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Billy Fury died 30 years ago today aged just 42.

Born Ronald Wycherley in Liverpool on April 17th 1940, he went on to become one of the most popular and talented of Britain’s early rock ‘n’ roll stars.

Billy’s break came in 1958 when he came to the attention of music impresario Larry Parnes while attending a Marty Wilde concert. Parnes put Billy on stage right away and the audience reaction was so strong that he added him to the tour. The name change also came courtesy of Parnes.

The first of many successes came in 1959 with “Maybe Tomorrow” which hit number 18 on the UK singles chart.

“Maybe Tomorrow” – Billy Fury

Billy’s songwriting talent was evident early on when he reached number nine on the UK singles chart with “Colette”. He followed this up with an album of self-penned songs titled “The Sound of Fury” which is regarded as one of the most significant early British rock ‘n’ roll albums.

The years 1961-1963 saw Billy at his commercial peak with a string of big hits, including “Halfway to Paradise,” “Jealousy,” “I’d Never Find Another You,” “Last Night Was Made for Love,” “Once Upon a Dream,” “Like I’ve Never Been Gone,” “When Will You Say I Love You?” and “In Summer”.

“Halfway to Paradise” – Billy Fury

This period also saw Billy become a movie star, beginning with “Play It Cool” in 1962. The move to a more mainstream pop style mirrored the career strategy of his idol Elvis Presley, who he met on the set of Elvis’ movie “Girls! Girls! Girls!” in 1962.

The hits continued over the next couple of years, most notably “I Will,” “It’s Only Make Believe,” “I’m Lost Without You” and “In Thoughts of You,” but after leaving Decca for Parlophone in 1966 the hits dried up.

“I Will” – Billy Fury

Billy returned to prominence in 1973 with a role in the movie “That’ll Be The Day,” which co-starred David Essex, Ringo Starr and Keith Moon. The soundtrack album, which hit number one on the UK album chart, included Billy singing “A Thousand Stars,” “Long Live Rock,” “Get Yourself Together,” “That’s All Right Mama,” and “What’d I Say”.

After a tour with his old friend Marty Wilde in the mid-1970s, Billy remained largely out of the spotlight for the rest of the decade due in part to ill health. He underwent heart surgery in 1976 and five years later collapsed and almost died while working at his farm. He did manage another tour though at the end of the year, and even recorded a comeback album titled “The One And Only” which peaked at number 54 on the UK album chart.

Billy Fury died on January 28, 1983 after collapsing at his home in London. Thirty years later, he retains the affection of a loyal fan base.