NEWS

Want you to be my Baby 10'-Lola Massey Featuring Billie Davis

Billie has recently duetted on a new recorded version of her hit Want you to be my baby. The new track features Billie with South american singer Lola Massey, promising to be a contempory more clubby version of the original. Billie is currently promoting the track with Lola, beginning press events in Madrid & Caceras.. Billie had much success with her work in Spain and South America, Want you to be my baby maintained in the Spanish charts for over a year. Billie still has a thriving fanbase in the Spanish speaking countries, she has toured and lived their, picked up the language and recorded some songs in Spanish. We will keep you updated with tour dates.

Lola & Billie enjoying a true Spanish, Paella. Madrid,May 2010

Billie features on Neil Diamond compilation

Billie's recording of Neil Diamond's Love to Love has been included in a recent compilation of Diamond's superb written hits. Billie's version, with great production combined with her style, has said to be one of the best covers of the Diamond penned classi

Want you to be my baby 09'

Billie has recently duetted on a new recorded version of her hit Want you to be my baby. The new track features Billie with South american singer Lola Massey, promising to be a contempory more clubby version of the original. Billie also plans to tour and do T.V promotion with the track and Lola. Billie had much success with her work in Spain and South America, Want you to be my baby maintained in the Spanish charts for over a year. Billie still has a thriving fanbase in the Spanish speaking countries, she has toured and lived their, picked up the language and recorded some songs in Spanish. Below is the press release for this exciting new track, we will keep you updated with tour dates.

One of the most anticipated albums of the next season is the new album of Spanish sensation LOLA MASSEY. The album, recorded entirely in Argentina, is a production of the renowned producer OSI TEJERINA and is chock full of talent and special guests. Expectations are high for the latest work of this special artist that will be released simultaneously in Europe and South America.  Among the partnerships announced is the legendary British singer / songwriter BILLIE DAVIS, who reached number 1 on the charts with her I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY, a new version of which is performed as a duet by BILLIE and MASSEY that is sure to be a great success.  Another dream is the participation of famed Italian musician NICOLA DI BARI, who adds to this album with a unique version CORAZON GITANO together with Massey.  The other songs - 12 - in total, include contributions from other composers, such as the Argentine JOE BORSANI – and the Spaniard CARMELO MARTINEZ . The remaining songs are original compositions by the and include a song representative of Azerbaijan, one of the winners of the last Eurovision Song Contest performed by Arash & Aysel, adapted for this album by Massey herself. Another special appearance is that of renowned jazz versionist KAREN SOUZA This album will surely meet and super cede the high expectations held by the public. CD INTERNATIONAL 2009

Celebrating an old friend

Billie was recently asked to write a note for a commemorative book, celebrating the life and work of the late Diana Dors. Billie was honored to submit a few words, concerning her old friend.

I first met Di at he house in Sunningdale. We were being managed by the same company and I was promoting 'I want you to be my Baby'. At the time she was about to go into the Royal Court Theatre. Over a cup of tea, Di produced this huge chunk of bread and Jam, explaining 'I've got to put on weight for the part.' She was taller than I expected and never wore tights because she had such great legs.

She wasn't so in touch with music but she did comment on how much she loved ' Angel Of The Morning'- in fact, from then on she called me her little Angel of the morning. I went to a few of her cabaret gigs and she would drive herself in her Rolls, sometimes with her hair in rollers, her famous black dress with the slit up the front in the back along with her music. She would say things like 'Oh, Billie, I'm gonna have trouble doing the dress up- too much apple pie!' Di loved to potter about in the kitchen and she did make a mean apple pie. She once told me she had a wonderful cleaning lady,'she even waters the plastic flowers!'

Underneath the blonde bombshell was a great actress. We all said Diana should have hosted her own chat show, which I think she was about to get together. Alan adored her and just could not live without her.

Cult Artist Uses Billie!

