A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
This was the B-side of the immortal Love Me Tender. It reached No 1 on US Billboard‘s Most Played in Jukeboxes chart. It was written by Aaron Schroeder and Cliff Owens and … Continue readingElvis Presley: Anyway You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)
I had a crush on Mike Sarne when I was 13 or 14. This was a ‘novelty’ record written by Charles Blackwell and featuring Wendy Richard (who was born in … Continue readingMike Sarne: Come Outside
I had completely forgotten this until Alan reminded me (surprising, because it’s not his kind of thing at all). It’s a beautiful song and showcases Cliff’s great voice. Whatever anyone … Continue readingCliff Richard: Visions
WHEN I was ranting about the potholes in our country road a few weeks ago, a reader suggested contacting the local media to get some action. The trouble is that … Continue readingNo news is bad news
This was written by Maurice Williams, who was responsible for the wonderful Stay. It was released by his group The Gladiolas in January 1957 but got nowhere on the main charts. The … Continue readingThe Gladiolas: Little Darlin’
IF YOU are not familiar with hares, it can take you by surprise how big they are. Occasionally I see one in the field at the back of us, and … Continue readingHare apparent
The first release of this great song was by the Platters in 1955, with Tony Williams on lead vocals. It was written by the group’s manager Buck Ram, and it … Continue readingSam Cooke: The Great Pretender
This was written by Ernie Maresca and released in America in December 1964, making No 60. It was released in Britain in January 1965 but did not chart.
Considered to be the first ‘girl group’ number, this was written by George Goldner and Richard Barrett. Arlene Smith, lead singer of the Chantels, is believed to be an uncredited … Continue readingThe Shangri-Las: Maybe
This was written by John Lennon and credited as always to Lennon-McCartney. It was the group’s s second single (after Love Me Do) and their first No 1. (Wikipedia says: ‘The … Continue readingThe Beatles: Please Please Me