Biography
Stuart Colman established himself early on as a key presence in British rock & roll, both as a performer and later as a producer. He first gained notice in 1966 while playing in Pinkerton's Assorted Colours. In 1969 he and vocalist Tony Newman joined Tony Macauley and Geoff Stevens' Flying Machine for live dates; the group scored an unexpected U.S. Top Five hit that year with “Smile a Little Smile for Me.” Colman next appeared as a BBC radio broadcaster, where he consistently advocated for greater airplay of authentic rock & roll. In 1976 he joined a delegation that marched on the Houses of Parliament to press this cause. His production work proved extensive and influential; much of Shakin' Stevens' commercial breakthrough resulted from Colman's involvement. Additional projects included sessions with the Blasters, Cliff Richard, Phil Everly, Alvin Stardust, the Jets, and the Inmates. In 1986 he produced an album by one of his longtime idols, Little Richard.