Singer-songwriter Peter Sarstedt dies aged 75

[MI5]

RIP Peter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38548507

[Anonymous]

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@jonsie wrote:

There were quite a few solo singers around that time. As well as the above, there was Mark Wynter and Shane Fenton (he later became Alvin Stardust and unfortunately died in 2014) to name but two.

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@jonsie Billy Fury was also a favourite of mine ... I believe he died when young of a hole in the heart, a condition which I understand can be 'mended' now & for quite some time ... @Cleoriff ?

[Cleoriff]

@AnonymousBilly Fury actually had rheumatic fever as a child which affected the valves in his heart.

He died of a heart attack when he was 42. When he started his career, I thought he was the UK's answer to Elvis Presley....

[jonsie]

Billy Fury was another favourite of mine along with Adam Faith who had number ones and appeared in many films and tv series as a decent actor. Alas he died too at the age of 62 of a heart attack after earlier having open heart surgery. I always think that given today's medical technology they could have had 20 more years to entertain us.

[jonsie]

He was the nearest we had to Elvis though Cliff and the curling lip and hip movements tried to emulate him without success.

[Cleoriff]

Nowadays in the developed countries, rheumatic fever is very rare. Starts from an untreated 'strep' throat infection. Easily diagnosed and treated.

[jonsie]

I'm sure and I bow to your medical knowledge but in the 1940s I presume it was easy to miss or treatment not as effective? 

[Cleoriff]

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@jonsie wrote:

I'm sure and I bow to your medical knowledge but in the 1940s I presume it was easy to miss or treatment not as effective? 

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True Steve....Very prevalent in the 40's and 50's. Easily missed and with kids between the age of 5-15 often had catastrophic long term results

[jonsie]

Born 40 years too early but each gave us special memories in their own way. We need to think ourselves fortunate born in that era that we didn't suffer those childhood illnesses....though I did spend nearly a month at a convalescence home after kidney problems.....whatever happened to those?

[Cleoriff]

Convalescence homes? Don't make me laugh. They went the same way as post surgical rehabilitation centres  and hospitals for the elderly and infirm. Apologies. Totally off topic....

Yes... there were many excellent singers and groups from the 60's and 70's who are sadly no longer with us...

[jonsie]

It would seem God wants the talented people early....