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My record buying years didn’t get into full swing until a very special Christmas present was delivered somewhat early in mid-November 1959. It was a Dansette Record Player! Now I could play 45’s on my very own equipment, rather than risk the highly breakable 78’s I’d bought previously on dad’s ancient old radiogram - you know the type, the one where you had to change the needle every hundred plays, as it had worn out!
My final chart was produced in December 1979, mainly because I did not buy many singles from 1980 onward. CD’s soon came on the scene and although the Club members still brought their records to the Club and were blasted out on the sound system most evenings, I had other things to concentrate my time on. I am a prolific creator - and hoarder - of paperwork (Local Government Officer trained, you see!) and I do have, in a faded old file, the actual lists of all those 60’s and 70’s personal Top 20’s. So, I am able to accurately reproduce them here on this website. They are as I selected and chose them back in those years - between 25 and 45 years ago. My tastes have obviously changed since then and it is doubtful that I would make the same choices today looking back at the records I bought. But, it is really great to recall my likes and dislikes actually at the time.
So, we begin our look at the “Vintage Years” of my vinyl singles record buying - two decades in all, the 60’s and the 70’s - with the years from 1956 to 1959!!!! Sorry folks, but I just had to feature the very first Chart that ever I produced - in December 1959. A Top 10 actually, as I hadn’t bought many records that year. To precede that, I’d like to list 20 more records which became favourites of mine at the time.
| 1956/7/8 | 1959 | 1960 | 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 |
| 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 |
One of life’s big steps is the move from Primary to Secondary school - in my case, at 11 years of age. It was late summer 1956 and although aware of the beginnings of rock’n’roll, this 11 year old was somewhat protected from the big bad world and my musical taste was limited, to say the least. Mixing with different kids at my new school - Huish’s in Taunton - I was “introduced” to the new sounds coming from across the Atlantic ocean! Mmmm....OK, but it was just Bill Haley (not really for me!) and Frankie Lymon (better - yes, much better!) and Pat Boone (above) - certainly NOT rock! As my first term passed by at Huish’s, the sound of Elvis’s “Hound Dog” took hold, as did dear old Lonnie Donegan (right). Although my parents were pleased I loved Anne Shelton’s smash hit “Lay Down Your Arms”, I incurred their wrath somewhat by raving about “scandalous” Johnnie Ray! (left) “Just Walking In The Rain” was my favourite and I bought this 78 later on in 1957. Nationally, it topped the British charts for 7 weeks late on in the year, including Christmas 1956.
Isn’t it funny how certain sounds bring back, extremely clearly in some cases, rather insignificant incidents in your past. I was now old enough to pay visits, on my own, to the local travelling fair that invaded the nearby rugby ground for a short week or two every summer. It was here, while riding (and, more often watching!) the Bumper Cars, the Big Wheel, and the other speedy, nausea-inducing round-a-bouts, that I heard the latest hits being blasted out from tinny old sound systems. A toffee-apple or candy floss together with Marvin Rainwater (below left) with his “Whole Lotta Woman”, the Four Preps (below right) wonderful “Big Man” and the Everlies’ many successes including “All I Have To Do Is Dream”. Some of this guy’s most nostalgic youthful moments. Innocent times, yes, but I did run the gauntlet of the teddy boys, who saw my expertise on the Penny Arcade machines that produced a woodbine ciggie if the metal ball-bearing popped into the correct cup, as a chance for a free smoke! Dangerously exciting youthful adventures aiding and abetting my musical education.
Times were most definitely changing - and although the wonderful decade of the 60’s was still more than a year away, there was a distinct excitement in the air for young teenagers and their musical “education”. I was to soon become an avid record collector and my “Vintage Years” were just around the corner. I didn’t realise it at the time (we never do) but it was to become a golden era for pop music, with history-making sales and unbeatable sounds drifting across the airwaves from Radio Luxembourg amongst others. I am so pleased to have been alive - and at the best possible age - to have been a part of it all. Elvis, Buddy, the “Big O”, the Beatles - I was there, and it was just wonderful!!!
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The trend was, in many respects, set for the following decade by my choice of Adam Faith’s debut national success as my No. 1 for 1959. Only released in November of that year, it soon reached no.1 nationally. I’d preferred Adam as a singer to Cliff Richard throughout their many appearances on TV shows like “Six-Five Special” etc. So, I became a great fan of Mr Faith’s many singles and LP’s, awarding him the top spot in my first ever chart. However, do you notice something? He’s the only British artist in the 10. All the others are American. This was to be a recurring trend throughout my early years as a record buyer. OK, things did change a bit when the British Beat scene was born (thanks to the Beatles, of course), but it was only Adam - and Billy Fury (below right) to a lesser degree - who flew the Union Jack in my music tastes.
