SAPPHIRES, THE (2)

Lead Vocals: Tony Hall

Lead Vocals: Diane Lusk nee Grunnill am (2)Elizabeth Cadman > Organ

Guitar: Eddy Allen

Guitar: Ray Hales (2)Geoff Wright (3)Dave McPherson

Bass: Bob Gallon

Drums: Brian Driver (2)Dave Wiseman (?)John Robbie Roberts

<> Elpico 6

The Sapphires were formed in 1960 by Eddie Allen (lead guitar), Ray Hales (rhythm guitar), Brian Driver (drums) and Bob Gallon (bass guitar). Tony Hall (vocalist) was recruited from Tony Lee and the Planets in 1961. Ray Hales left the group in 1962 and was replaced on rhythm guitar by Geoff Wright. The Bury St Edmunds and area music scene was vibrant at that time and along with a handful of other local groups the boys frequently appeared at venues such as the Corn Exchange, Athenaeum, Theatre Royal and Odeon cinema along with village and school halls throughout East Anglia. Drummer Brian Driver was replaced by Dave Wiseman and female vocalist Diane Grunnill was also recruited as work for the United States Air Force at bases such as Bentwaters, Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Alconbury, High Wycombe and Chicksands increased dramatically. The USAF was heavily involved in Vietnam at the time and money spent on bringing big-name stars to their various on-base social clubs was no object. Consequently The Sapphires frequently appeared alongside the likes of Clodagh Rodgers, Kathy Kirby, the Searchers, Acker Bill, Roger Whittaker and Tony Bennett to name but a few. Eventually in 1964 The boys were obliged to take a 'gap year' away from their fulltime employment to turn professional and were contracted by the USAF to take up monthly residencies at their French bases in Nancy, Orleans and Poitiers plus occasional appearances in other associated venues. Tony Hall 20/09/2018