A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
DURING this series I have come across some astonishingly prolific hymnwriters, such as Fanny Crosby, who wrote so many that her publishers assigned her 200 pseudonyms, and Charles Wesley, with around … Continue readingJudge Eternal, Throned In Splendour
This was written by American singer Bobby Freeman and recorded by him in 1958. It reached number No 5 in the US. This is a very strange video, half taken … Continue readingDo You Want to Dance
REGULAR readers will know I am not a particular fan of sheep, but even I feel sorry for them when they are newly shorn and it rains all the time. We have … Continue readingWool gathering
This was written by Ralph Bass and Lowman Pauling, guitarist with the 5 Royales. The group released it in 1957. I’d say it was pretty good if the guitarist wasn’t … Continue readingThe Shirelles: Dedicated to the One I Love
This was written and recorded in 1954 by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith. Chet Atkins recorded it in 1956 for his LP Hi-Fi in Focus. The Ventures turned it into a hit … Continue readingThe Ventures: Walk, Don’t Run
MANY hymns are based on the beautiful poetry of the Psalms, and this one is full of wonderful images: ‘pavilioned in splendour’, ‘whose robe is the light, whose canopy space’ … Continue readingO Worship the King
I’ve been saving this one because I think it is my all-time favourite record and I will feel sad when I have done it. According to guitarist and producer Steve … Continue readingOtis Redding: (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay
An early favourite of mine, written by Benjamin Weisman, Dorothy Wayne and Marilyn Garrett. Released in late 1962, it reached No 3 in both America and Britain. This is a … Continue readingBobby Vee: The Night has a Thousand Eyes
WE have a bird feeder which gives us endless enjoyment. It is like having a small theatre in the garden (though thankfully without the luvvies). We have a range of … Continue readingDivided loyalties
This was written by Holly, producer Norman Petty and Crickets Jerry Allison and Joe Mauldin. It was released in 1958 as the B-side of Heartbeat, so did not have a … Continue readingBuddy Holly: Well . . . All Right