Born Brian Frederick Hines, Denny Laine rose to prominence as the original voice of the Moody Blues’ hit cover of "Go Now." Over a six-decade career, the multi-instrumentalist became a foundational presence in British rock, serving as a permanent member of Wings for their entire ten-year tenure while maintaining an extensive body of solo work.
Early Musical Foundations
Raised in Tyseley, Birmingham, he attended Yardleys School and adopted the guitar after listening to the work of Django Reinhardt. He first performed publicly at age 12. By his teens, he fronted Denny Laine and the Diplomats, a group featuring future Electric Light Orchestra drummer Bev Bevan. He adopted his stage name to sound more distinctive, drawing inspiration from singer Frankie Laine.
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In 1964, he joined the M&B 5, later renamed the Moody Blues. Laine provided lead vocals on the group's debut hit, "Go Now," and contributed to tracks such as "I Don't Want to Go on Without You." During his 1964 to 1966 tenure, he co-wrote B-sides including "And My Baby's Gone." Following a series of chart struggles, he departed the band in October 1966, with Justin Hayward succeeding him.
Transition and Experimental Groups
Following his departure from the Moody Blues, he formed the Electric String Band, which shared stages with Procol Harum and the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967. This project was short-lived, as was the band Balls, which he joined alongside Trevor Burton. During 1970, he also performed with Ginger Baker's Air Force, expanding his collaborative work before his high-profile move to Wings.
Decade with Wings
In 1971, Laine joined Paul and Linda McCartney to form Wings, serving as a core member until 1981. He contributed guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals to albums such as Band on the Run and London Town. He co-wrote the 1977 single "Mull of Kintyre," which became the UK's highest-selling single for seven years. He also maintained his own output, releasing solo albums such as Ahh...Laine! and Holly Days during this period.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Tyseley
- Died: 2023, Naples
- Primary Instrument: Guitar
- Band Memberships: The Moody Blues, Wings, Ginger Baker's Air Force
- Notable Hit: "Mull of Kintyre"
- Hall of Fame Induction: 2018 (The Moody Blues)
- Education: Yardleys School
- Solo Studio Albums: 10
Questions readers ask
Was Denny Laine a member of the Beatles?
No, he was not a member of the Beatles, though he was a key collaborator with Paul McCartney as a member of the band Wings.
Which bands did Denny Laine help found?
He co-founded the Moody Blues in 1964 and Wings in 1971.
Achievements
- Educated at Yardleys School
- Worked as composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
