Though it happened over two months ago, word of the death of Les Humphries in England is just starting to trickle out onto the internet. Apparently, he died on the day after Christmas, of heart failure brought on by a severe case of pneumonia. He was 67 years old. Unreported in his native country, Humphries’ death didn’t come to light until eight weeks later when his son contacted Les’ estranged ex-wife, German singer Dunja Rajter. Since Humphries was a bona fide pop star in Germany, that country’s press and blogosphere has reported it dutifully. European tributes are not hard to find, but as far as I know, Bostworld is the only outlet originating from America that has given the matter any space at all.
I don’t feel like rehashing the details of Humphries’ brief but prolific career. You can read about him the same way I did, on the German news sites. Google Translate reveals the sad story: “Les Humphries had in recent years lived very withdrawn…. He was sick, he had incredibly many problems, which he probably only by a certain amount of living could compensate.”
We’ve featured Les Humphries previously, not once but twice on this site. Eerily enough, the last time was on Christmas Day, one day before he died. I was swamped with work craziness at the time, and pretty much just threw the post up with little thought. A few weeks earlier, I broadcast an all-Les Humphries Singers episode of my program on LuxuriaMusic.com. That show celebrated both the group, and my discovery last fall of a lone torrent of six LHS albums. This find ended years of slim Humphries pickings on the net. But unlike so many other hard-to-find artists, Les’ luster was in no way diminished by the harsh light of this opportunity for more detailed examination.
My most fervent hope is that the death of Les Humphries will generate an outpouring of album sharing the likes of which we last witnessed with the passing of Lee Hazelwood last year, but I suppose that’s not likely. But I’ll get the ball rolling anyway, with these six out of print albums. They’re not my rips, so they’re offered “as is.” Regardless, they are greatly appreciated, and the unknown torrenter has my gratitude.
Here: grab these and spread ‘em around:
Hi,
it was nice reading your tribute to Les Humphries. What a pity this guy disappeared for the best part of 30 years.
I have lived in Germany since 1967 and of course lived through the whole Les Humphries Singers experience. You had to have been there to realise just how big they were. I mean, nearly 50 Million records in under 5 years is not to be sniffed at.
I ran a company in Germany called Prism Leisure and one of our products was a Les Humphries CD released in the mid 90’s. It contained some re-recordings. I actually had Les’ telephone number in UK but never plucked up the courage to phone. I probably would have sounded like a groupie!
I have tried to find any interviews by Les but to no avail. Does anybody know of any?
He was a star!
John Kellas
Bad Sassendorf
Germany
I was a friend of Les and his guitarist since 1980, I toured with him and worked on different studio projects, I last spoke to him just over a year ago, he was as normal, ” get in the studio NOW and finish what we agreed”, we were going to meet up in a studio in London at some point, I only found out from a lady in London that he’d died, the guy was a musical genius, real legend.
Clearly, Les’ later years need more illumination. I could find nothing about them. The world thinks he disappeared.
Oh my goodness.. never delete those files… I thank you SO MUCH! i will download them, and be very happy!!!!
Hello
This is the “son” of Les Humphries that broke the news of his death earlier this year
His burial still has not taken place although this will happen soon enough now
There will be a german newspaper present to record the event
Why so long to bury him ? Well, that’s a story in itself !!
Cheers
Chas Humphreys
Wow!
I sincerely hope your family will soon get the closure you deserve, and that Les will soon be able to Rest In Peace!
Hello Derrick
The funeral takes place today (Monday 18.08.08) in Alton Hampshire England at 4 PM so closure is imminent
Chas
Hello Chas,
I wish i could see the funeral, i really liked his music.
and Dear Derrick,
Do you have any other medley albums i can download ?
Sorry man. That’s all there is.
I’m a 44 year old dj out of Denmark.
The Les Humphries Singers were also huge around this part of the world.
I’m sadden by the fact, that it seems Mr. Les Humphries didn’t quite get the respect he surely deserved.
Rest in peace, and hopefully the music of this fantastic choir and orchestra will never be forgotten!
Peace!
Dan Rachlin
I hope the comment re respect is not aimed at the family – we wanted to bury him before now but were not allowed to do so
If I have to put the story straight then I will do so !!
The burial has now taken place and I can send a photo of the grave to anyone that posts an email address on here
The family have nothing to hide
regards
Chas Humphreys
Hi there Chas,
The respect comment wasn’t aimed at you. How could it be?
As far as I am not informed about your family secrets.
Anyway may Les rest in peace.
Dan
P.s. I would like a picture of the grave, where your father was laid to rest.
Dear Chas, I am really sorry about your father. He was a great musician.
Sorry Dan
just a bit stressed at the moment – have been accused of delaying the funeral by the german media which is not true
No problem re picture if you leave an email address
I am reluctant to post mine as you can appreciate
Chas
Thanks Sam for your words also
Understandable… dan.rachlin@mtvne.com
all the best..
