"Denny Laine is an English musician known for co-founding the rock bands the Moody Blues and Wings. He played guitar and provided vocals for the Moody Blues from 1964 to 1966, notably on their hit cover of "Go Now." Laine's friendship with Paul McCartney, formed during a tour with the Beatles in 1965, led to his invitation to join McCartney's band, Wings."
October 1944: Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in October 1944, Denny Laine began his musical career at a young age, giving his first solo performance at 12 and fronting the band Denny Laine and the Diplomats.
October 1944: Birth of Denny Laine
Brian Frederick Hines, later known as Denny Laine, was born in October 1944.
1964: Laine Joins the Moody Blues
Denny Laine joined the Moody Blues in 1964.
1964: The Moody Blues' Early Success
The Moody Blues, featuring Denny Laine, achieved early success with their hit cover of "Go Now" in 1964.
1965: Laine's Songwriting Contributions
Denny Laine contributed to songwriting for the Moody Blues, penning several B-sides during 1965 and 1966.
1965: Laine Befriends Paul McCartney
While touring with the Beatles in 1965, Denny Laine befriended Paul McCartney.
October 1966: Departure from the Moody Blues
Denny Laine left the Moody Blues in October 1966 after a string of unsuccessful releases.
December 1966: Formation of the Electric String Band
Denny Laine formed the Electric String Band in December 1966 after leaving the Moody Blues.
1966: Laine Leaves the Moody Blues
Denny Laine left the Moody Blues in 1966.
January 1967: Final Moody Blues Release Featuring Laine
The single "Life's Not Life", featuring Denny Laine, was the last release by the Moody Blues to include him in January 1967.
April 1967: Release of "Say You Don't Mind"
Denny Laine released his first solo single, "Say You Don't Mind", in April 1967.
June 1967: Performance with Jimi Hendrix Experience
The Electric String Band, featuring Denny Laine, shared a bill with The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Procol Harum in June 1967.
January 1968: Release of "Too Much in Love"
Denny Laine's second solo single, "Too Much in Love", was released in January 1968.
February 1969: Laine Joins Balls
Denny Laine joined the band Balls in February 1969.
1970: Collaboration with Ginger Baker's Air Force
Denny Laine and Trevor Burton, while part of Balls, also played in Ginger Baker's Air Force in 1970.
1971: Laine Co-Founds Wings
Denny Laine co-founded the band Wings with Paul and Linda McCartney in 1971.
1971: Laine Joins Wings
Denny Laine joined Wings in 1971, marking the beginning of his decade-long tenure with the band.
1971: Balls Disbands
The band Balls, which included Denny Laine, broke up in 1971.
1972: "Say You Don't Mind" Becomes a Hit
Colin Blunstone's cover of Denny Laine's song "Say You Don't Mind" became a hit in 1972.
1973: Release of "Ahh...Laine"
Denny Laine released his solo album "Ahh...Laine" in 1973 while still a member of Wings.
1976: Release of "Holly Days"
Denny Laine's second solo album, "Holly Days", was recorded with Paul and Linda McCartney and released in 1976.
1977: Release and Success of "Mull of Kintyre"
Wings released "Mull of Kintyre" in 1977, which became a No.1 hit in the UK and held the top-selling single record until 1984.
1977: "Mull of Kintyre" Released
Wings released the hit song "Mull of Kintyre", co-written by Laine and McCartney, in 1977.
January 1980: Release of "Japanese Tears"
Denny Laine released his third solo album, "Japanese Tears", in January 1980.
April 1981: Laine Leaves Wings
Denny Laine announced his departure from Wings in April 1981 due to McCartney's reluctance to tour.
1981: Wings Disbands
Denny Laine remained a constant member of Wings until their disbandment in 1981.
1981: Wings Disbands
The band Wings disbanded in 1981.
1982: Anyone Can Fly Release and Collaborations
In 1982, Denny Laine released his album "Anyone Can Fly" under Scratch Records after leaving Wings. He also collaborated with Paul McCartney on his albums "Tug of War" and "Pipes of Peace," co-writing the song "Rainclouds" which became the B-side for the hit single "Ebony and Ivory."
1984: "Mull of Kintyre" Record Broken
"Mull of Kintyre" remained the highest-selling single in the UK until 1984.
1996: Reborn and Wings at the Sound of Denny Laine Release
Denny Laine released two albums in 1996: "Reborn" and "Wings at the Sound of Denny Laine." The latter featured reworked versions of songs from his time with the band Wings.
1997: World Classic Rockers Tour Begins
Denny Laine joined the rock supergroup World Classic Rockers, led by Nick St Nicholas of Steppenwolf, in 1997 and toured with them.
2002: End of World Classic Rockers Tour and Start of Denny Laine Band
In 2002, Denny Laine finished his tour with World Classic Rockers and began touring with his own band, the Denny Laine Band. He also collaborated with other bands occasionally.
2006: Release of "An Introduction to The Moody Blues"
A compilation album featuring Denny Laine's work with the Moody Blues, titled "An Introduction to The Moody Blues", was released in 2006.
2008: The Blue Musician and Arctic Song
Denny Laine released his final solo album, "The Blue Musician," in 2008. He also ventured into musical theatre, writing "Arctic Song."
2018: Laine Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Denny Laine was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues in 2018.
2018: Turkuaz Performance and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 2018, Denny Laine performed with the nine-piece band Turkuaz, focusing on the music of Wings. The same year, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues.
2022: COVID-19 Diagnosis and Health Issues
Denny Laine contracted COVID-19 in 2022, which led to subsequent health complications, including multiple surgeries for lung issues and a collapsed lung.
January 2023: US Tour Announcement and New Album in Progress
Denny Laine announced US tour dates in January 2023, including shows in New York and Nashville. He also shared that he was working on new music for an upcoming album.
November 2023: Benefit Concert at the Troubadour
A benefit concert for Denny Laine took place at the Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood, California, on November 27, 2023. The concert was organized by fellow musicians and supporters after Laine experienced health issues, including a collapsed lung, following a battle with COVID-19 in 2022. His wife had set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses.
December 2023: Death of Denny Laine
Denny Laine passed away in December 2023.