THE HART FAMILY

 

One of the most popular bands in Hartlepool during the 60's were The Hartbeats. Over the years, they underwent a series of personnel changes, but were still a force to be reckoned with. The band leader was George Hart who, along with his brother John, formed the group. After George left the Hartbeats he later teamed up with his wife, Olive, in a duo known as the Two of Hearts.

Then came the Hart Family with John, George, Olive and Julie who won the television show "New Faces" back in 1974. Since those days Olive spent almost thirteen years living, and working, in Spain but is now back home in Hartlepool with her family. Julie is still entertaining and is part of an all-girl trio called the Fun Girl Three.

According to Barry McGurk (photographed at the bottom) this could be The Hart Family that never was. It was taken in 1967 and was a publicity photograph of the band that never actually performed together. It shows Vic Leighton, Olive Hart, George Hart, Julie Hart and Barry.

A Music Tribute

Former Hart Family, Reaction and Toffees band member Dr Barry McGurk has set up a music site that will surely interest our Bands' members. His site includes "Recordings from Yesteryear" - several made with musicians from Hartlepool in the 60's, particularly George Hart, with whom Barry wrote songs. Included are recordings from the Hartbeats and the Hart Family. There are also the earliest recordings made by Prefab Sprout in Barry's house in the late 70's who went on the have international critical acclaim and commercial success in the 1980's. Once on Barry's home page you can access details of the the old recordings by clicking "Recordings from Yesteryear." To hear them open the drop down menu at the top and click on the track you want to listen to. Barry says if anyone has any comments, or corrections to the text on the site, he can be emailed through his site.

This page is dedicated to the memory of George Hart