Peter Skellern was an accomplished English singer-songwriter and pianist, born in Bury, Lancashire, in 1947. He studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama after attending Derby High School. Skellern initially pursued a career as a concert pianist but shifted his focus to popular music, joining the band March Hare as their keyboardist.

Skellern gained fame in the 1970s with two top twenty hits on the UK Singles Chart: "You're a Lady" (1972) and "Hold On to Love" (1975). His music often featured brass bands and choral arrangements, giving his songs a nostalgic and romantic feel. During his career, Skellern wrote and performed for film, television, and stage, including composing the score for the BBC anthology series Happy Endings in 1981.

Throughout his life, Skellern's music was recorded by various artists such as Andy Williams, Davy Jones, Brigitte Bardot, Ringo Starr, and Jack Jones. In the late 1970s, he formed a band called Oasis with Julian Lloyd Webber and Mary Hopkin and collaborated with Richard Stilgoe in cabaret and musical comedy.

In 2016, Skellern was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and decided to fulfill his long-time desire of becoming ordained as a deacon and priest in the Church of England. He passed away on February 17, 2017, at the age of 69, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. In April 2017, BBC Radio 2 paid tribute to Skellern with an hour-long program presented by Sir Tim Rice.

Peter Skellern

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