A Semple dream come true

Jimmy - back on compere duty

MUSIC EXTRA: THERE can’t be many music lovers in Oldham over the age of 40 who haven’t heard of the town’s King of Swing, Jimmy Semple.

That’s hardly surprising, since Abbeyhills lad Jimmy, now 69, has wowed audiences in pubs and clubs around town for upwards of 50 years.

From singing in his first skiffle band in the early 1960s, Jimmy has gone on to experience a fulfilling career as a key member of Brent Rodgers and the Druids, The Falcons, The Klue, Twilight Zone, Sunset Boulevard, Kelly and Capricorn.

In recent times Jimmy has focused more on acting as a compere, chiefly at the once hugely-popular Stanley Road Conservative Club, which closed earlier this year. Now Jimmy is resident compere at the North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club every Sunday.

The good old days of the Sixties and Seventies hold the most cherished memories for this much-loved local legend.

Asked about those early skiffle days in church halls and youth clubs all over the area, Jimmy recalled: “Those were great times All those youth clubs and church halls were terrific — they were happy days.”

The major highlights of that era for wide-eyed Jimmy came as he watched his own idols.

“One night we went to see Long John Baldry’s Steam Packet, who always had a guest singer with them. This particular night there was a young, slim lad on stage who had a brilliant voice. It was Rod Stewart!

“That was the first time I’d come across him and we were all so impressed. They produced a different kind of blues music that night and the band I was in at the time learned so much and we changed direction as a result.

“I saw Jimi Hendrix in there one night too. My ears have never been the same since!

“Another time me and my mate John Sheridan called in at the Duke of Edinburgh pub and Tom Jones was on at the Princess Ballroom. We were just having a pint at the bar and this big, handsome fella walked in - it was Tom. We had a quick chat with him but no free ticket!”

Jimmy didn’t quite set the charts on fire himself: His one recording, in 1975, of “I’m Talking To You” could only reach number 103.



LISTEN to Simon’s exclusive audio interview with Jimmy Semple: