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| Craig Douglas © Nat Jag |
Craig Douglas is a singer from the early 1960's. He was still performing up until last year (2009) when he was suddenly taken ill. His legs are now paralyzed which prevents him from doing all the things he used to, as it would anyone else in the same situation. Saturday 11th December a benefit concert was arranged to raise money to help him. They raised nearly £5000. Craig sang 3 songs at the end of the night including his No. 1 hit Only Sixteen.
While this picture isn't how Craig should be remembered, it shows how brave he was to perform in front of people while in his wheelchair.
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| Craig Douglas © Nathan Hulse |
Extra Info added 20 November 2011:-
I've noticed this posts gets many views and comes up early in a google search of Craig Douglas. For this reason I decided to add a picture of Craig before his illness. This was taken back stage during a tour I was involved with called 'Made in Britain'. I play bass guitar and was fortunate to get to play with Craig in that show. Craig was a true gentleman and always had time for fans at the end of shows. I keep hearing rumour he may do some live performances again, that is all I've heard.
So sorry to belatedly hear of his illness, one of the big British stars of his era. If anyone is still in touch with him, I'd very much like to interview him for my www.uksounds.com podcast radio show, I'm sure he's got some great stories to share, and happy if we can raise some money to make his life more comfortable. I interviewed the Rapiers some 20 yrs ago, glad you guys still rockin' Ian
ReplyDeleteMy brother Mike is in touch with Craig weekly Craig has just done a show at the Medina Theatre I.O.W with Alvin Stardust any info you would like contact Mike Reader 01983567480
DeleteHi Craig,
ReplyDeleteSad to hear of your sudden illness. You may or may not remember me, i was the blonde bimbo that was seeing your cousin when we all went off to Wales whilst you played Prince Charming in pantomime and a the hotel we played silly sods jumping over the bed the three of us. I don't think your cousin was very happy,please tell him i am sorry about that, anyway hope you get well soon. I am now divorced living in Stratford Olympic area and fed up. Maria Ski
By the way when my mother was alive and i took her to see you in a show in London, she thought you was great, i think she rather fancied you at the time, i felt like little lettuce, it was terribly embarrassing. 151 1TX. No motives i can assure you, stay fit and keep it healthy. Maria Ski
ReplyDeletehi craig so sorry to hear of your illness . i worked with you down in sand bay weston super mare . it was so nice to meet you . you are a gentlemen . i would be happy anytime to raise some money for you . all the very best steve . www.thestarlites.co.uk
ReplyDeleteThis message can be passed on via Mike Reader 01983567480 as in contact with Craig and is also promoting new shows for Craig July 19th he will be appearing at the Worthing Pavillion
Deleteah, for the days when pop and rock sat together, unaware it wasn't done!
ReplyDeletebeen a fan of yours forever!
ReplyDeleteWish you well, and glad to hear the voice is still good!
Wish i was still "only 16"
but life has been good to me.
Just heard on Sounds of the 60s of Craig's illness; I wish him well, I loved all his music xxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Craig, I have just read of your illness and want to wish you well! You probably won't remember me,but back in 1961 you stayed at my aunt's home, while you were in Mother Goose at the Sunderland Empire.Our family were all at my aunt and uncle's house on New Years eve.You entertained us kids (I was 13)and showed us how to do the Twist.Afterwards,you very kindly drove my mother and I home in the early hours of the morning.Thank you for that lovely night so long ago and thank you for your great music. I am so glad your voice is still good. You are a fine singer and a gentleman.Bless you,Craig xx
ReplyDeleteHello Craig, So sorry to hear of the problem. Like many others, my wife Sylvia and myself have loved your music always. The first date we had together was '62 the local cinema,"It's Trad Dad"
ReplyDeleteRainbows,oh! great times Craig. Wish we could go back. We run a Rock'n'Roll Night locally, where, like all the "Greats" your songs feature everytime. We are so glad we were (and still are)
part of that unique and wonderful era.
Best wishes.
Terry & Sylvia Edwards. South Wales.
Hi Craig,
ReplyDeleteI went from soppy teenager to a very loving wife of 44 years. Your songs made me understand love and how it makes you feel.
I took my husband to see a pantomime you were in with Sue Nicholls (Audrey from Coronation Street) at Peterborough and we enjoyed it very much.
