Johnny Thunder RIP

Just heard of the death, at the age of 92, of R and B and soul singer Johnny Thunder (not to be confused with Johnny Thunders). Under his real name of Gil Hamilton he recorded the original version of 'Tell Her' in 1962 (better known as 'Tell Him' by the Exciters) which was written and produced by Bert Berns. The following year he linked up with Teddy Vann, changing his name to Johnny Thunder, and recorded a version of the children's song 'Loop De Loop' for the Diamond label which was a big hit in the US. It was covered, rather pathetically, by Frankie Vaughan in the UK. Other Johnny Thunder records, released on Stateside in the UK, included 'Jailer Bring Me Water', 'More More More Love Love Love' and 'My Prayer' but none of them were major hits. He recorded a duet with Ruby Winters ('Make Love To Me') and had some success on Calla with 'I'm Alive', written by Tommy James, which received high praise from Bob Dylan and which enjoyed a new lease of life when it was used in a Samsung mobile phone ad.