ABOUT
From a Leicester church to the Apollo stage.
Born and raised in Leicester, Shenton Dixon is the eldest son of the late Rev. Melvin Dixon and Rev. Meleta Constancia Dixon, both respected gospel ministers. Music has been at the heart of Shenton's life from the beginning.
At just three years old he made his first public appearance, confidently reciting a poem written by his mother.
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— Shenton's first performance, age 3
Shenton's early performance, reciting a poem.
THE GIFT
A gift for performing, from the very start.
It was clear from an early age that Shenton had a gift for performing. By the age of nine he was playing guitar live in church every week alongside his siblings. Together they formed a group called The Dixon's, performing close harmony vocals while each played their own instrument.
The group performed at concerts throughout Leicester and across the UK, appearing many times as support act for the Inspirational Gospel Choir, led by Bishop John Francis.
THE MUSICIAN
From rhythm guitar to lead vocals.
At the age of 12, Shenton gave his very first secular performance with local reggae band Exodus. When the regular guitarist broke his hand, Shenton stepped in to play rhythm guitar. The manager, John Martin (aka Dadda), had to promise Shenton's devout parents that he would take him home straight away after he had strummed his last chord — and true to his word, he did exactly that.
After leaving school Shenton performed with several local bands, developing his skills on both bass and electric guitar. Although an accomplished guitarist, he naturally gravitated towards becoming the band's lead vocalist.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, bass guitar, double bass, electric guitar, harmonica and trumpet. He has also served as musical director for several gospel choirs, combining his musical expertise with his lifelong passion for gospel music.
Chilling with my guitar.
THE APOLLO
The audition that changed everything.
After trying his hand at various trades, Shenton made the conscious decision to return to college with the ambition of going to drama school. During his first year he spotted an advert in The Stage magazine seeking actors who could also play musical instruments — hoping simply to gain some valuable audition experience before applying to drama school.
To his amazement, executive producer Paul Elliot and director Rob Bettison cast Shenton in the worldwide West End hit show "Buddy", where he was featured as the legendary performer at the Apollo. His cameo performance was so well received, with standing ovations, that they extended his role to include a song he co-wrote with the show's musical director, Paul Jury — "I'm Gonna Party" — which quickly became a popular part of the show.
Shenton later appeared alongside Motown legend Edwin Starr in the original Tamla Motown musical "Dancing in the Streets", along with Jaki Graham and The Pasadenas, further cementing his reputation as a gifted performer.
STAGE & SCREEN
An equally diverse acting career.
Shenton portrayed Louis Armstrong in Miss Marple: At Bertram's Hotel, and appeared as Stevie Wonder on ITV's Take Me Out and BBC's Never Mind the Buzzcocks. He delighted listeners by performing live to the nation on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball — with live guitar, dressed as Elvis Presley in full regalia — singing The Wonder of You, Blue Suede Shoes and Return to Sender.
He played taxi driver Dougie in the feature film "Christmas with the Prince", and was unveiled as the elusive "Fat Elvis" in EastEnders.
THE STORY SO FAR
A life in music.
First live performance
Recited a poem written by his mother — his very first time in front of an audience.
Guitar in church
Began playing guitar live in church alongside his siblings.
A family gospel group
The siblings formed The Dixon's, playing their own instruments and singing close harmonies across the country.
First secular gig
Stepped in on rhythm guitar with local reggae band Exodus.
A turn towards the stage
Went back to college and on to drama school, where an audition would change everything.
BUDDY — original performer
Accepted the role as the original performer at the Apollo in the worldwide smash-hit musical Buddy.
Dancing in the Streets
Featured alongside Edwin Starr, Jaki Graham and The Pasadenas.
Television & commercials
Miss Marple, Take Me Out, The Voice, EastEnders and a string of national commercials.
KSI's Rate the Lookalike
Scored a perfect 10 out of 10 from KSI.
TODAY
One of Britain's most versatile entertainers.
Today Shenton continues to captivate audiences with his acclaimed Legends of Soul show, paying tribute to some of the greatest performers of all time including Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Louis Armstrong and the unmistakable Barry White. Combining outstanding musicianship, powerhouse vocals, humour and authentic character portrayals, Shenton recreates the magic of these legendary artistes while adding his own unique charisma and style.
Whether performing on stage or on screen, at private events around the UK and internationally, Shenton Dixon remains one of Britain's most versatile entertainers — a performer whose passion for music and commitment to excellence continues to leave audiences wanting more.
