A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
This was written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield as the title track of a 1961 film in which Francis was starring. What a magnificent voice! There is an interesting account … Continue readingConnie Francis: Where the Boys Are
This is a Paul McCartney composition credited to Lennon-McCartney, like all songs the pair wrote individually. It was first released on the Beatles album Revolver in August 1966. McCartney produced the Cliff … Continue readingCliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers: Got To Get You Into My Life
AFTER the August break, I thought it would be good for the Midweek Hymn to come back with a bang, and this is a definite blockbuster. Also known as Mine Eyes Have Seen … Continue readingThe Battle Hymn of the Republic
This was written by group leaders John Carter and Ken Lewis with Bill Bates. It was first recorded by Bick Ford in 1963 as the B-side of his only single. … Continue readingCarter-Lewis and the Southerners: Sweet and Tender Romance
This was written by band leader Roger McGuinn and impresario Jacques Levy for a musical which was never staged. It was recorded for their (Untitled) album and released as a … Continue readingThe Byrds: Chestnut Mare
I can’t say I was a great fan but since Wayne has died at the age of 74, here is his 1965 hit Game of Love which topped the US charts and reached … Continue readingWayne Fontana and the Mindbenders: Game of Love
This was the group’s first hit, released in November 1961 and reaching No 20 in the US in January 1962. It was also the first single released by Phil Spector’s … Continue readingThe Crystals: There’s No Other (Like My Baby)
This was written by Lionel Bart for the 1959 film Serious Charge. Here is the scene from the film. It was re-recorded in a different arrangement as a single which was … Continue readingCliff Richard and the Drifters: Living Doll
This came in 1980, well after pop ended in 1970, but it’s a good rocker. It was co-written by Debbie Harry and Giorgio Moroder as the theme to the film American … Continue readingBlondie: Call Me
Written by Sonny James & Robert Tubert, this was released by Bobby Vinton in 1965 and reached No 23 in the US. I think Sandy Posey’s version, on her 1966 … Continue readingBobby Vinton: Satin Pillows