The melodic voices of Ricky Nelson, the Everlies and Guy Mitchell still endure today, and the inclusion of Elvis and Buddy - well, sheer talent always comes shining through. Dion’s disc just about summed up perfectly our 13/14 year-old feelings, and Jerry Keller's hit reminds me of what a great time we had every summer. Instrumental discs are featured too with Duane Eddy twanging that great bass guitar (oh, so much more gutsy than the Shads!!) and Johnny & the Hurricanes introduced us to the great new sound of an electric organ.So, a very nostalgic list of 10 great tracks gets us under way, all topped by dear old Adam.
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The new decade - the 60’s had arrived! We didn’t really know what a wonderful period in our lives it would turn out to be, musically. And as the years rolled by, we just accepted, as young people do, each new sound, each ground-breaking act without realising how history would treat those great years. To be a teenager, actually growing up in the 60’s, was great at the time. Now, it’s seen as magical and world-changing.1960 though, as was 1961 and 1962, pre-Beatles. The pop world had yet to be forever changed by the Liverpool 4, so we had to make do with the developing rock and roll scene - which saw Elvis, Cliff, Adam selling millions of discs here in the UK. Then, a great star - a man with probably the greatest pop-voice of all - finally made a hit record. Roy Orbison (left) had finally made his mark. His earlier releases on Sun Records hadn’t scored here in the UK - in fact I’d never heard of him! “Only The Lonely” did it. We had our first glimpse of the “Big O” and he wasn’t the atypical pop idol. No mean, youthful curl of lips, no flopping hair, no sensual movements.
Just an ordinary guy with a beautiful voice. The record kept two of Adam’s big hits off my no. 1 spot. The other usual suspects made the chart, but there’s a female solo star there too! Not a Brit or a Yank though! A French superstar of great proportions (success and voice-wise, not in stature as she was a tiny lady). My love of all things French was already manifesting itself! Edith Piaf (right) was there with “Milord”. C’est Magnifique, Madame Piaf.Entries too for Aussie star Frank Ifield (pre “I Remember You”), Welsh lad Ricky Valance who had a banned national no.1 with “Tell Laura I Love Her” previously, an Adam Faith-style hit for Jerry Lordan and a lovely little song from Emile Ford. American stars making their only appearances were Jimmy Jones, Bob Luman, Bobby Rydell, Eddie Cochran and Freddie Cannon.Quite a mixture, then, of styles and artists making up the first chart of the 60’s.
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Adam was back at the top of the pile again in 1961. In addition, he had 3 entries in the top 9 - the most successful year for any artist in the entire 21 years. He was holding back that tide of Stateside performers too, with Elvis and Roy Orbison both pushing very hard to claim the top spot. The Everlies (left) continued on their winning way with the superb “Walk Right Back”.
Debuts too for three wonderfully successful American stars - Bobby Vee, Del Shannon and more significantly, Gene Pitney (with “Love My Life Away”) who was shortly to assume the mantle of my “Chart Champion”.
Instrumental hits continued with the String-a-longs, Waikikis (a Belgian group which specialised in Hawaiian style music!), Kokomo (rocking up a classical piece composed by Greig) and the ever-popular Duane Eddy (right).
An obscure British act, Lee Diamond & the Cherokees, crept into the 20 with a quite modern group sound on “I’ll Step Down”."I'll Step Down" was also recorded by the moderately successful star Garry Mills, and it was he who had the small hit with a "country" style version of the song. Lee Diamond & the Cherokees' "Buddy Holly-style" recording sold well, but not well enough to register in the charts, more's the pity. This was the only single released by the group with Lee, who then went on to have one further disc issued by Fontana Records, "Stop Your Cryin'", backed by the Harry Robinson Orchestra. This wasn't a hit either. The Cherokees (NOT the group who charted briefly in 1964 with "Seven Daffodils" by the way), having split with Lee then actually backed, believe it or not, the aforementioned Garry Mills for a short time at various gigs. Remarkable!! They finally disbanded later in the 60's.Thank you so much, Ron, for all the info. you provided and the photos - I really enjoyed reading your fascinating story. Good luck with that proposed website of yours - the story will make great reading, you know!! I'll be the first to log-on and contribute, I promise.
The wonderful Billy Fury made his long-deserved breakthrough following his major National smash hit “Halfway To Paradise”. Billy was a great singer and produced some of the finest British rock and roll in the late 50’s. However, it was a big string-backed ballad that finally shot him to total stardom.
