music
April 6, 2026
‘I over-articulated to stop my braces sticking to my lips’: how Five Star made Rain Or Shine
‘We performed it everywhere, even on Miss World. Once, on tour, a fan pulled me into the pit – but my hunky Italian security guard put me back on stage’
TL;DR
- Billy Livsey, originally from St Louis, became a co-writer in England in the 1970s and 80s, working with artists like Shakin’ Stevens and Paul Young.
- Livsey co-wrote 'Rain Or Shine' with Peter Sinfield, sending melody ideas and lyrics over the phone.
- The demo of 'Rain Or Shine' was sung by session singer Tessa Niles, known for her work with The Police and Eric Clapton.
- The song was recorded at Mayfair studios in London, a notable studio where many famous artists had recorded.
- Deniece Pearson, lead singer of Five Star, had to over-articulate lyrics due to wearing braces, a technique she learned to improve her diction.
- Pearson experienced studio difficulties during the recording of 'Rain Or Shine,' including electrical faults, which Livsey jokingly called 'gremlins' and predicted would lead to a hit.
- Five Star performed 'Rain Or Shine' extensively on television shows like Top of the Pops and at events such as Miss World.
- During a tour performance, Pearson was pulled into the pit by a fan but was helped back on stage by a security guard.
- Pearson expresses admiration for Billy Livsey's songwriting, noting the importance of melody in 80s music.