Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
I WAS wondering what hymn to do this week when out of the blue this one came into my head. I don’t know why because I doubt if I have … Continue readingJesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
I WAS wondering what hymn to do this week when out of the blue this one came into my head. I don’t know why because I doubt if I have … Continue readingJesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
This was written in 1966 by Doug Morris, who wound up as chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment in 2011. It was the Chiffons’ last big hit, reaching No … Continue readingThe Chiffons: Sweet Talking Guy
EDWARD Elgar (1857-1934) had a long climb to the summit of his career, struggling for recognition until he was in his forties. This work was written when he was 35 … Continue readingElgar’s Serenade for Strings, Op 20
I doubt if this would be acceptable today. It was written by Jiles Perry Richardson, better known as The Big Bopper, and recorded by Johnny Preston in 1958 with Richardson … Continue readingJohnny Preston: Running Bear
One of the all-time great records, and an early portent of Phil Spector’s wonderful talent. He was inspired to write the song by the words on his father’s gravestone, ‘To … Continue readingThe Teddy Bears: To Know Him Is To Love Him
TODAY the funeral of George Layton, 78, the father of TCW commenter Tina (Tee2), is being held at Horsham St Faith crematorium in Norfolk. Tina will be with her partner, … Continue readingLord of All Hopefulness
IT seems to me that this week we ought to think of the Queen, who has served the country so steadfastly since her father, George VI, died in 1952 when … Continue readingI Was Glad
This hit No 2 in the UK in 1970 and No 4 in the US. Wikipedia says: ‘According to drummer Simon Kirke, All Right Now was written by Free bassist Andy Fraser … Continue readingFree: All Right Now
This brilliant ballad was written by Orbison and his frequent collaborator Joe Melson. It was released in March 1961 and went to No 1 in America and No 9 in … Continue readingRoy Orbison: Running Scared
This was written in 1967 by Graham Nash (although it was credited jointly to him, Allan Clarke and Tony Hicks) after he had visited America. He wanted to take the … Continue readingThe Hollies: King Midas in Reverse