British singer Chris Norman enjoyed huge popularity in the 1970s when he performed as the vocalist of the popular band Smokie.
Many compositions continue to sound to this day, are in demand among both the young and the older generation. In the 1980s, the singer decided to pursue a solo career.
His songs Stumblin' In, What Can I Do and I'll Meet You At Midnigth still sound on the waves of famous radio stations.
Childhood and early life of Chris Norman
The future singer was born on October 25, 1950 in Northern England, in Yorkshire.
The family of Christopher Ward Norman was very artistic - his grandparents in their youth performed with musical performances throughout England, his mother was a musical theater performer in the provinces, and his father performed dances in the then famous comedy ensemble The Four Jokers in Europe.
When the parents realized that their child was seriously interested in music, they began to help him, although they understood how difficult the life of a musician is. When little Chris reached the age of 7, his father decided to buy him a guitar, since already at that time the boy paid attention to rock and roll.
At that time, the aspiring musician traveled a lot with his touring parents and tried to play the music of his idols - Presley and Donegan.
Having changed several schools during his travels, Christopher ended up at the Bradford Boys' Catholic School in 1962, where he met his future Smokie bandmates. They were Alan Silson and Terry Uttley.
At this time, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and, of course, The Beatles became the idols of the youth. The guys always got together and played the guitars. After some time, Ron Kelly joined them as drummer, and after that their first band was organized.
After three years, young Chris Norman, fanatically carried away by music, dropped out of school. His father was dissatisfied with this fact and demanded that the young man first master some profession.
In parallel with music lessons, Chris had a chance to work as a loader, a sales agent, and a worker at a glass factory.
Creativity of the artist
After leaving school, intensive performances began. The musicians played in pubs and nightclubs, first in Yorkshire, then in other cities of the country.
Incomes at the initial stage were purely symbolic, but this did not frighten young people. Before turning into the Smokie group, the group changed several names: The Yen, Long Side Down, The Sphynx and Essence.
The musicians assured that the last name of the group was connected with the voice of the vocalist, hoarse, like from cigarettes.
At the initial stage of the creative path, the public reacted to the Smokie group rather coolly, but this did not stop the stubborn musicians. Improving their songs and participating in various music shows, they managed to attract attention.
Gradually, the group's fame went beyond England. The group was known in Europe and in the USA. A little later, the musicians had a successful concert tour around Australia.
In 1978, when the band was at the peak of their fame, The Montreux Album was released, which gained incredible popularity.
Then Norman decided on a single career. The first performance separately from the team was a duet with Suzi Quatro.
During the history of its existence, the Smokie group recorded 24 of the most popular singles and 9 records. After Norman left, the musicians practically stopped performing together. Now the group gathers very rarely for specially organized concerts.
In 1986, the creator of Modern Talking, German musician Dieter Bohlen, produced a video clip for the song Midnight Lady, which gave impetus to Norman's solo work.
For more than 30 years of creative activity, the singer has released more than 20 albums. The talented artist did not stop there. He continued to perform successfully and release new discs.
Chris Norman's personal life
During the creative career of Chris Norman, his muse, Linda McKenzie, was next to him, thanks to whom the activities of the Smokie group and the singer himself were incredibly successful. They met and fell in love with each other at a time when an unknown group was just beginning its creative path.
Surprisingly, the difficulties of touring life did not frighten, but even rallied the young couple even more. Linda (as the band's stylist) had to spend a significant amount of time on tour.
Later, a little tired of the wandering life, she decided to return to her homeland in Elgin and got a job as a secretary in one of the local organizations. Surprisingly, this did not affect the relationship with Chris.
The singer was constantly in touch with his girlfriend when he was away, and she was constantly waiting for his return. Linda and Chris got married in 1970.
They have been together for 40 years, but the relationship of this amazing couple continues to be the same as it was many years ago. Beloved wife gave Chris Norman five children.
Chris Norman today
For the past two decades, the couple has been spending time on a small island. Their children and grandchildren also live there. The famous musician continues to work hard - in 2017, another novelty Don't Knock The Rock was released. In 2018, a tour of European cities took place, the singer visited Russia.
