Allan Clarke

Allan Clarke (born Harold Allan Clarke, 5 April 1942, Salford, Lancashire) is a retired British singer who was one of the founding members of The Hollies. He retired in 1999.

He and his childhood friend, Graham Nash, began singing together in Manchester while still at school. In April 1963, they added Tony Hicks (lead guitar) (who replaced Vic Steele), along with the later additions of Bobby Elliott and Bernie Calvert (who would replace Eric Haydock on bass in 1966), became The Hollies formed in December 1962. Clarke was their lead vocalist, but also played occasional guitar and harmonica. In the UK they enjoyed 29 chart singles, 17 of which made the Top 10, with two - "I'm Alive" (1965) and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (1988 re-issue) - reaching No. 1, the latter on re-release; it had originally been a top three hit in 1969.