Fact #113793

Barrie Marshall (promoter) : My first big act was Fontella Bass – who had a Top 20 hit with Rescue Me in 1965 – then I booked The Beach Boys. I learned a lot working with Arthur Howes (major UK promoter). It was invaluable – because the music industry was in its infancy, you were making decisions as you went along. Jimmy O'Day – who was the main agent in the organisation – had health problems and wasn't around all the time. So within a few weeks I'd gone from being his assistant to looking after acts like Helen Shapiro, The Kinks, The Walker Brothers, Status Quo and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick And Tich. I also started bringing some American artists over to Britain.
(Source : Music Week profile, December 16, 2006)