My book is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/There-Aint-Rules-Rock-Roll-ebook/dp/B0DB3KGRFR In this Deep Dive review from his memoir, Kenny Denton reflects on a storied forty-year career within the music and film industries, transitioning from an aspiring musician to a professional record producer. The narrative outlines his humble beginnings in South London, where a childhood obsession with rock 'n' roll and a job at a record stall fostered his deep musical appreciation. His journey is marked by colourful encounters with underworld figures and a serendipitous meeting with a chauffeur that eventually secured him an entry-level position at Pye Studios. By referencing his personal diaries, the author validates his transition from a teenage dreamer to a seasoned expert who mastered the art of recording. Ultimately, the text illustrates his belief that success in the creative world requires navigating a landscape where there are no rules. The journey really starts from a South London market stall to the legendary Pye Studios is a remarkable story of persistence, chance encounters, and an unwavering passion for music. The East Lane Market Foundation (1962–1967) The author's path began on Saturday shopping trips with his mother in 1962 at East Lane market in South London. Captivated by the music but unable to afford the new releases, he frequented Harry's stall at the back of the market, which sold cheap, ex-jukebox singles. Though Harry initially rejected his requests to work because he was only ten years old, he finally hired him at age twelve, paying him in two or three vinyl singles a week. For the next three years, the author worked on the stall every weekend, building his personal record collection, diversifying his taste with artists like Dinah Washington and Johnny Cash, and learning how to navigate the diverse personalities of market life. Youthful Ambitions and Newsagent Detours After leaving school at fifteen with no qualifications, his focus shifted entirely to starting a band and making it in the music industry. To support himself, he took a part-time job at a Kennington newsagent run by Roger Puree, a tough member of the notorious Richardson gang who also managed the author's band. Though that band eventually dissolved, the author continued working in newsagents, landing a job in late 1968 as a relief manager traveling between central London shops. The Seymour Place Chance Encounter. The critical breakthrough occurred on an ordinary afternoon at the Seymour Place newsagent. A chauffeur dressed in uniform came in and chatted with the author, who confidently boasted that his band was going to be the next Beatles. When a customer named George Schmitt entered, the chauffeur played along, boldly posing as the band’s manager and pitching their original songs. Schmitt, who was actually in the music industry, gave them his card and asked for a demo tape. Stepping into Pye Studios (1969) The demo tape led to an audition at Young Blood Records, but a more permanent opportunity arose shortly after when Schmitt secured the author an interview for a tea boy position at Pye Studios. Despite the job paying just £7/10s a week—a steep decline from his newsagent salary of £22 a week—the author eagerly accepted the month-long trial under manager Pat Godwin, launching a 40-year recording and production career in 1969. For the full story along with many more, are in my book “There Ain’t No Rules In Rock ’n’ Roll” is available from Amazon books, in paperback and Kindle. Please check out my Youtube channel
https://m.youtube.com/user/denton115/videos
