When drummer Wayne Thomas was forming a new band in 1968 he was looking for a vocalist. It was at this time Wayne's friend Steve Williams introduced the band to singer Sharon Sims. She had done some guest spots with Steve's band The Good Intents and he was hoping to further her career by getting her a spot in the new group. Needless to say, Sharon's scorching soul voice blew them away and she joined in time for their first official gig at Shrublands Hall in Marrickville on 14 November 1968. The band's name (Flake) had been decided only three weeks earlier, and it was taken from the classic 1968 Small Faces LP 'Ogden's Nut Gone Flake'. Flake enjoyed a lot of radio airplay, and their singles sold well. All their hits were recorded with Sharon out front.
Sharon was also in a band called the Stormy Monday Big Band which was a ten-piece band with a horn section. They released one album titled 'All Of Us And $5 A Night'. Sharon was undoubtedly one of Australia's greatest vocalists. It is one of the great mysteries why she didn't get more recognition like Renee Geyer and Marcia Hines. Sharon had a truly fantastic voice and along with Alison MacCallum, pioneered singing straight up rock music in this country. She had a great vocal range that she used over a variety of styles from hard rock to ballads to straight out pop and even with some impressive prog moments allowing the whole band to stretch out & truly shine.
One of the most powerfully evocative voices in Australian or any other music of the time...should have tried for Broadway where her strong, clear and carrying vocals would have been real competition for Ethel Merman at the time...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PWBOMkJWdo
ReplyDeleteOne of the true mysteries of Australian music, how she just disappeared. Truly one of our country's leading female vocalists.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written Frank. Sharon is a friend of mine who is now retired living in Harvey Bay Qld. Her voice is still as powerful and enchanting as it was years ago.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathryn
DeleteIm glad Sharon is still going strong She was one of the best female vocalists of the 60s and Flake was a brilliant band I have the reunion LP by Glenn A Baker Id love to hear from here but maybe you could pass on my best wishes to here
Thank you very much
Regards Mike Ridd
Gd Coast
0412 660 007
Hi Kathryn, my names Larry, larrybalzan@gmail.com, im 62 and have been enchanted by Sharon's voice since I was a kid. Im glad to hear she's still going strong, and ease pass on ny vest wishes,and ley her know there's plenty of Aussies music lovers that miss that voice,
DeleteKind regards, Larry.
Hello Kathryn, I recently bought a scrapbook at an auction which was Sharon's when she was in her early 20's in 1972, let me know if you want me to pass pictures on
ReplyDelete