30/07/2024
As the lead guitarist and vocalist for the band known as the Gun, Adrian achieved his first significant breakthrough with the song “Race with the Devil” when he was just 18 years old. Released as a single in October 1968, this track soared to the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and gained substantial popularity across various European nations by March 1969.
Shortly after the Gun disbanded, Gurvitz embarked on his first solo album project, which eventually evolved into Three Man Army’s debut album, “A Third of a Lifetime.” Three Man Army secured contracts with Reprise and Warner Bros. Records, and their debut album featured various drummers, including Buddy Miles, known for his association with Band of Gypsys, and Mike Kellie of Spooky Tooth, as well as Carmine Appice from Vanilla Fudge.
Following the untimely passing of Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles extended an invitation to Gurvitz to join his band, the Buddy Miles Express, for their U.S. tour. This tour spanned two years and consistently attracted audiences of 50,000 people per night. During this tour, Gurvitz contributed to Miles’ 1973 album “Chapter VII,” and it was during this period that he crossed paths with Ginger Baker, the famed drummer of Cream.
Upon concluding the tour with Buddy Miles, Gurvitz returned to the UK and reunited with his brother and fellow Three Man Army band member, Paul Gurvitz. The addition of Tony Newman, previously associated with Sounds Incorporated and Rod Stewart, led to the formation of the Baker Gurvitz Army.
The band signed contracts with Vertigo Records in the UK and Atlantic Records in the United States. Their eponymous album, “Baker Gurvitz Army,” achieved gold status, peaking at No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart and entering the US Billboard 200 chart. Subsequently, they released two more gold albums, “Elysian Encounter” (1975) and “Hearts on Fire” (1976).
Gurvitz’s talents attracted the attention of Graeme Edge, drummer for the Moody Blues, who invited him to join the Graeme Edge Band. Gurvitz played a pivotal role in writing, singing, and producing Edge’s next two albums, “Kick Off Your Muddy Boots” and “Paradise Ballroom,” both of which found success in the United States under the Threshold label, featuring cover illustrations by Joe Petagno.
In 1979, Gurvitz embarked on a solo career and recorded two albums with Jet Records. “Sweet Vendetta,” featuring collaborations with renowned studio musicians like Jeff, Joe, and Steve Porcaro, as well as David Paich of Toto fame, was one of his solo ventures. Subsequently, he released “Il Assassino” in 1980. Following the conclusion of his contract with Jet Records, he signed with EMI/Rak in Europe and Geffen Records in the US. Under these labels, he released his third album, “Classic,” which achieved success with the hit single “Classic,” reaching No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
Continued over…
During this period, Gurvitz notably contributed to Mickie Most’s publishing company Rak Music Publishing, composing songs for artists like Earle Brown, Hot Chocolate, and crafting the England World Cup Squad song “England, We’ll Fly the Flag,” which became part of “This Time (We’ll Get It Right)” and reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
Gurvitz later relocated to the United States and penned Eddie Money’s hit track, “The Love in Your Eyes,” which earned recognition on the Billboard charts. His association with Warner Chappell Music led to the creation of tracks for artists such as Steve Perry, REO Speedwagon, and Chicago. In 1992, his composition “Even If My Heart Would Break,” recorded by Aaron Neville and Kenny G, featured in the film “The Bodyguard” and its Grammy-winning soundtrack album, one of the best-selling albums of all time.
In the year 2000, Gurvitz played a key role in forming the American-British pop girl group, No Secrets, which included his daughter, Carly Lewis. Their song “Kids in America” topped the Billboard Heatseekers chart and was featured on the Jimmy Neutron movie soundtrack. Gurvitz contributed significantly to Walt Disney Records, producing and composing songs for popular Disney artists like Jesse McCartney, Cheetah Girls, and Anne Hathaway. He also worked on several Disneymania soundtracks, resulting in three gold albums.
In 2011, Gurvitz produced the track “Stevie on the Radio” for Pixie Lott, featuring Stevie Wonder, on the album “Young Foolish Happy,” which achieved gold status in the UK. More recently, he has collaborated with artists such as Ziggy Marley and Andra Day. Adrian has been ranked one of the best rock guitar players in the world.
He has just finished a new album called “Blood, Sweat, and Years” and will be touring in the UK in 2024, so watch out for this legendary artist.
Adrian’s exciting new studio album "Blood Sweat & Years" features new co-writes with top songwriter Charlie Midnight.
The album features beautifully crafted songs throughout. We hear a thoughtful, reflective Adrian Gurvitz delivering songs from the heart and soul. Adrian’s moving performances on every song is simply stunning.
The Album also features the new classic “Blood Sweat and Years”” the first single off the album.
A heartfelt song of all the troubles in life, at times we all have, but still get there in the end
