Judd Lander

Judd Lander
Judd with a puppet
Background information
Born	(1948-03-01) 1 March 1948 (age 77) Liverpool, England
Instruments	Vocals harmonica
Years active	1960s–present
Formerly of	The Hideaways

Work as a musician

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Lander was an intricate part of the late Mersey Beat scene, playing with well-known local band the Hideaways. The band were one of the first R&B groups in Liverpool and to this day hold the record for the most performances in the Cavern's history, surpassing the Beatles. In the mid-1960s Lander kindled a relationship with Sonny Boy Williamson II (Aleck Ford 'Rice' Miller) who taught him the intricacies of the Blues Harmonica.^[7] Lander's playing technique became much in demand and his enthusiasm for the music industry led him to record label Charisma Records, whilst still retaining his status as a respected session musician.

His reputation as both PR-man and session musician continued to grow and in 1975 he was approached by Apple Records to help with John Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll album. As a musician he was invited to perform on various in-house sessions with artists such as Billy Preston.^[8] Over the course of his career and directorships at various major labels, he has been instrumental in the careers of artists such ABBA,^[9] Michael Jackson,^[10] Nigel Dick^[11] and the Proclaimers.^[12] He was also responsible for breaking Meat Loaf in the UK,^[13] receiving a proclamation by the Mayor of the City Of Cleveland. Lander is also noted for persuading a rather recluse guitar icon Jeff Beck into doing a TV interview which had a bizarre result.^[14] Head-hunted by RCA records to run their Motown UK Record division, Lander joined them at the historic Motown 25th anniversary show: "Yesterday, Today, Forever".

Whilst at Motown Lander was called to a session at Red Bus Studios in London to lay down a harmonica part with a then relatively unknown band called Culture Club which led him to create the now-famous harmonica lead on their No 1 – million seller "Karma Chameleon" and on "Church of the Poison Mind". Following the release came a glut of TV and Wembley Stadium appearances. Around this period Lander was invited to join Paul McCartney^[15] on stage at The Odeon Hammersmith for a charity concert, and has since worked with Paul on his Flowers in the Dirt.^[16]

As a musician Lander is credited with performances on over 2000 recording sessions. He is noted for his work with artists such as The Beach Boys,^[17] Nazareth,^[18] The Proclaimers,^[12] Kirsty MacColl,^[18] Prefab Sprout,^[18] Maxi Priest,^[18] Madness, The The,^[18] Tina Turner,^[18] Mike Oldfield,^[18] The Communards,^[18] Richard Ashcroft,^[18] Annie Lennox.^[18] In addition, he has an entry in Who's Who in the Music Industry^[18] and has received one of the highest musical accolades – the Gold Award from BASCA, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, held at London's Savoy hotel. This coveted award celebrates the achievements of a group of people who have made an outstanding contribution to Britain's music industry. Lander was also involved in the biggest event in the UK music calendar – The BRIT AWARDS. Lander had worked on this show for the past 22 years as floor cam director.^[18]

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Work in television

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Lander moved into the world of television as a puppeteer on BBC's Saturday Superstore children's show for a period of five years, then as an associated producer on The St Lucia Jazz Festival^[18] – shot in the Caribbean. His on-screen credits can also be seen in Resting Rough an odd but amusing short film about a flea ridden mattress, which featured Pierce Brosnan – Judd composed arranged and produced the film's music.^[19] He also contributed to quite a few BBC drama episodes and headed the position as Director of promotions with London Records. His Chrysalis Records appointment saw him deliver the No. 1 hit "The One and Only" with Chesney Hawkes.^[20] Other shows include – Top of the Pops,^[18] The Tube,^[18] The Old Grey Whistle Test^[18] and Later... with Jools Holland.^[18]

He then went onto become A&R/label Director at Warner Music Group, a division within media giants Warner Bros. delivering them a No. 2 and No. 3 chart singles. Over the past 10 years he has successfully returned to his PR roots – and with his indisputable wealth of media contacts he has already helped a host of international artists obtaining major TV media coverage – featuring artists such as LeAnn Rimes.^[21]

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Work as a musician

Work in television

Partial discography

References

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