| Biography | The Fraser Hayes Four was a British close harmony vocal group, formed by the musicians Jimmy Fraser (real name Frazer Potts) and Tony Hayes in the late 1940s, disbanded in 1953, and re-formed in 1956. according to 'The Ballad Years' by Don Wicks, the four original members were Jimmy Fraser (Potts), Tony Hayes, Dave Mason and June Ellis.
Popular 1930s and 1940s singer Denny Dennis teamed up with the original Fraser Hayes Quartette (who eventually became the Fraser Hayes Four) in about 1949. Denny initially financed the venture, and the new group was to prove successful. In June 1950 they appeared on the BBC radio show Variety Fanfare, and were given positive comments by the critics. However in January 1951, Denny Dennis left, possibly in part due to the financial pressures of maintaining such a group.
While Fraser and Hayes remained constant for the life of the group, the female lead and the fourth (bass) voice changed periodically. Annabelle Lee replaced June Ellis and married Jimmy Fraser. Dave Mason left the group and was replaced by Nick Welsh. Later they had a new female vocalist, Lynda Russell, who herself was replaced by Kerri Sims. Annabelle Lee later rejoined the group, replacing Barbara Moore who had taken over from Kerri Sims. Canadian Harry Currie became the fourth voice in 1962, appearing with the group during their six week headlining engagement at London's Latin Quarter and on several BBC broadcasts.
They are best known for providing musical interludes on the BBC Radio comedy programmes Beyond Our Ken and Round the Horne. |