The man who reached number one by hiding his true identity

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before he became a celebrated blues singer, Chris Farlowe used a pseudonym to trick listeners into thinking he was Black. This musical deception was just one chapter in a career spanning skiffle groups, Rolling Stones covers, and a surprising passion for collecting controversial war memorabilia.

Born John Henry Deighton in Islington, North London, on 13 October 1940, the singer's path to stardom was anything but linear. Before finding fame, he worked as an apprentice carpenter in Holloway. His musical journey began in 1957 with the John Henry Skiffle Group, a group that actually won a local talent show. He is the nephew of Len Deighton. His early musical efforts included joining the Johnny Burns Rhythm and Blues Quartet in 1958.

In the mid-1960s, Farlowe released a version of 'Stormy Monday Blues' on Island's Sue label. However, he did so under the pseudonym Little Joe Cook. This choice was so effective that it perpetuated the myth that he was a black singer. His career eventually shifted toward the Immediate label, where he recorded eleven singles, including five covers of Rolling Stones songs. He later joined the Thunderbirds after meeting guitarist Bob Taylor in 1959. The Thunderbirds, whom he joined via Taylor, released five singles through Columbia.

His premier commercial triumph occurred in 1966, as 'Out of Time'—composed by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger—reached the top spot on the UK Singles Chart. This success cemented his place in the British music scene, leading to associations with notable groups like Colosseum and Atomic Rooster. He even performed alongside Otis Redding on the television show Ready Steady Go! in 1966. His notable collaborations included working with the jazz rock group Colosseum and the band Atomic Rooster. He also appeared on Jimmy Page's Outrider album.

Beyond the stage, Farlowe has pursued a controversial hobby: collecting war memorabilia. His interest began in Hamburg after spotting an Iron Cross in a junk shop. This pursuit once led him to own a shop selling Nazi uniforms, a venture that sparked significant controversy at the time. His fascination with historical items was sparked by finding an Iron Cross in a German junk shop. This hobby has continued throughout his life.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The British blues band that survived through decades of constant, chaotic lineup changes
• Blues-obsessed Dartford teens outlasted six decades of rock
• The British blues pioneer who launched a generation of rock icons
• How a British-born teen idol became Australia's most successful solo artist
• How a split seam in Croydon ended a rock star's momentum
• From Delaware standout to Super Bowl champion: the resilient rise of Chris Godwin
• The rookie who shattered franchise records in a single night
• The NFL player whose autopsy revealed a landmark diagnosis of brain disease
• How a career-ending injury transformed a youth player into a championship manager
• The wrestler who traded a controversial gimmick for a legacy of training
• How a journalist’s family ties led to a high-profile media exit
• The record-breaking dominance of the NFL's highest-paid defensive tackle

More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics