Jeff Wayne was born and raised in New York, and in the early 60s was a member of the group the Sandpipers. Wayne worked as an arranger for the Righteous Brothers before coming to London in 1966 to study at Trinity College of Music.

After a brief career in advertising writing some of the best known television advertising slogans and tunes of the the time, he became involved with the career of the singer and actor David Essex and produced most of his early hits as well as acting as his musical director on tour.

Jeff Wayne then found fame with his concept album based on H.G. Wells' The War Of The Worlds. Written by Wayne and featuring the spoken or singing talents of Essex, Richard Burton, Phil Lynott, Chris Thompson, Justin Hayward, and Julie Covington, the album was a huge success.

Michael Trim's art for the cover does perfect justice to the album and the fine art print made from the original artwork is truly magnificent.