A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
Not my favourite. It is credited to Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham, but according to Jagger biographer Philip Norman it was mainly created by … Continue readingMarianne Faithfull: As Tears Go By
I HAVE written about several hymns which have been messed about with by heavy-handed editors who wrongly thought they were cleverer than the writer. This is the first one I … Continue readingFather, Hear the Prayer We Offer
This is miles after my time but it is a great rocker and I love it. Written by Rea (habitually pronounced ‘rear’ but I think it should be ‘ray’) who … Continue readingChris Rea: Let’s Dance
This was the group’s first UK No 1 single. It was released in 1965 and got to No 84 in the States. It was written for them by American Clint … Continue readingThe Hollies: I’m Alive
This was by Hyland’s regular writers Gary Geld and Peter Udell and released in 1962. It reached No 21 in America and No 5 in the UK.
IT always makes me sad when someone expresses a fear of or loathing for spiders. They are the most amazing creatures, and without them we would be swatting away flies … Continue readingOur eight-legged friends
This was written by the Fleetwoods – Gretchen Christopher, Barbara Ellis and Gary Troxel. It was their first hit, reaching No 1 in America and No 5 in Britain in … Continue readingThe Fleetwoods: Come Softly to Me
SIR Harold Evans, the legendary newspaper editor, has died in New York at the age of 92. I had the privilege of meeting him in his heyday. I was on … Continue readingHarry Evans – brilliant editor, decent human being
THIS time last year I wrote about Harvest Festival, which I had just missed. This year I am a bit early – it is on October 4. This is because … Continue readingCome, Ye Thankful People, Come
This was written by the founders of Carter Lewis and the Southerners, John Carter and Ken Lewis. I wrote about their excellent song Sweet and Tender Romance here. https://am-records.com/2020/08/28/carter-lewis-and-the-southerners-sweet-and-tender-romance/ Can’t You Hear My … Continue readingGoldie and the Gingerbreads: Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat