Welch's mother died when he was five and he was raised by his aunt.

In 1957 while still at school he formed a band called the Railroaders. After winning a talent contest in London the following year, they were asked to join Cliff Richard's backing band, The Drifters, which later became The Shadows. He was more than just a band member; he produced albums for Richard in the 70s, wrote some of Richard's best-known songs and "discovered" Olivia Newton-John. He stayed with the band for the next 30 years, with only one short break.

References

Welch, Bruce. Rock 'n' Roll - I Gave You the Best Years of My Life: A Life in the Shadows. (London: Penguin, 1989)
"Bruce Welch." [Includes portraits]. Available at: http://webserv1.stockportmbc.gov.uk/daved/shadows/Bruce/bruce.htm
The Shadows Circle of Friends Australia. "The Shadows." [Includes portrait]. Available at: http://scofa.muse.com.au/who.html

Indexes

European
Uk/great Britain
20th Century
21st Century
Music and Dance
School-age Years, Adolescence
Unmarried Mother, Single Parent (Mother or Father) Unable to Cope
Uncles and Aunts, Parents' Uncles and Aunts
Parent(s) Died, Disappeared or Became Incapacitated