But his career is:
British pop star of the 1970s Leo Sayer says he hopes to move to Australia to restart his career.
The London-based curly headed singer who had hits with songs like "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" and "When I Need You" said he is disillusioned with the modern music industry in Britain.
...
In Britain, he said, "they only want really young artists and they only want to have manufactured pop."
Two words, Leo: Kylie Minogue.
I sometimes check out the photo galleries on Yahoo! They give me an idea of what news stories/fashion shows are making waves. They're also good for offering a heads up when someone famous kicks the bucket. When I saw a pic of Sayer's (next to one of recently deceased Howard Keel*), I naturally assumed he's shuffled off his mortal '70s lite rock coil. How surprised I was to discover ole Leo is still around.
My only memories of Sayer's musical catalog are hazy recollections of his appearance on The Muppet Show, but I have another dilemma that maybe the assorted reprobates I call my base can help me sort out. I recall seeing a movie some ten years ago or so in which a Leo Sayer lyric figured prominently. In it, a cast of teens or young adults were conversing with an older black janitor. They questioned him about his choice of professions, and he insisted he was actually a dancer. He then started singing, "You make me feel like dancing, wanna dance the night away," while offering a few steps.
I don't remember the name of the film. Anyone have a clue?
* You were the bomb in Day of the Triffids, Howard. And Seven Brides for Seven Brothers remains the most romantic musical about sexual assault I've ever seen.
Street Hero (1984) ?
...and one of the seven brides for seven brothers was played by Julie Newmar! BLOG ENTRY INCEST!
As for the movie scene, could it have been from Rudy? or Not Another Teen Movie (with Mr. T)?
I liked Howard Keel in Show Boat. He had a beautiful voice. I agree with Sayer's points about the music industry in general. They're attitude toward Talent is, "Let's thrown 'em against the wall and see who sticks." Ashley Simpson, Jessica Simpson, Britney (AAACK! That name still drives me crazy!) Spears, et. al. are perfect examples of this "scatter gun" approach to music production. Money, not quality, drives the Biz. Yes, it's show Business, but it'll be a relief when the pendulum swings back in the direction of SHOW business.
Street Hero (1984)?
Wasn't Australian.
As for the movie scene, could it have been from Rudy? or Not Another Teen Movie (with Mr. T)?
Wasn't Charles Dutton. And NATM is too recent. We're talking late '80s/early '90s.
"You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" should have made my list of Worst. Songs. Ever.