Logo

Billboard, YouTube, TVWeek

Andy ‘Thunderclap’ Newman Dies; You May Not Recognize His Name, but If You’re Old Enough (and Maybe Even If You’re Not) You’ll Probably Recognize His Big Hit Song

Apr 1, 2016  •  Post A Comment

Andy “Thunderclap” Newman died this week, and even if his name’s not familiar to you, his biggest hit song might be. Billboard reports that Newman died Thursday at age 73.

The British keyboard player was a part of a group that bore his name, Thunderclap Newman, which was put together by Pete Townshend of the Who and also included singer, drummer and guitarist Speedy Keen and guitarist Jimmy McCulloch. The group ended up being a one-hit wonder, scoring an unforgettable hit with the song “Something in the Air.”

Released in 1969, “Something in the Air” topped the singles charts in the U.K. for three weeks. The record had a lesser impact, initially, in the U.S., where it peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. But it has stuck around over the years, resurfacing in movies and on soundtrack albums, along with appearances in TV shows (“My Name Is Earl,” “Aliens in America” and others) and in commercials for British Airways, the Austin Mini and other marketers.

It’s likely to ring a bell when you hear it …

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)