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Tributes pour in for 'one-take Woollard'
Tributes have been paid to a former singer with popular Leeds band The Cherokees, who has died, aged 64.
John Woollard, born in Headingley, Leeds, died last Friday. He had been ill with leukaemia.
Mr Woollard's friends and bandmates hailed him as a musician so skilful he was nicknamed "One-take Woollard."
After singing with various Leeds bands, he joined The Cherokees in 1962, attracted by the lead guitarist's ability to play the solo on Buddy Holly's It's So Easy.
He went on to make several records during the 60s, including the 1964 hit Seven Golden Daffodils.
The band also played several shows at Hamburg's legendary Star Club, where they shared a bill with up-and-coming big names such as Cream and The Spencer Davis Group.
Former bandmate Tez Stokes said: "John's wonderful voice was a crowd-puller wherever he went. He was a dear friend.
"I first met John and his then girlfriend Janett in 1961, and have been close friends since then. He has left a great empty space in their lives and the lives of those who held him dear."
Mr Stokes said his friend's musical tastes included Ray Charles, 1940s close harmony groups, 1950s singers and early country and western music.
Peter Morrison joined The Cherokees, re-named New York Public Library, in 1969, two years after Mr Woollard had left.
But years later NYPL reformed, with the duo playing side by side. The two also toured together as as BMW, a close harmony group.
A tribute posted on the NYPL website reads: "We have lost our greatest friend. We have lost so much."
Mr Woollard is survived by his wife Janett and their two daughters Linzi and Vikki.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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