Author: Margaret Ashworth

The melody was by Helen Miller, an American who started songwriting in the 1940s, and the lyrics by Roger Atkins, at one time a Brill Building writer. It was released … Continue readingGene Pitney: Princess in Rags

This was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and first recorded in 1962 by the Shirelles. I love most of their records but this one is dreadful. The orchestration … Continue readingThe Merseybeats: It’s Love that Really Counts

This was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, and released in 1961. It got to No 5 in Britain. I don’t think it was released in America. Here he … Continue readingBilly Fury: I’d Never Find Another You

This was written by Paul McCartney at the age of 16 and attributed to Lennon-McCartney, as were all their songs written individually. It was released in 1964 by Peter Asher, … Continue readingPeter and Gordon: A World Without Love

This was written by Norrie Paramor and Bunny Lewis for the 1959 film Expresso Bongo in which it was performed by Cliff Richard and the Shadows. It was released as a single … Continue readingCliff Richard and the Shadows: A Voice in Wilderness

Written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James, this was first recorded in 1970 by B J Thomas (who made the ghastly Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, which pretty … Continue readingAlways on my Mind

I was just at the start of my interest in pop when this was released by Andy Williams in early 1963, and I loved it. Written by Jerome ‘Doc’ Pomus … Continue readingAndy Williams: Can’t Get Used to Losing You