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Adam Faith remained supreme as the top British male solo singer, but American dominance was almost total in 1962. Gene Pitney was still to make his big breakthrough nationally, but the delicate and clever “Dime” was to pip Elvis’s wonderful ballad “Can’t Help Falling In Love” to my own no. 1 spot. I was trying like mad to promote Mr Pitney among all my friends (with only limited success!).1962 was a very strong year with some absolutely fantastic pop records released. It was the year that the Beatles made their debut on Parlophone with “Love Me Do” - but it failed to reach my chart - only just though. Debuts for Bruce Channel (below right), Leroy Van Dyke, Chris Montez, Gene McDaniels, Buddy Knox, John D. Loudermilk, Tommy Roe, Ben E. King and Bobby Darin added to U.S. male solo singers’ successes.
What a year!
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I bought more 45’s in 1963 than in any other year in these “Vintage Years”. Well, I was a working lad now, having left school in the summer of the previous year. Nationally, the British, led by the Beatles, were beginning to make their mark and they are featured twice in my Top 20 for 1963, together with Manchester-based favourites Freddie & the Dreamers.
However, it’s Gene’s first major Top 10 hit internationally, “Tulsa”, that achieves the no. 1 spot here, easily holding off Adam’s new-style song “The First Time”. Good to see other British stars, Joe Brown and Mike Berry feature too. There’s a first entry as well for a really great British solo singer who didn’t ever really achieve the success he deserved. He’s unique too in that he appears three times in my lists under three different names! In 1963, he’s Lee Stirling (right). In 1966 he re-appears as Peter Lee Stirling and then in 1972 he emerges as Daniel Boone, when he did have national chart success.
Country and Western performer James Gilreath has two interesting entries - both very similar in style and delivery and there’s another C&W success in “Wolverton Mountain” for Claud King. Folk music is represented by the superb US trio Peter, Paul & Mary (left). Friends and I travelled to Bristol to see them in concert at the Colston Hall and at a time when Package Tours featuring 6 or more acts were all the rage, Peter, Paul & Mary did the 2 hours-plus on their own. Fantastic talent and personality.
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1964 - now the Beatle-led “British Invasion” of world pop music was taking a vice-like grip. But not in Ray Poole’s chart! That wonderfully “unhip” guy from Texas, the “Big O” was bucking the trend. Actually, he was also doing something very similar internationally and in the spring of this historically brilliant musical year, Roy Orbison hit no. 1 in the British charts. He toured with the Beatles - and there was great mutual admiration between them. Roy’s beautiful “It’s Over” is my chart topper too.Mr Pitney’s success is confirmed with two more tracks in the top 10 and Adam Faith made it six years in a row in the list. British groups also begin to show, if only modestly. Lionel Morton’s Four Pennies (above left) are highest placed at 3 with the ballad “Juliet” (not many songs use the word “reminiscent” in their lyrics - lovely word that!!) with Brian Poole & the Tremeloes. Searchers and Peter & Gordon also featuring.
I was soon to become a massive soul/r&b music fan and the first true Atlantic label entry features the incredible Drifters (below) in 1964. Just how many Drifters recordings were covered by other much lesser talented British artists to deny this wonderful group numerous hit records here? Other Stateside successes in ‘64 - Chuck Berry, Kingsmen, Rivieras, Dean & Jean and Joan Baez. French star Richard Anthony is also featured in what proved to be a very satisfying twelve months.
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No Adam? 3 more Pitney entries and two massive Drifters hits in 1965. British stars ruled the world, but no Beatles here? Manfred Mann, the Hollies, Fortunes, Animals and the Rockin’ Berries are the successful groups in my chart. Donovan debuts with the Dylan influenced “Catch The Wind” and Murray Head (left) - a future West-End Musical star in “Chess” - remarkably achieves the no. 4 slot with an old Welsh folk song “Bells of Rhymney”. I always loved that song and Murray gave a splendidly powerful performance. Wasn’t a national success though, more’s the pity.American successes include Sir Douglas Quintet (a Texas group that, later in the 1970's, took on board two members of super-group Creedence Clearwater Revival, Stu Cook & Doug Clifford when the Fogerty Brothers "went solo"), Beau Brummels, Bobby Darin, Billy Joe Royal (with a Pitney-esque rendering of “Down In The Boondocks), Joan Baez and Peter Paul & Mary.
All this lot were topped though by a slightly less hip recording by an Australian folk-style group, fronted by a young woman with a clear, sweet voice! The Seekers (below) had been registering successes for quite a while, and it was no surprise when the wistful, emotional, “The Carnival Is Over” shot to national no. 1 in the late Autumn of 1965. It was my choice at that time as my favourite 45 of the year. Judith Durham has always remained one of my favourite female artists and it was a sheer delight to finally see her live, in concert in the mid-1990’s at the now sadly demolished Paignton Festival Hall. A lovely person in every respect.
