Johnny Wakelin

Long Time Running by Johnny Wakelin is published by Book Guild Publishing on the 28th May 2009, priced £16.99.


‘Once there was a battle there, in Zaire, in Zaire …’

If the 1974 Ali–Foreman fight – known affectionately as the ‘rumble in the jungle’ – has reached mythical proportions in our collective memory, for singer/songwriter Johnny Wakelin it holds particular resonance, marking the turning point in his career from bar singer to bona fide pop sensation.

It all started with 'Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)', a personal tribute to Wakelin's boxing idol that captured the public imagination. In the wake of Ali's miraculous eighth round victory, the single became a hit, paving the way for a successful recording career that would take the Brighton-born singer to the top of the charts around the world. His next single 'In Zaire', a second homage to the great Ali, was an even bigger hit, and Johnny Wakelin became a household name.

However, the road to fame and success had been anything but smooth. Following a life-changing motorcycle accident in his teenage years, the young Johnny found his first ambition – to become an Olympic decathlete – tragically dashed before he even got off the starting blocks. Johnny lost a leg in the accident, and the future looked bleak.

Johnny, however, still had his dreams and, with characteristic optimism, turned his energies into carving out a career as a singer/songwriter, paying his dues on the pub and club circuit before finally getting his break and striking out for the big time.

Told with humour and humility, Long Time Runningchronicles this remarkable journey from war-torn Brighton boyhood to Top of the Pops and life on the rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster.


To order, please go to www.bookguild.co.uk or call the book distributor (weekdays only) on +44 (0)1825 767396.