By admin 
Introduction
Billy Fury, one of the UK’s most iconic rock ’n’ roll stars, scored 11 Top 10 hits during his time with Decca from 1958 to 1966, though none reached Number 1. In December 1966, he signed a five-year deal with Parlophone, the label famously associated with The Beatles. While details of his Parlophone recordings are scarce, it’s believed he may have recorded some tracks at the legendary Abbey Road Studios before his contract ended in 1971. Despite recording enough material for multiple albums, no official releases came out at the time, which later inspired compilations like The Lost Album and The Missing Years.
After a heart bypass in 1971, Billy moved in with his ex-girlfriend Lee Middleton for recuperation and subsequently split from his wife Judith Hall. He returned to the stage in 1972 for a rock and roll revival show featuring Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Little Richard, and later recorded tracks for the film That’ll Be The Day, where he appeared as singer Stormy Tempest. In the mid-1970s, he met Lisa Rosen, and together they purchased a farm in Crugybar, West Wales, and a home at 1 Cavendish Avenue, where he enjoyed caring for animals and pursuing his passion for wildlife.
Although Billy effectively retired from performing in 1976, he briefly returned to the studio in 1978 to record The Golden Years, re-recording his 1960s hits to clear his debts. In 1981, he recorded a single for Polydor, Be Mine Tonight, and soon after continued studio work on singles and the posthumously released album The One and Only Billy Fury. Tragically, in January 1983, after completing recordings for the Unforgettable TV series, Billy was found unresponsive at home and passed away on January 28th, aged 42.
His funeral was held at St John’s Wood Church on February 4th, 1983, attended by countless fans, before he was laid to rest at Mill Hill Cemetery in north London. The gravestone reads: “In loving memory of Ronald Wycherley (Billy Fury) Passed away 28th January 1983 aged 42. Sadly mourned by Lisa, parents, relatives and friends. His music gave pleasure to millions. Rest in peace darling Billy.”
Billy Fury’s off-stage life contrasted sharply with his on-stage persona. Known as the wild, charismatic performer, he was privately a shy, humble, and gentle man, devoted to wildlife and animals. His legacy is celebrated in Liverpool Cathedral with a dedicated lectern, unveiled in 2003 by the Sound of Fury Official Billy Fury Fan Club, honoring his life and music. From chart-topping hits to a love for animals and a quiet personal life, Billy Fury remains a legendary figure in British rock and roll history.