Cathy Warren, a name that may not ring a bell for many, but her whispered words have left an indelible mark on the music world. It all started at Stockport’s Strawberry Studios, where fate intertwined her life with 10cc, one of the most innovative studio bands since The Beatles.
Picture this – a young receptionist and secretary named Cathy Redfern going about her day when she unintentionally becomes part of music history. One casual encounter led to her immortalizing the iconic line,
“Be quiet – big boys don’t cry,”
in 10cc’s chart-topping hit
“I’m Not In Love.”
Imagine being swept off your feet and carried back into the recording studio by guitarist Lol Creme because a band like 10cc believed in your voice. Cathy recalled feeling overwhelmed yet exhilarated as Kevin Godley tapped her shoulder, guiding her through those pivotal moments behind the microphone.
As Cathy timidly lent her voice to the song that would define a generation, little did she know that she was contributing to a masterpiece that would withstand the test of time. Her initial reluctance turned into awe as
“I’m Not In Love”
skyrocketed to number one and became an anthem for countless listeners worldwide.
Reflecting on those whirlwind days at Strawberry Studios, Cathy reminisced about being embraced like family by the band. She affectionately referred to them as her older brothers who nurtured and supported her during her time there.
Despite playing an integral role in shaping pop culture history, Cathy’s children remained nonchalant about their mother’s musical legacy. However, her grandson found newfound admiration knowing his grandmother was part of something extraordinary.
Stepping beyond the glamour of fame and accolades, Cathy painted a picture of genuine camaraderie and shared moments with music legends like Paul McCartney during their Knebworth performance. These encounters added colorful brushstrokes to an already vibrant canvas of memories from her time at Strawberry Studios.
Amidst whispers of nostalgia and echoes of past melodies, Cathy holds onto tangible mementos like a silver disc gifted by 10cc in recognition of her invaluable contribution to their timeless classic. This token serves as a poignant reminder of how a chance encounter forever intertwined her story with music history.
Today, as Cathy looks back on those unforgettable days at Strawberry Studios, she remains humbled by the impact she had on one of music’s most cherished songs. As
“I’m Not In Love”
continues to echo through time and space, Cathy Warren stands as a testament to how ordinary moments can create extraordinary legacies in the realm of music lore.
