Biography
Keith Cyril Manifold entered the world on 2 April 1947 in Biggin By Hartington near Buxton, Derbyshire, England, and passed away on 22 May 2005 in Sussex, England. After acquiring guitar skills and finishing his schooling, he pursued a career as a vocalist. Country performers including Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams shaped his approach, while the discs—and especially the yodelling—of Wilf Carter, known as Montana Slim, provided further impetus; as a result he emerged as one of the rare British musicians to master the technique fully. His first paid appearance took place at a Derbyshire club in June 1965. Four years later Opportunity Knocks offered him national exposure as the inaugural UK country act on the programme, where he placed second behind overall victor Lena Zavaroni. The Westwood label issued his debut recordings in 1974. The following year he delivered the contest-winning number ‘Who’s Gonna Bring Me Laughter’ at the Opportunity Knocks Songwriters Competition, securing a contract with a major company, and listeners at London’s Wembley Festival named him Billboard’s Best British Solo Artist. DJM captured his work in 1977, and in September 1978 sponsors arranged a Nashville session that employed local players for an album project. Shifting direction, he cut a gospel collection in 1986 supported by the Pilling Brass Ensemble. Steady popularity allowed extensive British tours and regular European engagements; at times his two daughters joined him onstage. He also ran an entertainments agency, handled promotional activities and operated a recording studio. A sudden heart attack claimed him shortly before a scheduled performance.
Albums
