English singer Christopher Ward Norman was born 72 years ago in North Yorkshire and is also a songwriter and musician.
When he was 7 years old, Chris got his first guitar and was inspired by rock and roll icons like Elvis Presley and Little Richard. He attended no less than 9 different schools due to his family’s frequent moves around the country. He attended grammar school at the age of 12 and there he met two of his future band members.
Influenced by groups like ‘The Beatles’, ‘Rolling Stones’ and singer Bob Dylan, Chris and his friends met regularly to practise songs on their guitars and formed a band which had its name changed a few times, the final name being ‘Smokie’.
Until the early 80s, they went on tours around the world and became very successful. Some of their most popular hits include ‘If you think you know how to love Me’, ‘I’ll meet you at Midnight’, ‘Living next door to Alice’, ‘Needles and Pins’ and ‘Mexican Girl’.
However, Chris began to feel homesick and strained and decided to return to England and start to compose songs instead. In fact, he collaborated with other artists by writing songs for them.
Chris left ‘Smokie’ in 1986 and pursued a solo career, starting off with the song ‘Midnight Lady’, which was a hit in many European countries. It was followed by more successful hits like ‘Some hearts are Diamonds’, ‘Broken Heroes’ and ‘Baby I miss You’, amongst others.
In the 2000s, he made a guest appearance in a German TV show and also performed in a festival on the Isle of Man.
During his career as a solo artist, Chris had 44 albums and 54 singles, out of which a few of them were interpreted in duet with other singers. Norman was also honoured with a few awards.