Johannesburg – Whatever happened to Four Jacks and a Jill, the South African music act that scored three hits on the US Billboard Hot 100?
The Bulrushes took time out to answer fans who have been wondering what happened to them.
In 2019 Four Jacks and a Jill made a comeback to the music arena by touring the Barnyard Theatres bringing back the unique South African flavour and sound that only Glenys Lynn is known for.
Since then there has been a lull in performances – so where are the Four Jacks and a Jill?
Believe it or not, even in their prime years, they keep performing.
Clive Harding is 80 and Glenys Lynne is one year younger yet they continue to celebrate the milestones in their lives.
Taking a trip down memory lane – The Only South African group to date to make the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ in the USA without leaving South Africa
Four Jacks and a Jill with Glenys Lynne are sizzling South African superstars and world-class entertainers.
Lovingly known for a few of their hit songs such as: Master Jack, Timothy, Hey Mister, Ramaja, Haai Casanova, Jy’s die een in my lewe and Een, Twee, Drie, they have been true to their history of record and boundary-breaking music.
The group came about because of Glenys Lynne, a solo artiste at the time teaming up with The Zombies, South Africa’s first longhaired rock group – in 1964.
The Zombies was performing at the Luxurama Theater as the backing group for Glenys Lynne.
That is where the love story began with Clive Harding and Glenys Lynne at the tender ages of 19 and 20.
In 1965, they evolved from a longhaired leather-clad bunch of rock and rollers to the clean-cut Four Jacks and a Jill.
Their first recording under that name, Jimmy Come Lately, became an instant hit.
Followed by their first gold record for a local pop group – with the song Timothy.
Why South Africa should be proud of them
4 Jacks and a Jill – Impressive Firsts:
- First to achieve three songs in the Billboard Hot 100
- First to sign a million-dollar contract
- First to start their own Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) initiative – The Phahama Project
- First to successfully tour the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Holland, Spain, Portugal and various countries in South America
- Since 2003, 20 golden albums have been recorded and a total of six platinum rewards have been received
What are they up to now?
At this stage of their journey Glen and Clive are ready to share their amazing history with their fans.
They are available at no fixed cost and guided to where the Lord leads them.
They are currently performing gigs at social/spiritual services such as churches, retirement villages etc.
The one thing that has kept them together is their sense of humour, music, and above all their faith in Jesus.
Incidentally, all the original founder members of Four Jacks and Jill are still alive and rocking. Glenys, Clive (bass), Tony Rouse (drummer), Bruce Boome (lead guitar), Keith Lansom (guitar/keyboards),
Their releases range from children’s albums to gospel and instrumental CDs.
At the last count, they have sold over a million albums in five years.