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The only occasion when my top 2 records of the year were performed by the same artist occurred in 1966. Gene Pitney (right) was now a genuine superstar, internationally, and the many years that I had been trumpeting the man’s talent among my friends, relations and work colleagues finally endorsed my credibility somewhat. The man’s powerful vocal delivery, the classy material he always produced, the charismatic personality. This was to be his greatest year.Adam was back, making his final ever appearance in one of my yearly charts at no. 8 with the country-style “Cheryl’s Goin’ Home” and Lee Stirling (now “Peter”) had great success with a strong, tuneful performance. Manfred Mann's (below left) excellent “Pretty Flamingo” charted at 3 and there were British successes for David & Johnathan and the Beatles. But it was very much American success once again, as 15 of the 20 songs were recorded across the pond. Some one-hit wonders among those 15 though. Bobby Goldsboro’s excellent protest song, Lou Christie’s falsetto acrobatics, the early Tina Turner classic with Ike, rock-revival-style Mitch Ryder, balladeer Tommy McLain and superstar Cher with Sonny Bono all make their only appearances in my lists.
John Sebastian - a fantastic song-writer, story teller and all-round good bloke - was the lead vocalist in the great group Lovin’ Spoonful, and they notched up 4 great successful entries in ‘66 an ‘67. A mention too for Otis Redding - a soul singer supreme who did so much to point me in the Stax/Volt label direction (Atlantic label here at that time) which was to dominate my favourite tracks over the following months and year.Classic national favourites the Beach Boys stake a claim too with Brian Wilson’s unforgettable “Good Vibrations”, and another protest song is featured - Roy Orbison’s “There Won’t Be Many Comin’ Home”. Finally the Drifters, normally associated with having their songs nicked by others, revive a classic themselves. Turning the tables with an old Dean Martin favourite and producing a very palatable version of “Memories Are Made Of This”. 1966 - American Music Rules!!
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In addition, U.S. stars Orbison, Pitney, Turtles & Lovin’ Spoonful (left) maintain their countries’ dominance. But there are creditable British appearances from Dave Davies (a solo offering from the Kinks lead singer’ Ray Davies’ brother, Dave) and, of course, those Beatles (with “Penny Lane”). Oh yes - and honorary Brits, the Bee Gees!Born in the UK, youthful stars in Australia after emigrating there, then returning “home” to start their long, successful careers - the Gibb brothers make two appearances in this 20. “Massachusetts” was a world-wide success, reaching no. 3 here. More about them later. The success of the Dave Clark 5 nationally since 1963 - 13 chart hits alone in the U.K. - hadn’t been reflected in my charts at all until they changed style and released “Everybody Knows” in November 1967. It peaks at no. 2 here - the same position as it did in the British charts. A lovely little song with an easily-remembered tune - and a simple orchestral backing, highlighted by a plaintive cello in the final verse. Beautiful.
Of course, the number one in 1967 has to be one of the decade’s most original recordings. A debut disc by an excellent set of musicians led by vocalist Gary Brooker, who also was responsible for that unforgettable organ working in Bach-like style. The Summer Of 1967 belonged to Procol Harum (below). At number one in the U.K. charts for 6 weeks from early June, it really signalled a change in the pop music scene towards a more colourful, complicated, “psychedelic”, style. I recall that my “summer of 67” was totally dominated by “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”. It effortlessly tops the lot in my Chart that year too. I “skipped the light fandango” and “turned cartwheels across the floor” in 1967!!
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A strange thing happened in 1968. The American domination of my record collecting was reversed, and the UK achieved 12 of the 20 places up for grabs. There was also a place for a duo from Czechoslovakia singing a protest song following the Russian invasion of their country. “Laska” was released in October 1968 on the Page One label (POF112) with "Wenceslas Square" as the "B-side". Both songs were composed by Ken Howard & Alan Blaikley who were prolific song-writers in the 60's and 70's, providing many hits for the likes of the Tremeloes, Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick & Titch, Honeycombes, Herd, Bay City Rollers, Petula Clark & Engelbert Humperdinck. Page One records was the "baby" of Larry Page & Dick James - the latter eventually creating the DJM Label which featured the early Elton John recordings. Larry Page was once upon a time the manager of the Kinks & the Troggs. "Laska" is very "Eastern European" in style and content, with a spoken-word "segue" in what I think must be the Czech language (I'd love to have a translation into English!). I've no idea what became of Petr & Pavel. I don't think any other record was released by them - single or album, and "Laska" was not a hit here in the UK. But it was a good song - good enough for an entry at no. 16 here anyhow!
