Jess Conrad

Born in 1935 in Brixton, London, England and originally named Jesse James, Conrad launched his professional life working as a repertory actor and appearing in minor film roles as an extra. His path shifted after he was selected to portray a pop singer in the television drama Rock-A-Bye Barney. Although Gary Mills initially supplied the vocals for Conrad’s character, the situation soon mirrored reality, turning the actor into an overnight pop idol. Television producer Jack Good became an early supporter, securing him spots on the programs Oh Boy!, Wham! and Boy Meets Girl; these appearances quickly secured a Decca Records deal that yielded modest early-1960s successes including the singles “Cherry Pie,” “Mystery Girl” and “Pretty Jenny.” Once his chart activity declined, Conrad returned to acting in inexpensive films and seasonal pantomimes, later taking stage roles during the 1970s in the musical productions Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Godspell while also contributing a cameo to the Sex Pistols film The Great Rock ‘N’ Roll Swindle. One of his first recordings, “This Pullover,” later surfaced in a tongue-in-cheek roundup of pop disasters and was labeled the worst single ever pressed. He remained active through the 1980s, then deliberately abandoned his wholesome reputation in 1993 by playing Prince Charming alongside comedians Charlie Drake and Jim Davidson in the risqué pantomime Sinderella, produced by Davidson.