Born John Bertram Lynton in Shepperton, Middlesex on 27 February 1940, Jackie first began singing in the choir at Shepperton Church School.
As a teenager, he was persuaded by club proprietor Dennis Cordet to enter a talent competition. He won and was soon playing local venues backed by a band called The Teenbeats (originally The Plectones), with Cordet managing them initially.
After playing at the legendary 2i’s coffee bar in Soho, 2i’s proprietor Tom Littlewood took over as Lynton’s manager and he quickly graduated to the Larry Parnes package tour circuit where he worked alongside early rockers such as Billy Fury, Vince Taylor, Wee Willie Harris and John Leyton.
A recording deal with Pye’s new Piccadilly label produced his first single, a Tony Hatch produced revival of Over The Rainbow.
Hailed by New Musical Express as “Most Promising Newcomer”, Jackie was widely tipped to crack the big time but the all-important breakthrough chart record proved elusive. Despite his lack of chart success, Jackie’s live performances earned him a big reputation.
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