Steve Marriott All Too Beautiful Hewitt Paolo by Hewitt, Paolo 9781900924443, 1900924447 instant download after payment.

Steve Marriott should, without doubt, be remembered as Britain's -nay, the worlds greatest white soul singer. He was also one of the last great characters of the music industry -- the sharp-dressed charming cockney who would have a joke for every occasion, a put-down for every rival. As a rebellious urchin he burned down his school. His showbusiness debut was as a pick-pocket in the original stage production of Oliver! He came to fame as the little East End 'erbert who captured the very essence of the phenomenon that became know as "mod", while fronting those darlings of Wapping Wharf, the Small Faces. From 1965 to 1967 Marriott held the title of world mod icon - totally unchallenged. The Small Faces scored a string of top ten singles including the classics "All Or Nothing" and "Tin Soldier". They all lived together in millionaire style at their chic Pimlico home, were whisked around by limousine, dated top models and actresses, and frequented London's most fashionable clubs. In 1968 Marriott and his band mates released a number one classic album Ogdens Nut Gone Flake and the world beckoned. But it was to be with another band, Humble Pie, that Steve achieved legendary status in the USA. Over 20 American tours in the space of four years including concerts at legendary venues such as Madison Square Gardens and Shea Stadium ensured their reputation as the finest touring band in the world. After Humble Pie's demise, Marriott found aimself at the sharp end of a rags-to-riches-to-rags story. With his money diverted by mafia associates and the Inland Revenue dogging his every move. While less talented contemporaries were esconced in Surrey mansions, Steve was reduced to raiding farmers' fields for vegetables. But his spirit, if blooded, was unbowed and he gained as much pleasure from playing cash gigs at London pubs as he ever did on US Stadium stages. Tragically, the 44-year-old Marriott was on the verge of a major comeback when he was tragically killed in a house fire. Book jacket.