All the “big” names make welcome appearances however - including Gene Pitney, the so very sadly deceased - and much missed - Otis Redding (left), Bee Gees, Beatles. Roy Orbison and Manfred Mann plus return visits for the Hollies and Bruce Channel. There is a significant debut too for a man who was soon to make a real impact on my tastes - the guy? The mercurial, wonderful, highly talented Roy Wood. He was a member of the Move who scraped in at no. 20 with “Fire Brigade”. And what on earth is Marty Wilde doing in here singing a strange song about taking a trip to a Welsh town? One time successes are recorded by Doris Troy and the Royalettes. But the top 6? Now there’s a real change here in the type of records I was buying. Roger James Cooke for instance. He’s the Roger Cook of songwriters Greenaway/Cook fame - the Roger Cook of Blue Mink (with Maddie Bell). The song, “Skyline Pigeon” released as a solo single by him in 1968. It was later recorded and released as the flip-side of “Daniel” by Elton John - a hit in 1973. Mr Cook got there first - and it’s a vastly superior recording. Gene Pitney also recorded the song. Mary Hopkin is deservedly at no. 5 with a British singer Amory Kane at 4th with a strong, but unsuccessful ballad “Reflections Of Your Face” - a song with the rather unique line “with flour on her hands and face” - honest!!!
Top 3? The Idle Race, soon to be the Move, sing about a guy who is employed at a fairground turning the handle of a roundabout, but becomes so thin that he has to take a job as a skeleton on the Ghost Train instead. Honest!!! “Smokey Blue’s Away” (see the tiny photo below) we all know about - Dvorak/Black American/Scottish Spiritual melody with words added by the Sutherland Brothers about a freedom-loving pet dog. A New Generation comprised of Gavin & Iain Sutherland, Christopher Kemp and John Wright. Gavin & John shortly progressed to the 1970's/1980's band, Demon. And number one? The only Kinks (right) record to grace my lists - and it’s the simply wonderful Ray Davies song, “Days”. There is something so moving and sad about the lyrics and the simple tune. A perfect pop record, fully deserving of its place here. It was later beautifully recorded by the much-missed Kirsty McColl.So, there’s 1968 - I really am stumped as to why my record-buying preferences shifted in such an unusual direction, but it’s great to recall these, in some cases, very obscure releases and I wonder if many of you recall them - or even bought some (surely I wasn’t the only guy to part with my pounds, shillings and pence in those days buying them!!).
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A rare vintage in my “Vintage Years” was 1969!! 3 great tracks from the Bee Gees, 2 solo efforts from the “estranged” Robin Gibb, a triple bill of classic debut performances from Creedence Clearwater Revival plus the return of old favourites Pitney, Orbison and Presley. Add a lovely French entry in that year’s Eurovision Song Contest and a really lovely English version of another French classic written by Jacques Brel and one can see why I consider 1969 to be the strongest year of all of my “Vintage Years”. What a wonderful selection of songs - a heady mix of styles, arrangements, lyrics and melodies. As far as I’m concerned, 1969 is a totally unforgettable twelve months.
“Lamplight” (as I’m sure you know!) is my favourite pop-song of all time - not just ‘69! It “moved” me then and it still does today. What a single - it was the “B” side of “First Of May”, and that also features in the 20 at no. 13. One of only two double-sided “hits” in the 24 years featured here. Robin Gibb, the lead vocalist on “Lamplight”, attains 4th spot with his debut single “Saved By The Bell” (first heard by me as I was wandering on St Ives beach in Cornwall that summer - one of “those” moments again!) and again with a follow-up “One Million Years”. The, for a short while, “Robin-less” Bee Gees (below left) continued to be a great success though, as “Don’t Forget To Remember” is there at no.17 too.The Eurovision Song Contest? That year, Frida Boccara, a “Piaf-style” performer, had considerable success with the lovely “Un Jour, Un Enfant”. It was joint-winner with 3 other songs including Lulu's "Boom Bang A Bang"! It was released in the UK as “Through The Eyes Of A Child”. Lovely stuff! And, “Le Moribund” a French hit for Jacques Brel also made my list - as the English version by the talented British group The Fortunes’ minor success “Seasons In The Sun”.
Any other year would surely have seen the moving, social-comment track from Elvis, “In The Ghetto”, achieve the top spot. One of the “King’s” most poignant releases, for me it was the last really great track from the legend. And onto the scene came a band playing some great American music from the south.
The Fogerty brothers, Stu Cook and Doug Clifford twanged their way into the national charts of the USA & the UK - and I was just blown away! Always preferring the American sound to the British beat boom, here was the ultimate American band as far as I was concerned - Creedence Clearwater Revival were about to make a short but glorious appearance on the music scene. “Proud Mary” started it off and it was a big hit at the Boys’ Club where I was leader, and our soccer team - Rowlyng FC - used it as their song - well, the words did go something like, “Rolling, rolling on the river“!!! “Green River” was the third hit for the group, who that year, also beat the Beatles in the NME Readers National Poll for Top World Group - GLORY BE!!! Sandwiched in between these two big hits is “Bad Moon Rising” - the group's highest entry here in 1969 at no. 3. Still love John Fogerty’s stuff today!
