The British singer and actress Julie Driscoll turns 77 today
Julie Driscoll remains best known for her work with Brian Auger and the Trinity. Their rendition of Bob Dylan’s “This Wheel’s on Fire” became a major hit in 1968, reaching the top five on the UK Singles Chart
The British singer and actress Julie Driscoll turns 77 today
The singer and actress Julie Driscoll, known for her powerful voice and influential role in the British music scene of the 1960s, was born on June 8, 1947, in London, England.
Julie Driscoll grew up in London and developed an early interest in music. In the mid-1960s, she began her career as a secretary at Giorgio Gomelsky’s management office, where she was introduced to the burgeoning rock and jazz scenes. Gomelsky, who managed the Yardbirds, recognized Driscoll’s talent and helped her join the British pop and R&B group Steampacket, which included future stars like Rod Stewart and Long John Baldry.
Driscoll’s breakthrough came when she joined Brian Auger and the Trinity in 1965. The group, known for their jazz-rock fusion, gained popularity with Driscoll as their lead vocalist. Her deep, soulful voice and striking stage presence made her stand out in the music scene. Their rendition of Bob Dylan’s “This Wheel’s on Fire” became a major hit in 1968, reaching the top five on the UK Singles Chart. The song, characterized by Driscoll’s haunting vocals and the band’s innovative arrangement, became an anthem of the psychedelic era. Another notable track from this period is “Season of the Witch,” a cover of Donovan’s song, which showcased Driscoll’s ability to blend rock and jazz influences seamlessly.
Driscoll also pursued a solo career, releasing the critically acclaimed album “1969” in 1971. This album featured a mix of original songs and covers, highlighting her versatility and depth as an artist. In the 1970s, Julie Driscoll changed her name to Julie Tippetts after marrying jazz musician Keith Tippett. She explored more experimental and avant-garde music, collaborating with her husband on various projects. This period saw her moving away from mainstream rock to focus on progressive jazz and free improvisation.
One of her notable collaborations was with the band Centipede, an experimental jazz and rock orchestra led by her husband. Driscoll continued to release solo albums, including “Sunset Glow” (1975), which received praise for its innovative sound and artistic ambition.
Driscoll, now Julie Tippetts, has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on her music and artistic endeavors. Her work has evolved over the years, embracing various musical styles and genres, from jazz and rock to experimental and avant-garde music and in recent years, she has also participated in numerous collaborative projects, with other musicians in the jazz and experimental music communities, demonstrating her enduring passion for musical exploration and innovation.
Look back at Julie Driscoll with Brian Auger & The Trinity performing “This Wheel’s On Fire” at the German TV show Beat-Club in 1968
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