b. 7 May 1948, Kiphook, Hampshire, England. Wingfield was a pianist who previously led Pete’s Disciples and played sessions with Top Topham, Graham Bond, and Memphis Slim. He was also an acknowledged soul music expert who started the Soul Beat fanzine in the late 60s, and in the 70s would write for Let It Rock magazine. While at Sussex University he met fellow students Paul Butler (guitar), John Best (bass), and local teacher Chris Waters (drums) and formed the band Jellybread. With Wingfield doing most of the singing they made an album for their own Liphook label which they used as a demo and got themselves a contract with Blue Horizon Records. Although they gained some plaudits from the media they were generally unsuccessful and Wingfield left in the summer of 1971. He next played in Keef Hartley’s band but that liaison ended when Hartley was invited to drum for John Mayall. Wingfield did further sessions for Freddie King, then joined Colin Blunstone’s band, and also backed Van Morrison for a spell. With Joe Jammer, he became the core of the session band the Olympic Runners, who were the brainchild of Blue Horizon boss Mike Vernon. The Runners also included DeLisle Harper (bass) and Glen LeFleur (drums) who acted as the rhythm section on Wingfield’s own 1975 album Breakfast Special which included the hit single ‘Eighteen With A Bullet’. The Olympic Runners had some success in their own right late in the 70s. Wingfield still does sessions and various studio projects, putting out the occasional single. However, he is now better known for his production credits (like Dexys Midnight Runners’ Searching For The Young Soul Rebels, plus Blue Rondo A La Turk and the Kane Gang). He was also a regular member of the Everly Brothers’ backing band for their UK tours.
