The Hits and More album.
The group remains as popular as ever, and is constantly in demand to do TV and radio shows, along with their live concerts. The Fortunes continue to attract rave reviews and new fans wherever they appear.
The Fortunes U.S. Chart Hit singles
You've Got Your Troubles - 1965 (Canada No.1)
Here It Comes Again- 1965
"This Golden Ring" - 1966.
"That Same Old Feeling" - 1970
"Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" - 1971
"Freedom Come, Freedom Go" - 1971
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