One of the most colourful - and controversial - pop idols of the 1960s, P.J.
Proby caused a sensation when, sounding more like Elvis Presley than Elvis
Presley, he transformed the songs Somewhere and Maria from the stage musical
West Side Story into histrionic rockers. He caused outrage, too, when his tight
trousers split on stage at a concert in Luton, leading to him being banned by
the BBC and the ABC theatre chain. Originally a Texan, he moved to California to
be a film star, using the name Jett Powers. After a few minor movie roles, he
began releasing unsuccessful records on ...