A MUSICIAN who had a stroke last year is already making music again - and is helping young people do the same.
Jeffrey Patterson, 51, of Highstone Lane, Worsbrough Common, was determined to 'reconnect' the damaged pathways in his brain and knew the only way to do this was to get back in the studio.
Jeff was pleased when Kevin Senior asked him to join Wombwell not-for-profit project, The Crib Studio.
He said: "We're trying to find up-and-coming talent and give them their opportunity."
Finding talent is something he knows all about, spotting Elly Jackson of La Roux when she was a teenager. Jeff himself has had an enviable career, achieving chart success and touring as support for legends Kool and the Gang.
"I've played with Barry Manilow, Boy George and George Michael," says Jeff. "My first band was a punk band, but I've done pop, dance and reggae. In 1985 I was in a band called 7th Heaven and we did well."
In the 90s Jeff was part of duo Huff and Herb, sampling Nina Simone's voice on a song called Feeling It Too, reaching number 17 in the charts.
He has also sung for Lady Diana, had a record deal with Phonogram Records and was a contestant on The X-Factor.
Now, Jeff is working with singers in Barnsley and has made a charity record to be released on iTunes in the next couple of weeks, with 50 per cent of the song's profits going to Barnsley Hospital's stroke unit.
He's appealing for singers to come forward and try out at the Cemetery Road studio. Those interested should email thecrib@mail.com.