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The 60’s are now finally left behind and a new decade is heralded in with a classic. Sat at the breakfast table one dark winter’s morning in early 1970, radio tuned to Tony Blackburn on Radio 1, I heard the dear old chap (OK, not “dear”, but definitely “old”!) play a new release. After it’s completion, Mr. B. trumpeted that he didn’t think it would be a hit - as it was “too long”. Hmmmm... wrong again, Tone! That was my first hearing of Simon & Garfunkel’s supreme “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Many people’s choice as the best pop music record ever released, it easily finished as my no. 1 choice come the end of the year. The beautifully pure, soaring vocals, the emotional and uplifting lyrics. It was a triumph for the American duo - their ultimate achievement. Without any doubt, an historical pop record and Simon & Garfunkel (below left) are true music legends.
But there were some new faces too. Included down there in 17th spot was the very first single released by someone who in the ensuing three decades would achieve pop immortality. Yes, Elton John. I am really pleased that I actually bought Elton’s first 45, “Border Song” at the time of its release. Certainly never a “in” figure in modern music, Roger Whittaker released some outstanding records over the years and the first of a number of entries in my charts appears in 1970 - “I Don’t Believe In If Any More”. The good-time British group Mungo Jerry also make an appearance with the great summer hit of the year, appropriately titled “In The Summertime”!
It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t include a few unknown, nationally relatively unsuccessful, recordings! In 1970 I championed the cause of one Peter E. Bennett who performed a little number entitled “The Seagull's Name Was Nelson”, as I also did with a great ballad from Richard Barnes called “Go North” and Rod McKuen’s “Soldiers Who Want To Be Heroes”. And what about a William Truckaway? I did acknowledge the success of William Greenbaum though!!!
That's 1970!
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One-off entries for Chris Neal, Danyel Gerard and Scott English (with the original version of “Mandy” - the 1975 hit for Barry Manilow, actually titled “Brandy“). 1971 also saw my top 20 acknowledge the national successes of Hot Chocolate, T-Rex and the Fortunes. It was the year Creedence had their two final hits and Monkees’ star Michael Nesmith recorded his solo hit “Silver Moon”. That’s a great song. Sadly, Sammi Smith, who recorded the original version of “Help Me Make It Through The Night” and achieved the very high placing of no. 6 here, died in early 2005. She never had a hit record in the UK but was an excellent performer. I’d also like to mention Jose Feliciano, a very talented guy whose “Destiny” was to appear here at 18th.
However, 1971 sees the debut appearances of two real BRITISH superstars! One who has gone on to earth-shattering success and a change of style and the other who has remained totally true to his roots and is a national treasure! Rod Stewart was magical in those rough and ready early days both as a solo artist and as the lead vocalist with the wonderful Faces. “Maggie May” was his first hit - and for me, his greatest track. It is so raw and, above all, original. Rod was at his best in the early 70’s and on “Stay With Me” - the Faces classic hit - we can get the true sense of the man and his unique style. I was lucky enough to see the group live on stage in Taunton during this period and it was an unforgettable night. Rod and the guys were British through and through.
Who’s the national treasure then? In 71, the Move were at the height of their popularity with great songs like “Tonight”. There, singing away in that unique nasal style, was a guy with a shock of fuzzy black hair. Soon, that hair was multicoloured and the unmistakeable face painted in many colours too. This was his own band. At the same time though, a parallel solo career developed! In 2005 the now 60+ year old has a new band, slightly less fuzzy hair, but is still rocking away deliciously well in that completely unique way. A British pop legend - dear Roy Wood. We have to wait a couple of years though before the man is seen to dominate my Top 20’s.
In the meantime, let’s pay tribute to some great ‘71 releases. I was on a Youth Club summer camping trip to France and Spain when on the radio - in Andorra of all places - I heard a great track. It was available at a local record store (asking for it in Spanish proved very tricky) and it was now in my collection. Canadian Gordon Lightfoot’s top quality rendition of “Me And Bobby McGee” - a double sided hit in Europe along with “If You Could Read My Mind”. A fabulous record. Joan Baez finally hit the national charts big time with “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and big-voiced Roger Whittaker (above right) recorded a song submitted to him by a fan - “Why” - and produced a classic.But Number One in 1971 was a simply gorgeous little love-song from a British harmony group who have had just a few national successes over the years. Not the usual style of love-song though, because “When You Are A King” is sung by a proud father to his young son. White Plains (left) still perform this song today and I know it is a great favourite of theirs.
There are many other songs about a parent’s love for their child (including the lovely “Shine Son” by Dennis Locorriere), but I challenge anyone to find a better, more unique, example than White Plains lovely “When You Are A King”. And no, it isn’t Elizabeth singing to Charles, or Charles to William. It’s much more loving than that!
