LEGEND has it that pop impresario Larry Parnes insisted the 17-year-old Joe had to change his name if he wanted to be a star.

After all, his other boys were now Fury, Wilde, Eager and Gentle. Rock was in your face in the late 1950s – no point in being lumbered with Harry Webb or Reg Smith.

But young Joe refused to relent. Instead, he let his music make his name.

And an astonishing half century later, the London lad’s refusal to cave in to showbiz pressure still provides ample proof that this was the right decision.

For his dazzling skills as a multi-instrumentalist have been the main reason why he’s been at the top of his tree all these years. Plus the fact that he’s an all-round nice guy, too.

Joe’s crossed many rivers since his hits Picture of You and That’s What Love Will Do. These days, the set list draws heavily from American folk music, which means lots of mandolin and slide guitar, much of it reminiscent of Ry Cooder’s style.

His son Pete is also a force to be reckoned with. The heir to the throne has followed in dad’s footsteps and – among many other things – exhibits a breathtaking talent for the dobro.

His prowess soon has the old man beaming like mad, but not to be outdone, Brown senior rapidly shows that when it comes to bluegrass and rockabilly, he’s still the boss.

All the same, the old favourites aren’t neglected – staples such as I’m Henry the Eighth and Dark Town Strutters’ Ball still have that same old energy and cheeky magic.

Joe was right about not changing his name. For him, the music would always to the talking – and these two sell-out shows at the Swan provided plenty of proof that his instincts were right.