I was very sorry to learn of your illness and can only pray that things will improve for you.
Please get well soon.
Love
June
One of our best, its so good to be aged, I will always remember you, you brought us so many memories, we will pray for you.
ReplyDeleteCraig, so sorry to hear of your illness. I remember so well one song that still cheers me up "Rainbows in your tears". I loved the ads too! :) You are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH CRAIG A FEW TIMES , SOME YEARS AGO I OPEND A MUSIC ACADEMY . CRAIG WAS THE PRESIDENT.. HE GAVE US HIS SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP... SADLY WE LOST TOUCH DUE TO MY OWN PERSONAL LIFE... IVE WORKED WITH MANY STARS FROM THE 60S .. I HAVE TO SAY CRAIG IS A STAR A LEGEND AND A GENTLEMAN .. I WISH HIM THE VERY BEST.. YOU WERE THERE FOR ME THANK YOU.. ROB MARTIN RMVISIONS@LIVE.CO.UK
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that Craig has had to give up singing and touring. I interviewed him a few weeks before he appeared at the Gladstone, Port Sunlighr Cheshire with The Swingn' Blue Jeans. Craig made some great recordings and his music will live on and continue to be released on compilations.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and I came to one of your shows in Manchester/1959. We were on the front row and my sister was 16. As you can imagine she thought the song was just for her! Happy days.
ReplyDeleteHope your health has improved.
I came here wanting to know how Craig is doing, I'd heard about his illness. Craig takes me back to my youth when he was my favourite singer. I ran the Northern Branch of his fan club and was fortunate to meet him many times, and have photos to go with the memories. I wish Craig well for the future.
ReplyDeleteFreda
After googling "Craig Douglas" to see what he was doing now, I was pleased to see he was performing up to fairly recently. I saw him when he visited the Adelphi in West Bromwich, was Staffordshire, now Sandwell, and was able to meet him as I was i his Fan Club. So sorry to hear about his illness, but hope his health will improve through the new year, and that he will continue singing. June Whitehouse
ReplyDeleteCraig was always a top performer and his records were always quality. I had to wait until 2002 to see him live at Lowestoft as guest of Helen Shapiro. Well worth the wait! All the best Craig.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your illness Craig... I loved your music but never went to a concert.. Long, long ago we used to pass each other when we were both delivering milk in Newport...
ReplyDeleteHello Craig......My mother(Pearl)from Wimborne Dorset has been trying to get in touch with you, but lost the telephone number you gave her. I told her I will try and find out how you are online and told her you have not been so well, she was quite choked up. She wishes you well Craig and said your sister will be taking very good care of you. I have a lovely photo of you and your brother that passed away and my mother, she used to speak very highly of you. Mum said please give her a little tinkle on the phone to say hello, she would truly love to hear from you as its been a couple of years now.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Caroline x
Hi Caroline,
DeleteThanks for your message which has been passed on to Craig.
Nathan
Went and seen Craig at Trowbridge Wiltshire AND IT WAS A LOVERLY SHOW AND HAD MY PICTURE TAKEN WITH HIM ,I AM IN A WHEELCHAIR SO I CAN UNDERSTAND HOW HE FEEL .TELL HIM WE FEEL FOR HIM AND HOPE HE WILL STILL DO THE SHOW EVEN IF IN A WHEELCHAIL THE TRUE FANS DON'T MIND
ReplyDeleteHi Craig. So sorry to hear of your illness and trust that you are doing ok. We met when you performed at the 'Commodore' in Ryde. I worked in the box office. You came in to look at the bookings - gave me a big hug and a kiss. Every seat was booked and we ended up with 'standing room only. What a night that was!Still remember the kiss!!!
ReplyDeleteCraig you are still hot and always will be ,in the eyes of your long standing friends you are the sixties ,like we are . Get better , Paul an original sixties guy and big fan then and still a big fan .
ReplyDeleteI wonder who the three back-up singers were with Craig doing Rainbows in Trad Dad? Never saw them credited. Craig, I hope you're OK.
ReplyDeleteSteve in USA
Hi Craig, hope you are well and still singing even though you have not been in the best of health in recent years. You are one of the great singers of the the sixties and will always be part of our teenage years. Happy Memories. From Irene & Chris.
ReplyDelete