A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
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
I DON’T suppose many share this view, but I have rather a soft spot for crows. They are beautiful birds and I have been entertained over the summer by a … Continue readingHard times in the crows’ nest