P. J. Proby - What's Wrong With My World (1968)

P. J. Proby (born James Marcus Smith; November 6, 1938) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor.

Proby recorded the singles "Hold Me", "Somewhere", and "Maria". In 2008, EMI released the greatest hits album Best of the EMI Years 1961–1972. He still writes and records on his own independent record label, Select Records, and performs in the UK in Sixties concerts.

By the time Proby left school, he had already wanted a career "in the movies" and moved to California to become an actor and recording artist. Given the stage name Jett Powers by Hollywood agents Gabey, Lutz, Heller, and Loeb, he took acting and singing lessons and played small roles in films. Two singles, "Go, Girl, Go" and "Loud Perfume" appeared on two small independent record labels. In 1960, songwriter Sharon Sheeley convinced him to adopt the stage name P. J. Proby, the name of a former boyfriend from high school, and secured Proby an audition for Dick Glasser of Liberty Records. It was a success, and Proby signed with the label and the music publisher Metric Music. After a number of unsuccessful singles, in 1962 Proby began writing songs and recording demos for artists such as Elvis Presley, Bobby Vee, and Johnny Burnette, who had his final UK chart success with the song "Clown Shoes", credited to Proby's real name.

[tommytitmouse]

I`ve been a huge fan of Jim's for 45 years now and still play his CDs in my car. The Best Baladeer ever. My only criticism of him is he could never mime when he was required to on such shows as TOTP`s. He just couldn`t Lip - sync to save his life, being usually 3 or four words behind the Music half the time as this video shows. But saying that, he could sing Ballads live, better than anyone I`ve ever heard singing ballads. He is truly phenomenal as one of his LPs suggested and I never tire of listening to him, to date.

[bluewave]

This song is fitting for this troubled world of 2023 🎵

[retrothingz]

Sounds like a Gene Pitney song ..and...indeed the great P.J adds a touch of Pitney style vocal fry to the proceedings. The versatilty and sheer emotional power of P.J.Proby's voice was utterly incredible.

[stephenguppy]

I saw him in 2018 as part of the Solid Gold Sixties tour. Still had it.

[colinpurssey]

What a talent ! Powerful resonant voice, combined with dramatically expressed gestures appropriate to the song's mood .

[fazole]

It's amazing to see how fast fashion changed from 67-68. Frilly shirts and Carnaby Street attire were quickly replaced by jeans, T-shirts, Fringe and Daishikis!

[MrAlistar]

A singers singer dreesed like a hells angel

[RachelGarratt]

Played this at my dads funeral lost him 8th august this year😢😢 for ever missed love u dad

[bennyadler]

One of those few singers I can think of who make the listener feel the lyrics, almost hypnotic. The feeling I get when I listen to Dee Dee Warwick, Tom Jones or Gene Pitney, just deeper and deeper as it progresses, a minimum of background voices.

[evybastiaens]

Indeed, he is outrageous. What kind of man is this. Every time I der or hear him it's always different. Thanks for sharing this topclip.

[elaineayton]

I saw him in Croydon on stage in 1965 he was great

[tedgurecki]

Such a broken 💔 heart song ..Beautiful

[englishteacher.]

his name always reminds me of when his trousers once split while he was performing. it caused a huge fuss at the time (1965).
I would have been 6 then, but remember watching him on TV with his ponytail and frilly shirts.

[haroldsmith]

pj proby wow i have not heard that name in years, interesting video, all the arm waving, but cool voice tho.thanks for posting this👍🇺🇦🌻

[luminitamarcu]

O DOAMNE! CINE MAI FILMEAZĂ ACUM IN 2022 UN ARTIST TOATE GESTURILE SI MIMICA FEȚEI, TRĂIRILE LUI IN TIMP CE CÂNTĂ!

[proscootershenanigansmore]

I'm sharing the hell out of this ‼✌🤓👍

[tedgurecki]

As if He's Singing about my life rite now ..❤

[elaineayton]

This is so emotional in fact it’s cut your wrist job love it xx

[Bob-zd]

Still the best male voice I have heard

[laughingcat]

His outfit rocks. The Outlaw look before the Outlaws