Formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 1985, when singer-songwriter Ricky Ross (b. 12 December 1957, Dundee, Tayside, Scotland) was advised by his song publishers to find a band to perform his compositions. Taking their name from the Steely Dan song on 1977's Aja, Deacon Blue was completed by James Prine (b. 3 November 1960, Kilmarnock, Strathclyde, Scotland; keyboards), Graeme Kelling (b. 4 April 1957, Paisley, Strathclyde, Scotland, d. 10 June 2004, Glasgow, Scotland; guitar), Ewan Vernal (b. 27 February 1964, Glasgow, Scotland; bass) and Dougie Vipond (b. 15 October 1960, Johnstone, Strathclyde, Scotland; drums). The quintet secured a recording contract on the strength of an excellent demo tape, which formed the basis of their 1987 debut album Raintown, before being augmented by a second vocalist, Lorraine McIntosh (b. 5 May 1964, Glasgow, Scotland) who later married Ross. Raintown was promoted on a "money-back-if-not-satisfied" basis, and a series of impressive live shows ensured a respectable success.

Listen to Deacon Blue at Finetune.

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