Author: Margaret Ashworth

This reached No 2 in the US charts in 1958. It was written by Luther Dixon, who later worked with the Shirelles, and Allyson R Khent. It was featured in the … Continue readingThe Crests: Sixteen Candles

This was written by Chandler with Bernice Williams and Earl Edwards, whose name was incorporated into the title. It reached No 1 in the States in 1962.  It was selected in … Continue readingGene Chandler: Duke of Earl

This is one of many pop songs on the theme of the underage girl who must be rejected for her own good.  Gary Puckett & The Union Gap performed in costumes … Continue readingGary Puckett & The Union Gap: Young Girl

Helen Shapiro was only 14 when she recorded this song, written by John Schroeder and Mike Hawker in 1961. It was her first No 1 hit (in Britain) and earned … Continue readingHelen Shapiro: You Don’t Know

This has always been one of my favourites, though it was not John Leyton’s most successful single (Johnny Remember Me topped the chart in 1961). Written by Les Vandyke and produced … Continue readingJohn Leyton: Cupboard Love

This was a No 1 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1966. It was written and produced by Motown’s main production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland (Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and … Continue readingThe Four Tops: Reach Out (I’ll Be There)

This was written by Dick Glasser and first released by Vic Dana in 1962, reaching No 47 in America. It was a bit limp, but Billy Fury gave it a … Continue readingBilly Fury: I Will