PRODUCERS TALK ABOUT DIGBY as su

David MacKay

email from David MacKay (also see Producer Biographies)
Dated: 12th April, 2010

Hello Hank

...... at Eaton forwarded your request about thoughts on Digby.

He was a VERY special friend and one I still think of every week.

He was an exceptional writer and singer and we spent a number
of years working together.

When I built my recording studio in Surrey,
the very first session was Bonnie Tyler cutting “It’s a heartache”

We produced an album over the first few weeks,
and the band (all Welsh lads) were so good
I hired them for the next project which was an album
for RCA with Digby.

I still play the tracks regularly as they are some of my
favourite ever productions.

Prior to that we cut a single at Morgan studios “Play Mama Play”
which received a lot of attention but was what they
called in those days a turntable hit.

When the album was released later,RCA managed to get
Digby to tour the UK as support act for Dolly Parton.

This was a highlight for Digby, not only because he had a
chance to play to packed theatres, but he got to work with
one of the world’s greatest acts, and one of the
world’s kindest superstars. Normally with the big stars,
the support act is treated as a nuisance and is limited to
space on stage in front of where the “star” will perform,
and is limited to lighting and sound. Not with the Dolly/Digby tour.

She really IS a star as a person and Digby adored her.
He had full use of everything Dolly had on stage,
and she would watch him most nights from the side of stage,
and rave about him when she came out to perform.

They were special days and he was a special artist,
but more important, a very special friend.

I miss him greatly, and have no doubt the way he was going,
his International recognition was just a whisper away.

All good wishes

David

The two RCA albums that David MacKay produced for Digby were:
Whiskey Sundown 1978
The Thing Is... 1980
(noted by Hank Facer)

Thanks very much David for sharing a brief thought (Hank)

ROGER GREENAWAY

email from Roger Greenaway (also see Producer Biographies)
Dated: 12th April, 2010

Hi Hank,

Yes it does seem like forever ago and I have practically
no memories at all of the session
except that we recorded at Air Studios, 214 Oxford Street.
Digby was the consummate professional and always up.
He was one of the nicest people I've ever met and very humble.
The most vivid memory I have of the times we spent together was
shopping in China Town in London for food for a dinner that my wife
and I had been invited to at his house.
As you know his wife was of Asian descent and was an excellent cook.
I'll also never forget the dignified way in which he dealt with the
dreadful disease that took him from us.
He was/is a model for us all.
I'll be away from tomorrow for a few weeks on business but on my return
will look for any material/recordings that I may have.
If I find anything I'll get back to you.

I wish you good health, luck and happiness.

ROGER GREENAWAY

Roger Produced Digby fist album away from Festival/Rex
It was recorded in London
It is the very very rare "If You Could Read My Mind"
Parlophone later re-issued on AXIS