roy redmond

Biography

Roy Redmond is a mysterious figure in the world of Northern Soul, best known for his brief but impactful recording career in the late 1960s. Very little is documented about his early life or background, and almost all available information centers on his work with Loma Records, a Warner Bros. subsidiary focused on soul singles. In 1967, Redmond recorded just four songs, released as two singles, including his acclaimed cover of The Beatles' 'Good Day Sunshine' and a powerful rendition of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come.'[1][2][6][7]

Redmond's music is characterized by its passionate vocal delivery and danceable, uptempo arrangements, which have made his tracks highly sought after by Northern Soul enthusiasts. His single 'Ain't That Terrible' is considered a classic of the genre, praised for its relentless energy and floor-filling appeal. Despite the quality and popularity of his recordings, Redmond disappeared from the music scene after these releases, leaving behind a legacy built on rarity and cult admiration.[1][2][7]

Although his career was short-lived, Roy Redmond's work has been celebrated in Northern Soul circles, especially in the UK, where collectors and DJs continue to champion his singles. The enduring demand for his records and the mystery surrounding his life have only added to his legendary status among soul aficionados.[1][2][7]

Fun Facts

• Roy Redmond's cover of 'Good Day Sunshine' by The Beatles is considered by some collectors as one of the greatest Beatles covers ever recorded.[1][2]
• His single 'Ain't That Terrible' has never been repressed since its original 1967 release, making original copies extremely rare and valuable among Northern Soul fans.[1][7]
• Despite his cult status, almost nothing is known about Redmond's personal life or career after 1968, leading to his reputation as a 'man of mystery' in soul music circles.[2][6]
• Redmond's music was produced by Jerry Ragavoy, a legendary figure in soul and R&B production, who worked with artists like Janis Joplin and Garnet Mimms.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jerry Ragavoy - Producer, arranger, and conductor for both of Redmond's singles at Loma Records. ('Good Day Sunshine', 'Ain't That Terrible', 'A Change Is Gonna Come') [1967-1968]

Key Collaborators

• Jerry Ragavoy - Produced, arranged, and conducted all of Redmond's released tracks. ('Good Day Sunshine', 'Ain't That Terrible', 'A Change Is Gonna Come') [1967-1968]

Artists Influenced

• Northern Soul DJs and collectors - Redmond's singles became highly prized and influential within the Northern Soul scene in the UK, inspiring DJ sets and rare record hunts. ('Ain't That Terrible', 'Good Day Sunshine') [1970s-present]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Ain't That Terrible (After Hours The Collection: Northern Soul Masters)
2. Ain't That Terrible (Northern Soul 45's)
3. Good Day Sunshine (Best of Loma Records-Rise and Fall of a 1960's Soul Label)
4. Good Day Sunshine (Desayuno con música)
5. Good Day Sunshine (GLASS ONION: SONGS OF THE BEATLES)
6. Ain't That Terrible (Northern Soul Classics)
7. Ain't That Terrible (Northern Soul Floorfillers)
8. Ain't That Terrible (100 Greatest Northern Soul Classics)
9. Ain't That Terrible (Best of Loma Records-Rise and Fall of a 1960's Soul Label)
10. Ain't That Terrible (Northern Soul: The Collection)

External Links

• Spotify