One More Step!
By Johnny Brandon
January 2008
Book Guild Publishing
Distributed By Trans-Atlantic Publications
ISBN: 9781846241819 
260 pages, Illustrated, 6 3/8 x 9 1/2"
$37.95 Hardcover
The colourful autobiography of extraordinary song-and-dance man Johnny Brandon,
from tap-dancing in British music hall at the age of 11, to writing chart-topping
singles and hit musicals. Johnny Brandon worked with some of the biggest
names in show business, including Vera Lynn, Adelaide Hall, Jessie Matthews,
Morecambe and Wise and Barbara Windsor in London.
As well as writing hit
songs for others, he released his own chart-topping singles in the early
1950s. But the 'Personality Kid' was more than a stage presence. His lifelong
involvement in civil rights was underpinned by the 50 years he shared with
his African-American partner, Robert Richardson. When they set up home in
New York, Johnny immediately began writing hits for American stars, including
Sarah Vaughan, Bill Haley and the Comets, Theresa Brewer and The Andrews
Sisters, and musicals for some of the finest performers in American theatre.
The zest for life and passion for music of the 'King of Zing' bring his story
dancing off the page. But he returns time and again to the underlying themes
that are most important to him: his admiration for and gratitude to all his
'black soul brothers and sisters', and his relationship with Bob. His deep
love of all humanity, his fundamental belief that we are all 'family', regardless
of race, colour, religion, sexuality or lifestyle, shine strongly through
his narrative - the story of a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant soul brother.
About the Author
Born in London in 1924, Johnny Brandon was appearing in West End Shows in
his early teens. Conscripted into the Army aged 18, he became a Sergeant
in the Royal Signals and joined the British Forces Network in Germany as
a producer, DJ and performer. His first hit song was Once Upon a Wintertime,
recorded by Vera Lynn. His first hit as a singer was Slow Coach and
as singer/ songwriter, Tomorrow. He also wrote and co-starred in
his own BBC TV specials, Dreamer's Highway. His many awards include an Ivor
Novello Award Certificate of Honor. Now an established songwriter and record
producer based in the USA he lives in New York.
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