Margaret Ashworth – Page 86

Roy Orbison: It’s Over

Another drama from the great Roy. He co-wrote it with Bill Dees and released it in 1964. It reached No 8 in the US and No 1 in Britain. Here … Continue readingRoy Orbison: It’s Over

The Melody Makers 8: Broadway Medley Part II

IN THIS celebration of the immense Jewish contribution to the music of the last century or so, here is another section of songs which have become standards even though the … Continue readingThe Melody Makers 8: Broadway Medley Part II

Betty Everett: The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)

This was composed by Rudy Clark and was first released as a single in 1963 by Merry Clayton. It got nowhere; I can’t see why because when Betty Everett did … Continue readingBetty Everett: The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)

Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs: Sugar Shack

This was written by Keith McCormack, a one-time member of the String-A-Longs, who gave us the immortal Wheels in 1961. Sugar Shack was recorded in 1963 by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs at … Continue readingJimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs: Sugar Shack

Buddy Holly: Rave On

This was written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman and Norman Petty, inspired by a line from Carl Perkins’s 1956 song Dixie Fried. It was first released by West in February 1958 … Continue readingBuddy Holly: Rave On

The Rip Chords: Gone

This was their second single. It was produced by Terry Melcher, Doris Day’s son, and the falsetto was provided by his friend Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys. Melcher and … Continue readingThe Rip Chords: Gone

The Melody Makers 7: Broadway Medley Part I

SO FAR in this series on the immense Jewish contribution to popular music we have covered the major names of the early 20th century: Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, Jerome Kern. But … Continue readingThe Melody Makers 7: Broadway Medley Part I

Roy Orbison: Crying

The incomparable Orbison wrote this terrific song with his long-time collaborator Joe Melson. It made No 1 in the US Cashbox chart in 1961, but does not seem to have … Continue readingRoy Orbison: Crying

The Everly Brothers: So It Always Will Be

This one is a bit of a puzzle. This is the version I remember as a single on Warner Bros in 1963: But there is an alternate (not so good) … Continue readingThe Everly Brothers: So It Always Will Be

Tammy Wynette: Stand By Your Man

This was written by Wynette and Billy Sherrill, and released in September 1968. It was her most successful single, topping the US country chart and reaching No 19 in the … Continue readingTammy Wynette: Stand By Your Man