The Creation of Five Star's Timeless Hit 'Rain Or Shine'
In the vibrant music scene of the 1980s, Five Star emerged as a pop sensation, captivating audiences with their polished performances and catchy tunes. Among their most beloved tracks is 'Rain Or Shine', a song that has endured through the decades. The story behind its creation, as told by co-writer Billy Livsey and lead singer Deniece Pearson, offers a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative and sometimes chaotic world of music production.
Billy Livsey's Journey to 'Rain Or Shine'
Billy Livsey, an American musician who relocated to England in the 1970s, found himself immersed in the UK music industry. After working with artists like Ronnie Lane and touring with Gallagher and Lyle, he transitioned into songwriting and production. His publishers tasked him with writing for Five Star, leading to collaborations such as 'System Addict' with Gary Bell.
Six months later, Livsey was asked to contribute a song for Five Star's second album. His publisher suggested partnering with Peter Sinfield, who was based in Spain at the time. Livsey sent a rough melody track to Sinfield, who then dictated the lyrics over the phone, resulting in the initial version of 'Rain Or Shine'. The demo was sung by session vocalist Tessa Niles, known for her work with The Police and Eric Clapton, who delivered a flawless performance that set the standard for the recording.
Livsey recalls that the song was crafted as a love song, distinct from the mainstream 80s sound. 'Everything was done by hand before the computer generation took over', he notes, with musicians playing over a drum machine loop. The recording took place at the legendary Mayfair studios in London, a venue frequented by icons like George Michael and Tina Turner. Livsey drew inspiration from Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, incorporating a sequencer element from 'New Frontier' to enhance the track's feel.
Reflecting on the song today, Livsey admits to minor self-critiques but emphasizes the joy of the creative process. 'I really did have fun, and to me, that's what music's about', he says, highlighting the enduring appeal of 'Rain Or Shine'.
Deniece Pearson's Studio Struggles and Triumphs
Deniece Pearson, the lead vocalist of Five Star, faced unique challenges during the recording of 'Rain Or Shine'. As a teenager with braces, she had to over-articulate her lyrics to prevent them from sticking to her lips, a technique encouraged by her father and manager, Buster Pearson. 'I slurred my spoken words because I had braces, so I over-articulated the lyrics', she explains, adding a personal touch to the performance.
Pearson struggled to find a comfortable studio environment for the recording, settling on one that frequently experienced electrical faults. Livsey humorously attributed these issues to 'gremlins', predicting that such problems often heralded a hit record. 'This is going to be a hit record', he assured her, a prophecy that proved accurate as 'Rain Or Shine' became a staple in Five Star's repertoire.
The song's success led to performances on major platforms like Top of the Pops, the Royal Variety Performance, and Miss World. Pearson recounts a memorable incident during a tour where a fan pulled her into the pit, only to be rescued by her security guard. Today, she reserves 'Rain Or Shine' for encores, moved by the audience's enthusiastic sing-alongs. 'It brings a tear to my eye because it's such a beautiful song', she shares, praising Livsey's phenomenal songwriting and the melodic structure characteristic of 80s music.
Legacy and Continued Influence
'Rain Or Shine' stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of 80s pop music, blending Livsey's production expertise with Pearson's vocal artistry. The song's enduring popularity is a reminder of an era when melody and craftsmanship took precedence. Deniece Pearson continues to honor this legacy with her new album, 'Free-Queen-See', showcasing her evolution as an artist while celebrating the hits that defined her career.
From studio gremlins to fan adoration, the making of 'Rain Or Shine' encapsulates the magic and unpredictability of music creation, leaving a lasting imprint on pop culture.