Recently A fan discovered this fantastic graphic image, noticing the image was in fact Billie Davis. It was an image from her Decca recordings, the sleeve Image for her Single 'Make The Feeling Go Away'. We contacted OBEY, and enquired about the image, we were interested in why the Artist Shepard Fairey chose the image. His assistant informed me that he was not aware that the Image was Billie Davis, but that it looked like his girlfriend. The OBEY team were intrigued with discovering the history of the image, and sent a wonderful signed print of the above poster. Billie has it on her wall, an original print.

Shepard Fairey is a renowned graphic artist, OBEY merchandise is one of his successful outlets for his work. He recently gained notoriety for the work he did on the Obama presidential campaign, designing various poster.

visit www.obeygiant.com

Cliff Richard Celebration!

Billie and the Stars of The Me and My Shadows tour, will be featuring on this very special show, this year at The London Palladium. Tickets available at www.seetickets.com

Memorabilia Mania!!!!

A great two days at Birmingham NEC at the Memorabilia show. Billie and Jet Harris appeared for signings on both days, amongst a great deal of film and television talent. Many dedicated fans showed up to have various collectable pieces signed . Various events and activities throughout the day, along with some fascinating characters and faces in the crowd. This was Billie's first appearance at this kind of event, but she took to it naturally and found it to be a great experience.

Special Review

SPECIAL REPORT: Go-Go Rapiers at Fareham

Jet Harris, Billie Davis and The Rapiers

Ferneham Hall, Fareham

9 October 2007

By Rob Bradford

Another cracking show.

With Mac Poole manning the sound desk, the results were far better than when The Rapiers were last at Ferneham Hall on 1 September in tandem with Mike Berry—that too featured great performances from the artists, but the sound was substandard. Besides taking in that show, I was there to interview Mike Berry about his '60s BBC recordings. If you don't know, Mike does very long sound checks. I was waiting quietly by the side of the stage for well over an hour (not getting in anyone's way) when, just after Mike finished, the theatre manager appeared and (despite my politely explaining my presence) literally threw me out of the theatre! But I digress... no such problems this time around with Rapiers manager Janet Pryce-Jones in attendance.

Rapiers Fast Finish

As ever, The Rapiers, this night with Dave Lawes on rhythm, set the tone for the evening with a fantastic opening quartet of numbers. With their new dark suits and brand new patent winkle-picker shoes, they really looked the part as they always do—immaculate. And Shadoogie never fails to disappoint. All the usual choreography was there and the guitar sounds were to die for. Colin Pryce-Jones's restored, revamped Meazzi echo really produced the goods during a blistering The Savage.

The whole group were on top form and Dave's relentless rhythm proved that he has lost none of his playing abilities. The Rapiers are indeed fortunate that, following the tragic loss of Wayne Nicholls, they can call upon the superb contributions of both Dave and Neil Ainsby. Furthermore, there are few drummers who can recreate the playing style of the late Tony Meehan. John Tuck is one such drummer and See You in My Drums was outstanding. As well, Nathan J. Hulse's bass playing is all too often taken for granted, so I should note that his performances are exemplary, absolutely spot on.

The Rapiers finished with an electrifying fast Buckle shoe Stomp.

Billie Davis On

The group, augmented by keyboards, provided brilliant backing for Billie Davis.

Billie is one of the few '60s Girls still touring and she puts lots of effort and energy into her vocal performances. How great it is to still hear live versions of Tell Him and the poignant Angel of the Morning. Billie also has a clever medley of Dreamin'/Dream Lover that works well. Or how about Dusty's Little By Little or The Shirelles' Will You Love Me Tomorrow and a superb (Your Love Takes Me) Higher And Higher.

The Rapiers always pay great attention to detail when accompanying other artists and it's fascinating to watch.

