Soul star Billy Ocean, right, is heading for the Batley Frontier Club later this year, when he will be showcasing tracks from his first album in 15 years, Because I Love You, which is due to be released in September.

The Frontier is the only Yorkshire date on the tour for Billy, who has more than 30 million record sales under his belt.

"We are delighted that Billy has chosen to come to Batley on his UK tour. He's a real legend and we will be giving him a huge Batley welcome" says operations director John Hill.

Born in Trinidad, Billy settled with his family in London's East End when he was seven. He grew up listening to soul legends like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke and bands like The Beatles and Rolling Stones and got his first break when he signed to GTO records, releasing Love Really Hurts Without You which reached number two in the UK charts.

A string of hits followed, including Love On Delivery, Stop Me and Red Light Spells Danger.

Then came the smash hit Caribbean Queen, for which Billy won a Grammy, killer ballad Suddenly and in 1986 he released When The Going Gets Tough (The Tough Get Going), the theme to the movie Jewel Of The Nile.

More hits followed, including Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car and he has recently returned to song-writing, recording and performing.

  • Billy Ocean will be at the Batley Frontier Club on October 23. For tickets ring (01924) 442122.