Tribute to legends

Tribute to William Shakespeare

I met "William Shakespeare also known as Johnny Caves, in Sydney NSW Australia when he was performing around the local pubs and clubs with Kevin Barker and the Beagle Boys. I must say this, what an outstanding performer he was, and most the locals just knew that song "My Little Angel" William Shakespeare was not only a great singer to remember, but he also was a great friend indeed. Now retired in Sydney Australia and not performing as much, his performances will never be forgotten.

Let me tell you a little about Willy Shakespeare.

William Shakespeare was born as Johnny Caves in 1950, and originally sang with a Sydney band called The Amazons and in the late 60s and early 70s, he was a regular performer on the Sydney pub and club circuit in the late 60s and early 70s performing as Johnny Cabe.

In early 1974, Harry Vanda and George Young (formerly of the Easybeats) had recorded a backing track of “Can’t stop myself from loving you” which Johnny Cabe sang as he was able to reach the high notes to compliment the tune. Johnny Cabe’s name changed again William Shakespeare and under the guidance of Vanda and Young also became Australia’s answer to Gary Glitter, along with puffed sleeves and glittery attire and a bouffant hairdo.

Shakespeare followed up “Can’t stop myself from loving you” (which reached number one nationally) with another Vanda and Young composition called “My little angel” another national number one.

After two more singles and an album, he was in trouble with the law, charged with carnal knowledge and received two years probation.

He returned to the club circuit performing as Billy Shake and other than 70s reunion concerts he has hardly been heard of again. At the time of writing he is living in semi retirement in Sydney.

Timeline:

1974 – “Can't Stop Myself From Loving You” was released. It became an instant success flying to number 1 on the charts.
1974 - Only a few months later, “My Little Angel” was released and also became a number one hit.
1975 - The album, “Can't Stop Myself From Loving You” was released.
1975 - Another single, “Just The Way You Are” was released.

Check out the video link and watch for yourself

Written by Vanda and Young,William Shakespeare (aka Johnny Cabe) had a No.2 Australian hit with this song in 1974.

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