Biography
"Brother acts" tend to stand apart as curiosities, except in the case of the Winter brothers, since most result from managerial or label-driven attempts to capitalize on an established name, frequently featuring younger siblings eager for their own taste of the spotlight and the kind of breakthrough their more prominent relatives had already secured. One recalls Jim Rafferty, sibling of Gerry, and his London label release. The story of Al Wycherley immediately brings to mind Colin Hicks, Tommy Steele’s younger brother, fronting the Cabin Boys. Al Wycherley, like his older brother Ronald, entered the world in Liverpool’s Dingle district, the same neighborhood that produced its most celebrated resident, Ringo Starr. Ronald Wycherley possessed a gregarious nature, genuine gifts as a singer and songwriter, and an affable style that proved ideal for stardom; under manager Larry Parnes he transformed into Billy Fury by the late 1950s and ranked among England’s leading early rock & rollers. Al Wycherley followed in the early 1960s under the name Jason Eddie, supported by capable vocals and solid backing from the Centremen. Parlophone signed him in 1965, resulting in two strong singles released across the following year. Despite his vocal ability, the tracks “Whatcha Gonna Do Baby,” “Come On Baby,” “Singin’ the Blues,” and “True to You” never achieved the recognition they warranted; the penultimate number was produced by Joe Meek, who may also have contributed to Eddie’s 1968 recording “Mr. Busdriver.” That concise yet infectious cut incorporates guitar and bass textures reminiscent of the Move and opens in a manner akin to “Telstar.” As the decade closed, he shifted to the smaller Tangerine label, where his output proved less compelling. His recordings later surfaced on various Merseybeat and English freakbeat compilations during the 1990s and the new century.