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This is the year when Dennis, Ray, Bill, George & Jay - collectively, Dr Hook & the Medicine Show - arrived! Of course it’s only the beginning, but the beginning of my loyal support of the group (and the charismatic lead singer, Dennis Locorriere) now lasting well over 30 years. I must be honest though, it’s very much a case of large oak-trees growing from little acorns as the Hook had just the one entry in my 1972 chart and disappeared from sight for three long years! A significant entry though as “Sylvia’s Mother” still registers with many as the ultimate Dr Hook track.
10 years after Chris Montez’s previous entry “Let’s Dance”, the Mexican-American appears once again - at no. 5 with the Spanish-style “Loco Porti” (“Crazy For You”). A happy, distinctive track, it didn’t sell at all well, but I loved it and played it a lot. Woodie Guthrie’s son Arlo rides a train to no. 16 and, hey, at 20th there’s the third entry for Mr Peter Green! Sorry - who? Peter Green!!! Born Peter Green, he was a member of Birmingham outfit, Pat Wayne & the Beachcombers, then the Bruisers - backing Tommy Bruce (Ain’t Misbehavin’) - before changing his name and going solo as Lee Stirling. He then changed again to Peter Lee Stirling before trying again as Daniel Boone - and finally getting some well-deserved chart success nationally. The only singer to appear in my “Vintage Years” under three different guises! Great voice - he was a very fine composer too.
Some BIG stars make their debuts in 1972. Bryan Ferry - as lead singer of the wonderful Roxy Music, Michael Jackson with a song about a rat and David Bowie as his alter-ego Ziggy and “Starman”. Does anyone know anything about Mac Davis, Gallery and Fitz & Dennis? Finally, lyrics play an important part in the success of a song or two, as Bill Withers, Hot Chocolate and Hoyt Axton express similar sentiments in their entries.
That’s ‘72 done and dusted!
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More success, too, for Rod and the Faces and there’s Gene Pitney back in favour with “24 Sycamore”. Gibraltar based singer/composer Albert Hammond has a deserved entry and Tom Fogerty - now ex-Creedence - has a success hit with “Joyful Resurrection”. Another Eurovision Song Contest entrant achieves hit status here! Spanish superstars, Mocedades (above) were runners-up to Luxembourg (it beat Cliff into 3rd place!) in 1973 with the lovely “Eres Tu” ("Touch The Wind"). I bought the single (in the original Spanish) in a small record shop in Holland, while on a Youth Club visit to Belgium!
However, the year belongs to one man. Roy Wood. Reviving the rock’n’roll sounds of the past, emulating the Phil Spector “Wall of Sound” and managing to embrace the 1970’s “glam-rock” style without compromising quality, Roy (right), both as a solo artist and as lead singer of the wonderfully eccentric band Wizzard (below), had a fantastic year. 5 entries in the Top 20 here are Roy’s, including the forever popular Christmas single! His solo LP from which “Dear Elaine” and “Forever” come, is a remarkable album in that Roy plays all the instruments and through multi-tracking, does all the backing vocals as well. As I said in an earlier year’s comments, Roy Wood is a national treasure - he should be knighted!!!I must also make mention of Roberta Flack - a beautiful lady with a silky smooth vocal style who finishes right up there in 2nd spot with an unforgettable composition, “Killing Me Softly With His Song”. Also, Lou Reed who does a great job on his self-penned version of “Satellite Of Love”. Top quality British talent is very much to the fore, with the delicious 10cc’s “Rubber Bullets” showing well. 10cc are, undeniably, one of the best bands ever to come out of the UK and we have some great tracks to remember them by.
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Bloomin’ heck! Here’s a diverse selection if ever there’s one! Naturally there are the old favourites popping up - Gene Pitney’s very final entry for example - plus Rod Stewart and Roy Wood certainly making their presence felt once again but, come on, who on earth has ever heard of Chester Baynes? I have searched high and low for some scrap of information on this guy, but cannot elaborate more other than to recall that “Till The Music Begins” is a vocal version of an original Scott Joplin composition, “The Entertainer” (used as the theme music to the movie “The Sting“). Words are by Barlby Lawrence and the record is released on the Santa Ponsa label (PNS 13) through Pye Records - and is a Teleny Music Production. Help! Lovely little song with a very unique vocal delivery from the elusive Mr Baynes!
Steve Harley’s Cockney Rebel (below left) certainly make a good impression in 1974. Their two earliest chart successes in the UK, “Judy Teen” and “Mr Soft” both reach my list, as does their only British no. 1, “Make Me Smile”, in my 1975 favourites. But that’s it as far as Mr Harley is concerned! A “double” success is also notched up by a debut band in ‘75 - the unique Mael brothers’ group, Sparks. Visually very interesting, the falsetto style of Russell certainly received many accolades nationally. A couple of excellent albums established Sparks in the UK and they are still popular in the 21st century.
