Kevin Rowland
Kevin Rowland (born
August 17,
1953) is a singer, song-writer and former leader of
Dexy's Midnight Runners. Born in
Wolverhampton, Rowland is an uncompromising and passionate performer who has drawn on his Irish ancestry in much of his music, Rowland's first group, Lucy & The Lovers were influenced by
Roxy Music and turned out to be short-lived. His next project,
Punk Rock act
The Killjoys were slightly more successful, releasing the single "Johnny Won't Go To Heaven" in
1977 but alienated by the Punk scene, Rowland, together with Killjoys guitarist Al Archer decided to form a new
Soul-influenced group,
Dexy's Midnight Runners.
When Dexy's disbanded in 1987, Rowland recorded a solo album called The Wanderer which, together with its three singles, was a commercial failure. His next release was not until 1999 when he recorded a collection of cover versions called My Beauty. Despite critical acclaim, the album again failed to sell and Rowland withdrew once more from the spotlight of the music industry.
Discography (Singles):
- Walk Away / Even When I Hold You (1988)
- Tonight / Kevin Rowland's Band (1988)
- Young Man / One Way Ticket To Palookaville (1988)
- Concrete And Clay / I Can't Tell The Bottom Fom The Top (Instrumental)(1999)
(Albums):
- THE WANDERER (Young Man / Walk Away / You'll Be The One For Me / Heartaches By The Number / I Am A Wanderer / Tonight / When You Walk Alone / Age Can't Wither You / I Want / Remember Me) (1988)
- MY BEAUTY (The Greatest Love Of All / Rag Doll / Concrete And Clay / Daydream Believer / This Guy's In Love With You / The Long And Winding Road / It's Getting Better / I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top / Labelled With Love (I'll Stay With My Dreams) / Reflections Of My Life / You'll Never Walk Alone) (1999)