PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM JIMMY
I was inspired to be a singer when I was just 14 years old. I attended the Cheshunt School in Hertfordshire. My English teacher was Mrs. J. Norris – a lovely lady who was also the teacher to Harry Webb (known to everyone now as Sir Cliff Richard) some years before. I remember Cliff visiting the school on many occasions. At one time I remember him teaching religious education for three weeks running. There were times when Cliff performed at the school to raise money for TearFund. After seeing and hearing him perform at school he inspired me to be a singer myself. So I put together a band with other pupils and called ourselves Silver Wings. We were only 14 years old. We were then asked by Mrs. Norris if we would perform two songs as a support act for Cliff. It was 1976, I remember the event like it was yesterday. My little band and I were sound-checking in the afternoon of the day, when suddenly in walked Cliff! It was a pleasure to meet him. He kindly let me use his microphone on that evening. It was a gift from his mother for his 35th birthday. I cannot believe that I have now been performing professionally as a tribute to Sir Cliff for thirty-one years after a win on television’s Stars in Their Eyes. With many highlights such as singing for him at his celebration for 50 years in showbusiness and also Cliff’s 70th birthday party at The Dorchester Hotel in London. I was so proud to have performed in Cliff – The musical in the Prince of Wales Theatre, Leicester Square. I have achieved all this after being inspired by the great man himself all those years ago. He is a wonderful role model and a true gentleman. I owe a lot to Sir Cliff and I will continue to love and respect him.
Jimmy Jemain, Cliff Richard tribute act
