Born in Scotland, mid-20 year old Christopher James Harley decided to change his stage name just as Steve Harley became popular in United Kingdom. In a feverishly held discussion with friends it was decided that he name himself Christopher Rainbow (later simply becoming Chris Rainbow). At first Chris worked as a graphic artist between 1964 and 1972, commencing to work with his first band Hopestreet in the early 70s.
Through the lyrical compositions and his matching voice he would sign a recording contract with EMI and release his debut album in 1975. Two years later Looking Over My Shoulder followed and was highly praised by the critics. Chris established his self-recorded 'wall of voices' sound which also marks his third album, White Trails (1979). He was invited by British producer Alan Parson and first sang on one of The Alan Parsons Project releases, "Winding Me Up" from the album Eve later that year. Through APP Chris also made acquaintance with other musicians, such as Pilot's lead singer and bass player David Paton or the preferred APP guitarist, Ian Bairnson (also a member of Pilot). Bairnson was instrumental in introducing Chris to Yes lead singer Jon Anderson who just prepared his next solo work, Song of Seven. Both, Chris and Ian appeared on that album. Also, together with Paton, Chris joined Andy Latimer's Camel and recorded The Single Factor with them in 1982. Tours and more releases followed, until the band would take a break in the mid 80s and Chris membership with Camel ceased. Another short-lived project in 1980 was Maximum Penetration which Chris pursued together with popular session keyboarder Max Middleton.
Chris later became involved with the Scottish band Runrig, produced some albums for them (under his birth name Chris Harley) such as The Cutter & the Clan (1987), Once in a Lifetime - Live (1988) and Amazing Things (1993), provided backing vocals and occasionally joined them for live dates. In 1990 Chris appeared on the first album Freudiana of Eric Woolfson, long-time sideman to Alan Parsons, where he sung the track "Destiny".
Through the introduction of the internet it became apparent how many fans worldwide still appreciate Chris' recordings, many of them in Japan. His albums were re-issued as CDs and in 1994 a The Best Of Chris Rainbow compilation materialized. It is not clear whether Chris ever made any further recordings, but as various message boards on the internet have shown there was certainly a great demand for more music of this Scottish artist. In 2000 the Unreleased & Demo Tracks 1973-1983 attempted to satisfy this demand. Rumor has it that a new Chris Rainbow album will eventually see the light of day.
Through the lyrical compositions and his matching voice he would sign a recording contract with EMI and release his debut album in 1975. Two years later Looking Over My Shoulder followed and was highly praised by the critics. Chris established his self-recorded 'wall of voices' sound which also marks his third album, White Trails (1979). He was invited by British producer Alan Parson and first sang on one of The Alan Parsons Project releases, "Winding Me Up" from the album Eve later that year. Through APP Chris also made acquaintance with other musicians, such as Pilot's lead singer and bass player David Paton or the preferred APP guitarist, Ian Bairnson (also a member of Pilot). Bairnson was instrumental in introducing Chris to Yes lead singer Jon Anderson who just prepared his next solo work, Song of Seven. Both, Chris and Ian appeared on that album. Also, together with Paton, Chris joined Andy Latimer's Camel and recorded The Single Factor with them in 1982. Tours and more releases followed, until the band would take a break in the mid 80s and Chris membership with Camel ceased. Another short-lived project in 1980 was Maximum Penetration which Chris pursued together with popular session keyboarder Max Middleton.
Chris later became involved with the Scottish band Runrig, produced some albums for them (under his birth name Chris Harley) such as The Cutter & the Clan (1987), Once in a Lifetime - Live (1988) and Amazing Things (1993), provided backing vocals and occasionally joined them for live dates. In 1990 Chris appeared on the first album Freudiana of Eric Woolfson, long-time sideman to Alan Parsons, where he sung the track "Destiny".
Through the introduction of the internet it became apparent how many fans worldwide still appreciate Chris' recordings, many of them in Japan. His albums were re-issued as CDs and in 1994 a The Best Of Chris Rainbow compilation materialized. It is not clear whether Chris ever made any further recordings, but as various message boards on the internet have shown there was certainly a great demand for more music of this Scottish artist. In 2000 the Unreleased & Demo Tracks 1973-1983 attempted to satisfy this demand. Rumor has it that a new Chris Rainbow album will eventually see the light of day.
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