Raymond Froggatt, a singer and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 81, his bandmate has confirmed. In the 1960s, the Shropshire-based musician known as “Froggy” contributed top-ten songs for The Dave Clark Five and Cliff Richard.
The performer “never lost his love for music” and continued touring with his band while composing and performing his own songs in his later years.
Sunday, he passed away at Shrewsbury Hospital.
In 1968, The Dave Clark Five had a top ten success with Froggatt’s The Red Balloon, with the song’s original version reaching the Netherlands’ top three.
In the 1960s, Froggatt’s guitarist, Hartley Cain, fondly recalled him as a “close and dear friend” who was “extremely generous.”
Cain stated that the composer grew up in Birmingham and spent the majority of his adult life in Telford after falling in love with Shropshire while visiting acquaintances.
He rose to prominence in the country music scene and released approximately 40 albums.
In addition to Cain, he formed The Raymond Froggatt Band with Lou Clark and Len Ablethorpe in 1965. The band toured England and France prior to signing with Polydor Records in 1967.
His work has been covered by Leapy Lee, Daniel O’Donnell, Dominic Kirwan, and Gladys Knight, among others.
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