Mike Sarne Out

Special guest Mike Sarne was due to appear at this show but had to withdraw at the very last minute. Radio Solent legend Richard Cartridge bravely filled the gap at very short notice. He performed an excellent Miss You Nights to a backing track [GO: sigh!] and livened things with a light-hearted run through Roger Miller's Kansas City Star before performing a few Cliff Richard numbers with The Rapiers behind him [GO: ah!]. You could tell that he was loving every minute of it.

Jet Harris on Form

Jet Harris has been performing on stages now for just over 50 years, but let's never take his shows for granted. A reminder, it was only in 1999 that he returned to performing in theatres on a regular basis, the real start to his latter-day renaissance.

Jet had the Ferneham audience in hysterics with his customary deadpan comments and witty one-liners. Plus, Jet is really playing well. He inspires The Rapiers and they inspire confidence in him. All the customary classics were there: Diamonds, Scarlett O'Hara, Applejack, 36-24-36, Nivram, Theme for Something Really Important, Dance With the Guitar Man, The Tall Texan, Jet Black, Gonzalez, Wonderful Land, Apache, etc. The audience loved it.

Before I forget, Billie's vocal duo The Songbirds added immensely to the evening with their attractive appearance, stage presence and excellent vocal harmonies in both Billie and Jet's sets.

Tony Meehan Tribute

Jet earned a well-deserved standing ovation. But there was another bonus for the audience.

First, some background. Many fans know Jet has been recording a brand new CD, The Journey, which should be ready for Christmas. Last year he released two advance tracks (San Antonio/Ignition) as a limited edition CD/vinyl single. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Richard C. is a lifelong Jet/Shadows fan. A while ago he submitted a track that he'd written to Jet for consideration. "I was both humbled and delighted when Jet told me that he wanted to record my little composition," said Richard.

At Ferneham, Jet reappeared (on lead guitar) with Paul Rumble on acoustic guitar and Nigel Hopkins (Jet's producer/arranger for the new CD) on trumpet. Jet was clearly nervous as he explained that the rest of the instruments were on the original studio track, which would, in effect, be used as a backing track. "We thought that it would be appropriate to dedicate this to Tony Meehan," said Jet. He then announced the title Song for Tony.

Pitted against Paul's delicate acoustic figures, the rising and falling backing track soundscape and Nigel's thrilling, piercing and haunting trumpet playing, this track was a musical eulogy for Tony, Jet playing with the style and sound of 1963. Jet was nervous, but that gave his playing real edge as he clearly poured his heart and soul into the performance. It was genuinely moving, a rare moment when instrumental artistry becomes a living expression of emotion. God rest you, Tony, and God bless you, Jet.

What an evening.

We are sad to announce the death of Kay Garner, a great loss of a wonderful talent. Kay had been suffering with terminal illness for the past year. She will be greatly missed by Billie and friends alike, Billie wanted to leave the following message

"May 27th June 2007, Kay Garner joined myself along with Sue Glover, The Rapiers onstage at the Grovenor House Lunch. Paying tribute to Tommy Bruce. Kay, knowing also that she herself had a short time to live. Kay was not going to miss that day for anything. It was to be her last performance.

I feel very privileged to have known and worked with her.

To the best Songbird

Rest In Peace Darling Kay"

The Stables

Great show at The Stables, and well done to Imogen and Julie for their debut as Billie's Songbirds. Below some backstage pictures Of Billie, The Rapiers and the Songbirds.

Billie and The Ace Cafe

Billie recently helped organize and promote The Ace Cafe exhibition at The Brent Art Centre. The exhibition celebrates the history of The Ace Cafe, through the decade's. Billie and The Rapiers performed at the opening. Here pictured with the Famous Marlon Brando motorbike, from 'The Wild Ones',

New Album Release!

New RPM Release 'Whatch Gonna Do'....due for release 26th March 2007.

