Johnny Cymbal
Johnny Cymbal, born John Hendry Blair on February 3, 1945, in Ochiltree, East Ayrshire, Scotland, was a multifaceted American songwriter, singer, and record producer. His family moved to Canada during his childhood, and he later resided in Cleveland, Ohio. Cymbal began his music career at the young age of 15, signing with MGM Records in 1960. He gained fame with his 1963 hit "Mr. Bass Man," which became a signature song and showcased his playful style. This novelty song featured uncredited bass vocals by Ronnie Bright and reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #24 on the UK Singles Chart, selling over a million copies.
Throughout his career, Cymbal recorded under various pseudonyms, including Derek, Brother John, and Taurus, which allowed him to explore different musical styles. As Derek, he achieved success with the 1968 hit "Cinnamon," which peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. His songwriting prowess extended beyond his own performances, as he penned songs for notable artists such as Elvis Presley, Gene Pitney, and The Partridge Family.
In the 1970s, Cymbal formed a creative partnership with Peggy Clinger, producing music as Cymbal & Clinger. Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, Cymbal's dedication to songwriting and production remained steadfast. He continued to write and produce music until his death from a heart attack on March 16, 1993, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 48. His legacy includes over 200 songs and a significant influence on pop and teen music from the 1960s to the 1980s.