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Tributes have been paid to Dougie James, a much-loved Manchester music promoter and lead singer of the 1970s band Dougie James and the Soul Train.
He has died at the age of 72.
Raised in Wythenshawe, the Sharston High School alumnus built a career in the music industry before his three sons, the Thomas brothers, became famous.
Ryan Thomas starred in Coronation Street and Celebrity Big Brother, while Adam Thomas was in Emmerdale and his twin Scott Thomas was a contestant on Love Island.
Dad and his three sons traveled to India to explore their heritage there for an ITV documentary last year.
Soul Train consisted of Dougie, his brother Barry, Red Hoffman, Bo Lee, Lyn Oakie, Neil Shaw-Hulme, and Ian Laing.
It started in the 1970s and was still running in the 1990s.
He opened for Michael Jackson (then part of the Jackson 5) at the Manchester Apollo in 1979.
(Image: MEN)
Speaking to the MEN in 2007 about that tour, Dougie recalled, “Michael Jackson used to throw stink bombs in my dressing room. He also put shit cushions there, but then he put security outside his own dressing room so I couldn’t get in. He was a nice guy, very quiet. They were all good kids. “
Dougie has also worked with other greats of music: James Brown, Frank Sinatra, Edwin Starr, Bill Haley And The Comets, Stevie Wonder and Billy Fury.
Dozens of friends and fans posted touching tributes to Dougie on his Facebook page following news of his death yesterday (Friday).
Jacqueline Hall posted a photo of Dougie and her children in Mumbai and said: “The world has lost some shine today. RIP Dougie you are a legend of Soul. Thoughts are with your family.
(Image: ITV)
LInda Lam wrote: “RIP Dougie James … It was a pleasure meeting you through Raymond Chan and Carole Chan and seeing you perform at many of their Chinatown events. Also great to have you and your family at your birthday party. granddaughters in rainbow88.
“Manchester in Mumbai with your 3 children was fabulous and I am very happy that you were able to spend that special moment with them. Manchester has lost an extremely talented legend.”
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Nick Tanner said: “RIP Soul Train Legend Dougie James. I only met him a few times but he was always the life and soul of the party and it was great to learn more about him and his family at #mancsinmumbai. Thoughts go out with all his family and friends.”
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