Track listing:

Bedtime Stories / You And I / That Boy John / Say Nothin Don't Tell / School Is Over / Give Me Love / Watcha Gonna Do / Everybody Knows / The Last One To Be Loved / You Don't Know / No Other Baby / Hands Off / When You Move You Lose -Piccadilly / Tastes Sour Don't It / Heart And Soul / Don't Take All Night / You Don't Know Like I Know / Two Little People / That's Really Some Good / Swingin' Tight / Just Walk In My Shoes / Every Day

Available on AMAZON.CO.UK

£7.99

ASIN: B000N39HOY

Billie In Panto!!!!!

Billie was well received and really embraced her role as Fairy God mother. Performing her two Hits 'Angel Of The Morning' and 'Tell Him', specially written into the script for her. Billie enjoyed the refreshing experience of performing onstage in a theatrical role.

Billie Featuring as the Fairy Godmother in a Production on Cinderella in Consett, Newcastle.

Billie with Mike Sarne (Baron Hard-up) and Mac Poole (Sound coordinator)

Fairfield Hall

Great reception in Croydon Last weekend

Huntingdon Halls, Worcester

Another storming show, Billie full of fun, and Jet Full of gags, really at one with the crowed

Billie hits those notes......Jet and Billie Singing No Other Baby

The songbirds rocking on Guitar man with Jet

The Stables

Fantastic show at The Stables, Milton Keynes. Everyone was on top form

Billie with the Fab Songbirds Sue and Ria

Jet, The Rapiers and Billie during 'No Other Baby'

Lifford Hall ...Success

The first gig of Jet and Billie's tour was a total success. Small, quaint venue in the village of Broadway, Evesham.

Bringing Down The House

We are please to say that Billie Went down a storm at the recent Jet Harris Show, in Fareham.

We are also pleased to announce a new show

Check out our Reviews page as the shows happen.

"Jet Harris presents his Shadows

Featuring The Rapiers

and Special Guest

Miss Billie Davis"

See NEW date page

click here!

Jet & Billie reunited!

Billie made a surprise appearance at this years Shadowmania (click for Shadows Fan Site) at Lakeside, surrey on 3rd september, and appeared again on the 4th at the Medina Theatre. She appeared onstage during Jet Harris's set, and they performed a duet, 'No Other Baby'. This was surprising but very well received by the audience. Due to this positive response, and growing demand we are pleased to announce further dates where you can see Billie make surprise appearance.

Billie and Jet meet up in Isle Of Wight

Brand New CD....Out Now!!!!!

At Last!!!!!! We have a CD out, officially! Tell Him, Billie Davis, The Decca Years is now available to buy in the shops. Billie will be very busy in the next 6 months. Doing all that goes along with the promotion of her great release. TV and Radio interviews are being scheduled. As I mentioned, this is available in all good music outlets, but we are also giving fans an opportunity to purchase a Signed copy of the CD, That contains 40 years of work. This is available from us at the small price of £10.00 including postage and packing.

Contact: Recent & Rare Records, Unit 8, Bridge Court, 64 Bridge St, Evesham, Worcestshire WR11 4RY

Tel: 01386422123

or email

billiedavis1@yahoo.co.uk with your details and requests.

Tsunami Benefit Lunch

Billie has been out and about, helping to raise money for the Tragic Tsunami disaster. Here is a picture of Billie With Kay Garner , Rick Wakeman and Jack Douglas at the Heritage Benefit lunch. Apart from raising money for the Tsunami, this event was also to announce Rick Wakemen as the new Chairman for the Heritage.

A girls nightmare!

Billie worked along side many other greats during the 60' s, in the form of big star studded shows and television appearances. It was on one occasion when Billie was appearing on a television show, as was Dusty Springfield. As every girls nightmare, Billie and Dusty discovered backstage that they both had the same dress. Billie' s was green and Dusty's was Blue. The dress was the height of style at the time and had both planned to wear it for the show. Billie modestly said to Dusty: "Your a bigger star than me Dusty, I think you should wear the dress"

Years later we can show two photo's of Billie and Dusty wearing their dresses.

Billie on the Pop Gear film, footage due for release. Dusty in her dress, photo used for recent album