Don Fardon – “Indian Reservation”

Short career summary on Don Fardon

Don Fardon is an English pop singer, a former draughtsman from Coventry, Warwickshire who joined the Sorrows as lead singer – the band released what could be their most well-known song “Take A Heart.” As a solo singer, his debut single was John Loudermilk’s “Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee)” which just made to the US Top 20 in the late 60s music scene and Top 10 UK chart in its 1970 reissue. His recording of “I’m Alive” was a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells and has been employed for Five Alive and Vodafone ads.

Don Fardon with the Swallows

Don Fardon is an English pop singer, born Donald Maughn on August 19, 1943 in Coventry, West Midlands in England. Before entering the music business, Fardon first worked as a draughtsman in Coventry.

Fardon first started as a member of The Swallows, who were also formed in Coventry. Maughn was featured on The Swallow’s strongest release ever, “Take a Heart,’ which was jointly written by Fardon. It peaked at #21 on the UK singles chart in the summer of 1965.

Fardon’s solo career, and chart success with “Indian Reservation”

Fardon went solo in 1968, releasing his first single which is John D. Loudermilk’s “Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee),” which is considered one of the weirdest songs in the oldies music circles. It was a big hit for Fardon, peaking at #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 that year. It was to be Fardon’s only major hit single in the US, making him a one hit wonder there. His follow-up “Belfast Boy” (dedicated to the talented but tormented football player from Northern Ireland, the George Best) charted at #32 in his native land in 1970.

Second chart success of “Indian Reservation”

The success of “Belfast Boy” foreshadowed the re-release of “Indian Reservation.” And this time, the release became an even bigger hit. It reached its peak position at #3 on the UK singles chart and also #4 in Australian charts. “Indian Reservation”‘s worldwide sales were estimated at over a million copies. He also had another big hit in Down Under, “Follow Your Drum,” which reached #16 there. In 1973 another single “Delta Queen” became Fardon’s only second and last charting hit in the US, peaking at #86.

Fardon’s later career and other pursuits

Some of Fardon’s following releases included remakes of The Sorrows’ old songs, that also included “Take a Heart.” However, Fardon was unable to keep up with the success of his previous singles.

Fardon entered into licensing trade and ran a couple of pubs while he continued to be a fixture of the cabaret and country circuits. Later, Fardon helped establish a security establishment that protects the interests of pop stars.

When George Best died in 2005, Fardon re-released “Belfast Boy” the following year as a tribute to him. It eventually reached #77 on the UK charts.

Fardon’s version of Tommy James and the Shondell’s “I’m Alive” has been used by Five Alive for its television advertisements, as well as for a Vodafone TV in Dutch countries. “I’m Alive” also reached #131 on the UK charts in 2010.