Moran, John
Websites:
https://citizenfreak.com/artists/105412-wishbone, https://citizenfreak.com/artists/106228-poor-souls
Origin:
Dundee, Scotland, 🇬🇧 - Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦 - Dundee, Scotland, 🇬🇧
Biography:
In February, 2024 I was contacted by John Moran, the son of late John Moran to present his father's music and story on citizenfreak.com.
Poor Souls emerged as a Scottish-Canadian musical force in 1964, founded by expatriates hailing from Scotland and Germany. At the helm of the band was the multi-talented John Moran, known by his stage name Johnny Hudson, who took charge of much of the group's songwriting. Born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1943, Moran's musical palette drew inspiration from iconic acts such as The Impressions, Drifters, Coasters, Chuck Berry, and Nina Simone.
The roots of the group trace back to Dundee, Scotland, between 1961 and 1963, initially as The Johnny Hudson Hi-Four, later known as The Hi-Four. With the addition of musician Chick Taylor, the band would transform into The Poor Soul. The UK lineup featured John Moran on guitar & vocals, Doug Martin on bass & vocals, Chic Taylor on lead guitar & keyboards, and John Casey on drums & vocals. They became fixtures at the Top Ten Club on South Tay Street, earning the distinction of being the first Scottish band to perform in German clubs. In 1963, Moran briefly joined Mystery Men, which evolved into The Teen Beats.
In June, 1963 they released a single Charms b/w Making Up is So Much Fun, which lead to TV appearances on the TV Show "Teenbeat".
Transitioning to Hudsons Hi-Four in 1963-64, they supported the Beatles at various venues, solidifying their presence in the music scene. They played at Glasgow, the Carlton Theatre, Kirkcaldy and in their hometown at Caird Hall, in Dundee, Scotland. Other groups present at those venues were teenage female singing duo from England "The Caravelles", London-based foursome "The Crestas" and The Overlanders.
By 1964, they adopted the name Poor Souls. The band inked a deal with Decca in 1965, releasing the single "When My Baby Cries b/w My Baby's Not There," composed by Moran. Their foray into ALP Records in 1966 resulted in chart success with "Love Me b/w Please Don't Change Your Mind."
After a stint in Rome, the band disbanded in 1967, leading Moran, Taylor, and Casey to relocate to Toronto, Ontario. There, they recorded for the Quality label, with the 1970 single "Lookin’ Round" b/w "Scarecrow" reaching #3 on the Top 50 MAPL Canadian chart. Subsequent releases, including "Comin’ Round" b/w "Workin’ Man," garnered attention and chart success.
Poor Souls, joined by new members, continued their musical journey, participating in festivals and benefit concerts. Notably, they performed alongside Rotary Connection, Brutus, and Chimo! at the Midsummer Night's Rock Fest in 1970 and the Rock Hill Rock-In festival in September of the same year.
In 1971, the band contributed to a benefit concert for Syrinx and underwent lineup changes. John Moran pursued solo endeavors and recorded under the moniker "Wishbone." Tragically, the band dissolved following the death of Moran's wife in a car accident.
John Moran's subsequent musical career saw him sign with Columbia Records in 1973, releasing an album and single titled 'Come Join Me.' Further singles followed in 1978 under Trilogy Records International. Returning to his roots, Moran settled in Dundee, Scotland, in 2005, but sadly passed away in January 2019.
-Robert Williston
UK lineup:
John Moran (aka Johnny Hudson): guitar, vocals
Doug Martin: bass, vocals
Chick Taylor: guitar, keyboards
John Casey: drums, vocals
Canada lineup:
John Moran: guitar, vocals
Mike McDonald: guitar
Martin Soldat: keyboards
John Slorach: bass
Tommy Frew: drums
Ron Ray: drums (replaced Tommy Frew)
In early 1971 Frew may have been replaced by Robin Boers and John Richardson joined on lead guitar.
