Sharon Tandy


Sharon Tandy was a South African singer who achieved some success in the United Kingdom in the 1960s as part of the blue-eyed soul and psychedelic movements. In 1966, she recorded some songs at Stax studios, a rarity for a white singer. She also had several chart hits in South Africa in the 1970s.

1960s

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tandy appeared in South Africa's first beat film, Africa Shakes, and moved to England in 1964 at the suggestion of Frank Fenter, UK head of Atlantic Records, whom she later married. She released several singles between 1965 and 1969, and although none was a hit, she appeared on several contemporary television programmes, such as Beat Club. She has been described by Richie Unterberger as "blue-eyed soul singer rather in the mold of Dusty Springfield, both in terms of her voice and her versatility, blending various shades of soul, British pop, and even some tinges of mod-psychedelia." Her voice has also been compared to those of Julie Driscoll and Christine Perfect.
In 1966 she recorded tracks at Stax Records' McLemore Avenue studios, backed by Booker T. & the M.G.'s and Isaac Hayes, and was an opening act on the 1967 Stax/Volt Tour of Europe. That year she also teamed up with another of Fenter's bands, Les Fleur de Lys and recorded several singles for the Atlantic label and a session for John Peel's "Top Gear". She recorded a single for Polydor in 1967 credited to "Debrah Aire" featuring more pop styled tracks, but this also flopped. The combination of lack of commercial success and the breakdown of her relationship with Fenter led to her return to South Africa in 1970.

Later career

As half of various duets, Tandy scored three South African Top Ten hits between 1972 and 1978. However, little success followed these recordings. In 1989, she appeared in the South African boxing film Brutal Glory as a singer.
After her return to the UK, nostalgic interest in 2004 resulted in her playing a gig at London's 100 Club; a reviewer commented

Personal life and death

Sharon has one daughter, Wendy Crabb. She has three grandchildren - Leigh Marti, Kelly Van Der Linde, Kaila-Lee Crabb. Sharon is a great grandmother to Kade Van Der Linde and Kenzie Van Der Linde.
Sharon Tandy died on 21 March 2015, after a long illness.

Discography

Singles

;1960s UK
  • 1965 – "Now That You've Gone" / "Hurtin' Me"
  • 1965 – "I've Found Love" / "Perhaps Not Forever"
  • 1965 – "It's An Uphill Climb to the Bottom" / "Don't Be Proud"
  • 1966 – "Love Makes the World Go Round" / "By My Side"
  • 1967 – "Toe Hold" / "I Can't Get Over It"
  • 1967 – "Stay with Me" / "Hold On"
  • 1967 – "Our Day Will Come" / "Look And Find"
  • 1967 – "This Land of Mine" / "What The World Needs Now Is Love" credited to "Debrah Aire"
  • 1968 – "Fool on the Hill" / "For No One"
  • 1968 – "Love Is Not A Simple Affair" / "Hurry Hurry Choo Choo"
  • 1968 – "You've Gotta Believe It" / "Border Town"
  • 1968 – "The Way She Looks at You" / "He'll Hurt Me"
  • 1968 – "Hold On" / "Daughter of the Sun"
  • 1969 – "Gotta Get Enough Time" / "Somebody Speaks Your Name"
  • 1969 – "Two Can Make It Together" / "The Bitter and the Sweet"
;1970s South Africa
  • 1972 – "Hello-A", No. 5
  • 1977 – "I Believe in You", No. 9
  • 1978 – "Welcome Home", No. 10

Albums

;Solo CD
;Compilations
  • 1972 – Formidable Rhythm N Blues, Volume 11 : "Stay with Me"
  • 1999 – Here Come the Girls Vol.10 : "Hurtin' Me", "Perhaps Not Forever"
  • 2002 – Reflections 1965–1969 : Les Fleur de Lys compilation
  • 2003 – The Rubble Collection: "Hold On" & "Daughter of the Moon"
  • 2006 – The Essential 60s Love Album : "I've Found Love"
;Guest appearances
  • 1970 – ''Five Day Rain''