Derby Group 1959 – 1965

Formed in 1959 in Derby, the Rocking Jets were four school boys from the Henry Cavendish school who put together a rock and roll group to entertain the school at the Christmas party. They were:

Ken Barker: Singer and Rhythm Guitarist
Clive Greatorex: Bass Guitarist
John Gill: Lead Guitar
Bill Ellis: Drums

Using old instruments, they only had three practices before the Christmas party but were a hit and they soon built up a following. They were influenced by Skiffle, early rock and roll and Cliff Richard. Through 1960 were getting an average of three engagements a week, earning enough money to spend £200 on new instruments. This was all while they were still at school, but they made sure that before their rock and roll activities their schoolbooks and homework was done.

Ken Barker was the groups leader, getting regular gigs at the Derby Locarno, the Railway Institute and teenage youth clubs, he said “We go for rock ‘n’ roll and modern ballads mostly. We play mostly for dancing” “If a really big chance comes along we would take it”.

By January 1961 Ken was 16, Clive 16, Bill 15 and John Gill was 17 and had started work at Rolls Royce Ltd.

They would often be titled as Ken Barker and the Jetts and later in years as just The Jetts.

Ken Barker was also appearing with another group at the Locarno at the same time as performing with the Rocking Jets.

Ken Barker left in 1963 to go professional with Mecca. He was replaced by singer Tony Linnot.

In 1965 Tony Linnott left to join fellow Derby group The Vibrons. Later that year Clive Greatorex left and drummer Bill Ellis and guitarist John Gill formed the Gill Ellis Four with a new line up.

1961

1962

1963

1964

1965

2002

A reformed group took part in the Derby Big Beat Bash, a celebration of the early Derby rock groups.