Denny Cordell
b. Dennis Cordell-Laverack, 1942, Brazil. Cordell came across Bessie Banks’ original version of Go Now while an employee of Saltaeb, a company marketing Beatles-related merchandise. He gave the song to the Moody Blues, then contracted to the parent NEMS organization, and in turn created one of 1964's most memorable releases. Cordell produced the group's output until 1966, but despite an undoubted artistic merit, none emulated that early success. He also supervised recordings by other acts, including the Mark Leeman Five, but did not regain his commercial touch until 1966 when he scored UK Top 10 hits with Georgie Fame (Getaway) and the Move (Night Of Fear). He then founded the STRAIGHT AHEAD and NEW BREED production companies before achieving monumental success with the newly-formed Procol Harum and A Whiter Shade Of Pale. Along with entrepreneur Tony Secunda, he helped revive the defunct record label Regal Zonophone. Cordell later worked with Joe Cocker, shaping the singer's major hit, With A Little Help From My Friends. It was through this association that the producer met Leon Russell, and together they continued to fashion Cocker's career before establishing their own label, Shelter, in 1970. Based in Russell's hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the new outlet was responsible for launching J.J. Cale and Tom Petty, as well as revitalizing the career of bluesman Freddie King. The label sadly encountered major distribution problems during the late '70s, since when Cordell has maintained a lower profile.