Matt Monro

Matt Monro. Born Terence Edward Parsons, he was an English singer renowned for his smooth baritone voice and impeccable phrasing, earning him the nickname "The Man with the Golden Voice." His career, which spanned from the late 1950s until his death, was defined by a string of international hit records and his performances of signature theme songs for major films. Often compared favorably to American crooners like Frank Sinatra, Monro became one of the most successful British vocalists of the easy listening era, achieving significant acclaim in the United Kingdom, the United States, and across Asia.

Early life and career beginnings

Born in Shoreditch, he served as a British Army driver during National Service before pursuing music. His early professional break came working as a vocalist for the BBC's Show Band under the direction of Cyril Stapleton. Adopting the stage name Matt Monro, he was discovered by Winifred Atwell, who helped him secure a recording contract with Decca Records. His initial releases made little impact, but a pivotal moment arrived when producer George Martin selected him to record a demo for Peter Sellers's parody of Sinatra on the comedy album Songs for Swingin' Sellers. Martin, impressed by Monro's talent, subsequently signed him to Parlophone.

Rise to fame and major hits

His association with George Martin proved transformative, leading to his first major hit in 1960 with "Portrait of My Love," which reached the Top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. This success established his signature style of romantic ballads. He further cemented his popularity with the chart-topping "My Kind of Girl" and the poignant "Softly as I Leave You." A significant career milestone was his recording of "From Russia with Love," the title track for the James Bond film of the same name, which became an international standard. Other notable hits from this prolific period included "Walk Away" and "Yesterday," a cover of The Beatles' song released before their own single.

International success and later career

Monro achieved remarkable success in the United States, where "My Kind of Girl" and "Walk Away" both entered the Billboard Hot 100. He became a frequent performer on American television, appearing on shows hosted by Perry Como and Ed Sullivan. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he maintained a relentless touring schedule, building a massive following in Australia, South Africa, and particularly Southeast Asia, where he was known as "The Singer's Singer." He recorded for Capitol Records in the U.S. and continued to release successful albums like Invitation to the Movies and Heartbreakers, often featuring songs by composers such as Les Reed and Barry Mason.

Personal life and death

He married his wife, Mickie, in 1953, and they had three children, including his daughter, the singer Michele Monro. Known for his humble and professional demeanor offstage, he enjoyed a stable family life away from the show business spotlight. A heavy smoker for much of his life, he was diagnosed with liver cancer in the early 1980s. He died from the disease at the Cromwell Hospital in London in February 1985. His funeral was attended by many figures from the entertainment industry, including Bruce Forsyth and Russ Conway, and he was interred at Putney Vale Cemetery.

Legacy and influence

Monro is remembered as one of Britain's finest vocal interpreters, with a legacy preserved through extensive reissues of his recordings. His contribution to James Bond music with "From Russia with Love" holds a permanent place in the franchise's history. The Matt Monro Award, established in his memory, is presented at the annual Carl Alan Awards to recognize outstanding talent in the entertainment industry. His influence is cited by later performers, including Michael Bublé, and his enduring popularity is evidenced by consistent radio airplay on stations like BBC Radio 2. His life and career have been documented in biographies authored by his daughter, ensuring his status as "The Man with the Golden Voice" endures.

Category:English male singers Category:1930 births Category:1985 deaths