Clifford T Ward
Clifford T Ward was an English and Drama teacher who wrote his own songs and music. In the early 1970s, he had a couple of hits with “Gaye” and “Scullery,” and a top 40 UK album, Home Thoughts From Abroad. His songs were well written, and he had a distinct sound, but he wasn’t able to maximise his success.
Ward didn’t like performing, touring, or making public appearances. Quite a drawback for a music career. He returned to teaching full time and sadly passed away in 2001, aged just 57. Ward’s music deserved so much more acclaim and success. Had he been able to tour and promote himself, he may well have had a sparkling career.
Andy Fairweather Low
You will have heard some of Andy Fairweather Low’s work, whether you realise it or not. You may even have seen him play. He kicked off his career by founding Amen Corner in the 1960s. They had several hits, “(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice” is their best known.
After the band had split in 1970, Fairweather Low played as a session musician, worked with other bands on records and tours, and released some solo work. He had a hit with a great song, "Wide Eyed And Legless” in 1975, and released several solo albums, though with minimal chart success for them.
Over subsequent years, he continued his session work and touring roles. He was a regular in Roger Waters’ backing group, the Bleeding Heart Band over 22 years and played on several of Waters’ albums too. Fairweather Low backed the likes of Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, and George Harrison for gigs.
So there is plenty of Fairweather Low music out there, but he had limited success as a solo artist. His hit single suggested much more was to come, but it didn't happen for him. He’s a very accomplished musician and songwriter, though, and his solo work is worth digging out. Give his 1975 album La Booga Rooga with the hit single a try.
Gerry Rafferty
Sure, everyone knows Gerry Rafferty and his music. He’s not a hidden gem either. Songs like “Baker Street" as a solo artist or “Stuck In The Middle With You” with Stealers Wheel are classics. He is also known for a spell in the Humblebums alongside comedian Billy Connolly and Tam Harvey in the late 1960s.
Again, there were plenty of albums from Rafferty himself; he released 10 solo studio albums in his lifetime. Of those, City To City in 1978 was his biggest success, closely followed by the two immediately after, Night Owl in 1979, and then Snakes And Ladders in 1980. Success faded somewhat after that, though he remained highly regarded.
Part of the reason for that is likely to be Rafferty taking time out from the business and also declining to perform live. He was said to be uncomfortable performing for audiences. His album Life Goes On was released in 2009 and became the last he completed before he died in 2011 at age 63, another great musician lost too early.
Luckily, his daughter was motivated and inspired to work on a new release, Rest In Blue, in 2021. She worked on a selection of demos and songs Rafferty had been preparing. It’s a very good album and hits the right tone for a Rafferty collection.