Billy Fury

Billy Fury was an English musician who rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as one of the pioneers of rock and roll in Britain. He was discovered by manager Larry Parnes, who gave him his stage name and promoted him as a rival to Elvis Presley. He had a string of hit singles, such as "Maybe Tomorrow", "Halfway to Paradise", "Jealousy" and "It's Only Make Believe", and was known for his charismatic stage presence and distinctive voice. He also appeared in several films, such as Play It Cool (1962) and That'll Be the Day (1973), playing characters based on his own persona. Fury suffered from a heart condition since his childhood, which affected his health and career. He had to undergo several surgeries and reduce his live performances. He attempted a comeback in the early 1980s, but died of heart failure in 1983 at the age of 42. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures of British pop music and has been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. His fans have erected a bronze statue of him in Liverpool, his hometown, and a memorial plaque in London, where he died.