Author: Margaret Ashworth

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

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’

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