Marty Wilde fact file.

Born: April 15, 1939 in Blackheath, south east London.

Real name: Reginald Leonard Smith.

Occupation: Long-term rock and roll singer-songwriter.

Why and where is he playing in Yorkshire? On his 50th anniversary tour, dates include Harrogate International Centre on Wednesday (box office: 01423 537230), and Halifax Victoria Theatre on Thursday (01422 351158).

First steps: Marty moved around throughout his childhood because his father was in the Army.

Eventually settled in Greenwich. At 15, he left school and worked as messenger boy for broker's firm.

His dream: Dreaming of a way out, he mastered the ukulele, went on to learn guitar and formed a band with a few friends, calling themselves Reg Smith And The Hound Dogs. They played gigs around the south, but the break came when Marty was asked to go solo by producer Joe Brunnelly and played clubs in Soho. Thanks to his natural talent and good looks, Marty was immediately signed up by manager Larry Parnes.

Musical career: Marty released a few singles on the Phillips record label to no avail, but hit the big time in 1958 with Endless Sleep, which reached number four in the charts. Success was maintained with Donna, A Teenager In Love and Sea Of Love. Went on to write I'm A Tiger for Lulu, Ice In The Sun for Status Quo, Jezamine for The Casuals and Kids In America for his daughter, Kim Wilde.

Films: Appeared in Jet Storm, 1959, directed by Cy Endfield; The Hellions, 1961 Western, directed by Irving Allen and Ken Annakin; What A Crazy World, 1963, directed by Michael Carreras; Stardust, 1974, directed by Michael Apted.

Latest album: In celebration of his 50th anniversary as a recording artist, Universal Music has released The Greatest Hits, Born To Rock'n'Roll. Among the 25 tracks are a new duet with daughter Kim of Elton John's Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, and new recording of Born To Rock'n'Roll.

Cliff Richard on Marty's golden anniversary: "I remember when Marty Wilde, Dick Pride and I were 'three cool cats'. I always thought there was actually only one 'cool cat' - and that was Marty. Stay cool! Happy 50th! All the best, mate."