Dan
my email is halloweenh27@yahoo.com
I am a very young fan of the LHS. I am 17 from the United States
Hello Chas,
I am a writing member on Maggie Kunzes forum, where i read you had been attending the great Summer Party in Griesheim. I saw the pictures and were really envious, because I would have loved to be there also. But I am living in the US now and cannot fly overseas for a Party, just can’t afford that. I hope you had a good time, and that it helped to forget the whole grieve for a few hours.
Yes, I would also be interested in a picture of your faher’s grave, so here is my email adress: kaufmeisterin@yahoo.com.
Thank you very much in advance.
Here is a link to “Singing Detonation:”
http://rapidshare.com/files/13660700/The_Les_Humphries_Singers_And_Orchestra_-_Singing_Detonation.rar
Singing Detonation has some good medleys and are included on the “Hits Collection” cd
thanks for all the good download Derrick!
and hope to get more from anyone!
Wow, what a great surprise!!
Thank you so much for the Singing Detonation!
I didn’t have that yet. I have the vinyl, yes, even triple, but I can’t transform it into files. So I realy appreciate it! Yes, like Sam I had the Hits Collection with 5 medleys of Detonation, but this is better!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Here is ONE Medley of Singing Kaleidoskope (1971). Unfortunately I don’t have the whole album on mp3, it had been posted on a german blog for a week only, and I came too late.
All that’s left online was this one file.
I don’t understand why some people put up files for just one week. That is so sad. But ok, at least we have this, until we find the whole album somewhere else:
http://rapidshare.com/files/111425346/Les_Humphries_-_What_Lady_Jordan.mp3
I did end up finding the song on the German blog.
And i dont really want the entire album, but just tracks 4 and 8 on mp3, thanks
Was Les’s full name Leslie?
Hi Sam
Sorry everyone but not been on here for a while – have sent the photo of the grave to those that posted their email addresses
My fathers full name was John Leslie Humphreys
He changed the spelling of his name as he was told that europeans would not be able to pronounce his surname correctly on the original spelling
Just ask if you want any questions answering
Regards
Chas Humphreys
the most comprehensive LHS Discography on the net
http://www.myspace.com/theleshumphriessingers
Dear Chas,
Your Dad was the best… I was and still am a consumate fan of the Les Humphries Singers and Les’ compositions as a teenager growing up in Germany in the 1970’s. I had all the albums. I was so horrified to hear of your father’s death – what a loss to the world of music, and no doubt a huge loss to you personally. I know what it means to loose a father… I worked as a doctor in Southampton, Hampshire, for many years and can hardly believe he lived near Basingstoke, just around the corner, basically. I would have dropped into the 8 Bells and told him how much he and his music meant to us at the time, had I just known he was that close…
. Your father was one of a kind… Next time I am in the UK, I will visit his grave in Alton and leave a rose. Affectionately, Claudia (now at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland).
I was listening to an internet oldies radio station when the group singing reminded me of the L H Singers. Not sure why.I decided to ‘Google’ him. I was stationed in Germany during army service in the early 70s and L H S were very popular. They bring back memories – good ones. RIP Les. You left us far too arly needless to say.
Dear Chas,
Hello again – almost Christmas and the first anniversary of your father’s parting is coming up. This cannot be easy for you… Would you please send me a photo of your father’s grave? My email is: davidandclaudia@wanadoo.fr.
Thanks so much and God bless you this Xmas.
Claudia
Those were the days ….. I remember playing football with Les on Sunday mornings in Hamburg after being down the Fishmarkt since 5am – after DJ-ing all night. Les had many friends in Hamburg, and his music was “MAGIC”. I’ll always remember Les from those happy heady days. Rest In Peace Les.
What a talented man, such great songs and arrangements. His rhodes piano now takes pride of place at my studios in staffordshire and is being used on the first album in over 30 years for The Drifters, I like to think that Les would really love the idea of that. In these days of doom and gloom the world could do with a feel good song, im sure mama loo could be a hit again, the ultimate feel good song :0)
love to his family
Shaun Lowe
Record producer
Nice! Here’s hoping for another “You’re More Than A Number In My Little Red Book!”
Dear Shaun,
Yeah, Mama Loo was IT! It’s racy, it’s the ultimate in rock’n roll and still one of my favourite songs on my i-player
. My husband – who is British and grew up in the UK – does not even know Les or the LHS, so unfortunately, I cannot share that passion with him. Wouldn’t it be great to have an anniversary album/re-mix of the LHS to commemorate Les’ 70th birthday next year? That sort of album would stand out among all the c..p that you get these days.
Cheers.
Claudia
Personally, I’m holding out for a full catalog reissue.
Hi Claudia
Wow yes great idea, I would love to do a remix of mama loo, got me wondering where the master tapes would be, maybe his family would know?
Shaun Lowe
Record producer
xx
TO THE HUMPHRIES FAMILY
Sorry to hear about Les’s death….only recenlty told..from someone I knew from my Alton days. Les and I had been friends since late 70’s, and also knew his mum. Had I known about his death I would have come to the funeral. Kind regards, Sofia
Dear Shaun,
What a great idea to do a re-mix especially of Mama Loo – it will blow people’s minds. At last some good music on the market again!! No idea who would have the master tapes – do you think his son Danny might have some access? It is all so long ago – but that again makes it all the more special… I would get all my friends to buy the re-mix
. Much of what is produced today is such b…cks. Just imagine launching a Mama Loo re-mix on Top of the Pops 
.
Cheerio.
Claudia
I would love to do it, I don’t have any contacts to his family maybe someone reading this has?
everyone that here’s it thinks its what the worlds needs.
shaun x
Hi my friends from Madrid ( Spain )!!
How nice to hear people talking so proudly about one of my favourite musicians at that time!! I still listen quite often to LHS and have most of his discograpfy on vynils or tapes. Just a few on CD´s…. Sad news to hear about his death…Mamma Loo will take care of him Up There..
By the way, can anybody tell me about getting those beautiful Rock´n´Roll Party ( I & II ) on CD? or some ´73-´74 stuff on CD too?
Big hug to all of you,
Carlos
Les Humphries, Jimmy Bilsbury and the Singers deserve a lot more recognition.
While Les Humphries appears to have been troubled in his own life, especially the later part, I hope he’s up there somewhere and realises that he sure placed a whole lotta happiness in mine. I have had my dark patches too, one particularly dark black pit, and the LHS have brightened many days for me.
Les Humphries own pianoplaying style is completely unique, in my 50 years on this earth I have still not heard anyone top his style for sheer piano rhythm.
The Great Band in the Sky will welcome him and give him the recognition that this world may not always have been capable of giving.
Thanks Les & Jimmy, I won’t forget when the carnival was in town. Those were good days.
cheers
Magnus R
a Swede in Cornwall UK
Hi
I spent many years with Les In the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSM) at Deal in Kent. 1956-1960.
I also came from his home town and went to school with him. He Played the School piano at morning assembley.
He was a great musical talant and we had many happy hours jamming with other RMSM mates.
I lost contact with him when I moved from RMSM Deal in May 1960.
A very sad day for every one to have lost such a great musical talant and a really nice guy.
May be some day we will meet again.
Rest in peace Les
Your old mate Bob.
http://www.pure.de/lhs
Hi folks – here is a link to the LHSR
I hope everyone is well
Regards
Chas Humphreys
Hi everybody.
The second Dane to appear on this site(Hej Dan)!I too grew up as a teenager
in the 70′ties to the music of LHS.I also went to a concert once.
Recently I watched a documentary on LHS on German TV.That was more than I
needed to know!I mean no offence,especially considering that I’m just as a big
fan now as then,but it appeared in the program that he apparently was more
or less a psycho.That really was a downer.I don’t know how many saw that
program but apparently it chocked the whole of Germany as well(the fans ).
I’m still in the process of collecting as many CD’s of LHS as I can.If anyone
can direct me to the biggest source of LHS CD’s I would greatly appreciate that.
Lastly I’m myself a wouldbe musician and would love to carry on the speciel
sound they had somehow.In it’s basic form it’s of course gospel but I’m looking
to somehow modify it to more contemporary sound.
Also I conquer that somekind of a tribute album would be in order.
Hope I haven’t stepped on to many toes with this contribution to LHS aftermath.
Remember,I’m a dedicated fan even after all these years.
Regards Ole.
No disrespect to fans, friends or family, but it’s this so-called “psycho” element that gives the LHS canon so much of its charm! Of course, you can’t always believe what you see on teevee either…
Hi again.
Okay psycho is of course a strong word and sure you can’t always believe
what you see and hear on TV but this comes from the testimony of the
members of the band who were there.Have you seen it?If not it’s out on DVD.
Only downside is that it’s mostly in German.
I’m not sure I agree with the charming psychocanon of LHS as you put it.
I also remember reading about Les Humphries and Jimmy Bilsbury in court
on trial for kicking down some fans problably eager for autographs or
something.
But you should always remember the good things in life and omit the bad ones
and I choose to remember the unique sound they had, the happy swinging sound
that has always exited me.
Let’s remember those happy times with smiles on everybody’s faces and good cheers even if it was only a front.
Regards Ole and a merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone.
Hello, is there anybody able to send a picture from the grave of Les Humphries to: info@nerger.biz
http://www.kerger.de is a webside with much graves from well known people around the world. Thanks
Hi Derrick,
Thank you so much for posting this! It’s good to know there are people in the US who have heard of him too. I lived in Germany in the late 60s/early 70s so I caught them at the height of their success.
Are you are still interested in the documentary about Les Humphries? If you are, I would be able to send you a copy.
Here in the UK LHS albums seem to be shelf warmers, although they did once play St-Martins-In-The-Fields in 1973. Last year I was lucky enough to get hold of some vinyl in a charity shop but am still desperately looking for the ‘We’ll Fly You To The Promised Land’ and ‘Sing Halelujah’ albums.
If anyone has these I’d be more than happy to trade, of course.
All the best, Kevin