Johnny Sandon

Johnny Sandon (originally named William "Billy" Francis Beck,^[1] 27 May 1941 – 23 December 1996) was a British musician, best known for being an early rock and roll singer who was part of the Merseybeat phenomenon in the early 1960s.

Sandon started singing at age twelve and in 1958 appeared on TV programme Opportunity Knocks.^[1] The mothers of Sandon and John McNally both worked at the same bakery, and it was McNally's mother who suggested that John add him to the group.^[1] Sandon's first gig as The Searchers frontman was at St Luke's Hall in Crosby.^[1] His stagename, Johnny Sandon, was recommended by John-based on The Sandon, a pub near Anfield stadium.^[1] Sandon led the Searchers from 1960 to February 1962, playing his last gig at the Cavern club on 28 February 1962.^[1] He then joined The Remo Four for one year, before leaving to pursue a solo career. He appeared on ITV talent show New Faces on 6 November 1976.^[2]