Russ Conway

Russ (real name Trevor Stanford) was born in1925. After leaving school he trained as a solicitor's clerk, but in 1942 - during World War II - he was called up into the forces.

Post-war, he served in the Merchant Navy before deciding to try to make a living as a musician. It was while playing in a London club in 1955 that he was "discovered" and signed to Columbia Records. 

He went on to accompany many leading stars of the day, including Denis Lotis, Gracie Fields, Joan Regan and Dorothy Squires.

Russ first made the charts in November 1957, with Party Pops. But, aimed solely at the Christmas market, it dropped out as soon as the festive season was over. It was his big hit Side Saddle, which made number one in February 1959, that really put Russ into the limelight.

A Royal Command Performance followed and he went on to top the bill at the London Palladium several times. Russ's honky-tonk piano style and flashing smile - a winning combination - earned him 30 million record sales and a small fortune.