Vernon Hopkins - Endless Roads - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Pontypridd born singer-songwriter Vernon Hopkins was founder leader of a rock band called The Senators, formed in 1960. One of it's members was a powerful singer, Tommy Scott. Building up their reputation in the South Wales Valleys, they were spotted by the man who would become their manager, Gordon Mills. In 1964 The Senators moved to London and the following year, It's Not Unusual was released after the band was renamed Tom Jones and The Squires. Tom and the band toured the world, working with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who and The Animals, to name a few. On April 6, 1968, Elvis Presley and Priscilla, along with their entourage, made their entrance into The Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas. They were there to see Tom Jones and the band feverishly working the stage that night. Afterwards, in Tom's dressing room, Vernon was introduced to Elvis. Vernon recalled the moment 'Shaking hands with the King and getting into a conversation with him was awesome.' Even though Vernon had appeared on two Royal Command Performances with Tom, apparently it couldn't beat meeting Elvis! Vernon worked with Tom for eight memorable years. In 1969 Tom and the band went their different ways. Vernon, playing bass guitar, continued working with other top entertainers before teaming up with his wife, forming the duo, Vernon and Maya, singing country music. Later, during the Nineties, he also teamed up with and old friend, Vic Cooper, who played piano with The Squires. They played the Swiss Alps and Costa del Sol as a country rock duo, Vernon on Telecaster guitar. At the end of the Nineties, drummer Chris Slade, who had been with The Senators from the beginning, along with The Fortunes guitarist Ricky Purcell, teamed up with Vernon and Vic and hit the road with the band again, lasting for about a year. Having lived in London since 1964 Vernon decided in 2002, along with his fami