Tuesday 07 June 2011
All connected with the Choir are saddened by Gordon's death on Sunday, 5th June
It was with great sadness that choristers of Bridgend Male Choir learned of the death of one of its leading Patrons, Gordon Lorenz. Gordon, who was in his 60s, was found dead at his Llandudno home on Sunday after falling ill a few days earlier.
Gordon's input to the Choir's recording of its 50th Birthday CD, “ClassicMale”, was instrumental in making it such a success. Choristers fondly remember his unique style and humour which enabled the recording to be completed in relaxed mood and tones. He initially became known to the Choir through his illustrious past.
“There's No-one Quite Like Grandma”, written to mark the late Queen Mother's 80th birthday in 1980, became a hit for Gordon Lorenz with the Manchester based St Winifred's School Choir. It knocked John Lennon's “StartingOver” off the top of the charts and spent two weeks at No 1. Originally from Liverpool, Gordon worked with a range of stars including Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard, Atomic Kitten and Max Boyce in a career spanning 40 years. Max Boyce, another of Bridgend Male Choir's Patrons was “very sad” to learn of Gordon's passing. He had worked with him in recording two compilation albums. Gordon was also the first producer to record another Welsh star, Charlotte Church, after she appeared as a 12-year-old introducing her aunt on a TV talent show.
He had also been unwell recently while working with the Llandudno Town Band at London's Abbey Road studios. The band's musical director Clive Wolfendale said Mr Lorenz was a "real character" who "exuded charm" and would be sadly missed. "As a character he was very engaging, very funny and very distinctive with his long hair and his Smashie-and-Nicey type DJ voice. He exuded charm - he'll be really missed." Mr Lorenz achieved 17 platinum, gold and silver discs, and three Music Retailer Album of the Year awards during his career.
Everyone at the Bridgend Male Choir who met Gordon will wish to associate themselves with Mr Wolfendale's comments and extend sympathy to those closely acquainted with him.