Author: Margaret Ashworth

This was written by Ben Raleigh and Artie Wayne and first recorded in 1962 as King For Tonight by Johnny Hallyday, I suspect as an album track rather than as a single. … Continue readingHelen Shapiro: Queen For Tonight

This was written by Jerry Lordan, who also wrote the Shadows’ first No 1 Apache (1960). It was released in February 1962 and went to No 1 in Britain. It was not … Continue readingThe Shadows: Wonderful Land

This was written by Allen Toussaint, credited as Naomi Neville. It was first recorded by Benny Spellman as the B-side of his 1962 single Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette), also written … Continue readingThe Merseybeats: Fortune Teller

First recorded by the Four Seasons, this was written by the group’s backing vocalist Bob Gaudio and his long-time writing associate Bob Crewe. It was released in 1964 as the … Continue readingThe Tremeloes: Silence is Golden

This is a track from the 1964 album Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica. It was written by Cynthia Weil, Barry Mann and Phil Spector. Here is a video from 1965. It … Continue readingThe Ronettes: You Baby

This was written by Lovin’ Spoonful founder John Sebastian for the 1966 film You’re a Big Boy Now. It appeared on the group’s 1967 soundtrack album of the same name. How … Continue readingLovin’ Spoonful: Darlin’ Be Home Soon

This was written by Johnny Marks (who also wrote Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. I am not especially keen on it but it is notable … Continue readingBrenda Lee: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

In festive mood, I love this track by the mother and daughter duo The Judds. It was written by J Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie and first recorded by Harry … Continue readingThe Judds: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town