Ian Samwell
Ian Ralph Samwell (19 January 1937 – 13 March 2003) was an English musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the writer of Cliff Richard's debut single "Move It", and his association with the rock band America, with whom he had his biggest commercial success with their hit single, "A Horse with No Name". He also worked with rock bands, such as Small Faces, The Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, John Mayall and Hummingbird.
Ian Samwell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ian Ralph Samwell 19 January 1937 Lambeth, South London, England |
| Died | 13 March 2003 (aged 66) Sacramento, California, United States |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Sammy |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1958–2003 |
| Known for | Record producing/songwriting, "Move It", America, Hummingbird, John Mayall, Small Faces |
| Musical career | |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | the Drifters |
Samwell wrote for many other British artists, including Joe Brown, Elkie Brooks, Kenny Lynch and Dusty Springfield. Several of his songs were recorded in Spanish by the Mexican group, Los Teen Tops and were released in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking territories of the world. He also worked as a record producer with Sounds Incorporated, Georgie Fame, John Mayall and the mod band The Small Faces, co-writing their 1965 hit single "Whatcha Gonna Do About It".