The two leading records in this musically-diverse year were both classics in their own way. Alan Price was a founder member of the excellent Geordie band the Animals, before going solo and having many solo hits from 1966 onwards. His tuneful, complex and lyrically triumphant tribute to the Jarrow marchers was another of those early-summer successes in ‘74 and it just knocked me out! It was just a hairs-breadth away from the top spot, to be honest. That honour, though, went to a track that today I rate as one of the best singles ever released. The great Hammond/Hazelwood song, “The Air That I Breathe” recorded by the Hollies. This wonderful group (still touring today) had been making excellent records since 1963 with a couple of entries in earlier years here, but Allan Clarke and the group truly excelled themselves vocally on this track with a powerful rendition of a classic love song. The song proudly stands the test of time and is as fresh today as it was 30 years ago.
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Some more lesser-known tracks make the 20. Reparata (her of the Delrons, you remember?!) dips in with a most unusual number - listening to the tape I made of the 1975 chart, I am a little puzzled why I chose it! It’s kind of Greek-ish with a Eurovision style feel. Hmmmmm. Little old Andy Fairweather-Low, fresh out of Amen Corner, also shows up with an inoffensive little ditty, “Mellow Down” and Chip Hawkes. Who was Chip Hawkes? Ex-lead with the Tremeloes actually and father of Chesney (he who made no. 1 in the UK in 1991). “Friend of a Friend” isn’t that bad actually! Look at what’s at no. 13 - Lennon’s “Imagine”. It was actually released as a single for the first time in 1975 and only made it to 6th nationally, believe it or not. Other 1975 one-hit wonders in my lists of top 20’s include the late Jim Croce (a fine American country-folk-rock singer), Ian Hunter, ex-lead of Mott The Hoople with a very Bowie-esque track, and John Fogerty (ex-Creedence, of course) with a track Status Quo were destined to record two years hence (Rocking All Over The World) - the only song to make it twice into my Vintage Years by two different acts.Duane Eddy returns after a lengthy gap of 14 years and dear old Roger Whittaker makes the top 3 with a big national hit. This song made interesting first-time listening on a radio in Ostend while on a Youth Group Holiday to the Belgian coastal resort - just before taking the ferry back to Dover in a force 9 gale. Why is it that “The Last Farewell” conjures up vivid memories of seasickness and green faces when I hear it today? Thank goodness for the Channel Tunnel!!! Hot Chocolate (above right) reach the peak of their powers in ‘75 with two Top 10 successes and finally, a very interesting group, Fox (below), reach no. 11. Lead singer, Noosha Fox returns here in 1977 as a solo artist. She’s an Aussie lady, born Susan Traynor, with a very distinctive and sexy vocal style. Good though!
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Now we can truthfully say that it is the Dr Hook era with 3 tracks from Ray Sawyer & Co. in my 1976 Top 20. An unforgettable evening at the Colston Hall in Bristol cemented my total admiration for this unique band from across the water. There was absolutely nothing like them, anywhere, anytime, before - or since. Live, on stage, they were a jaw-dropping mix of comedy, rock, country and...........well, Hook-ness!!! Billy Francis outwalked John Cleese with a leggy stepping out, little Rick won our heartfelt sympathy claiming everybody was makin’ it big except him and then there was that long-haired, bearded one who clowned and fell around before opening his mouth and singing like...... well, as only the charismatic Dennis Locorriere can - emotionally and dramatically.
Mr. L. was soon destined to become my favourite singer and to take his place alongside Roy Orbison and Gene Pitney in Ray Poole’s American Hall of Fame. The really only big surprise is that I didn’t choose “A Little Bit More” as my no. 1 that year (incredibly, Dr Hook never attained that position here, ever - oh, the folly of my younger years!) as it peaked at 2, beaten by a Swedish ballad of true commercial quality. Abba (below left) took the prize in ‘76 with “Fernando” - yes it did and it beat some classic songs that year. It probably wouldn’t now, in fact I’m sure that it wouldn’t - but it was how I felt back then. They’ve recorded much better songs, but I rated it that highly all those years ago.
1976 is a particularly strong year with some absolutely great tracks by a series of unforgettable artists gracing my Top 20. 10cc (right) were such a great talent and made some classic recordings in this period including the massive hit “I’m Mandy, Fly Me”. I feel that I must make mention of the peerless Ronnie Lane and the seriously, unforgivably, under-rated Clifford T. Ward. Both sadly no longer with us anymore, these two wonderful British artists hold a place dear in my heart these days and they make fleeting appearances for the very first time here. Clifford was a tremendous song-writer with a clear, pure, vocal delivery and Ronnie? Well, the ex-Faces guitarist had the bravery to be true to his roots with a series of folksy, original performances. I remember them both with great affection.
There’s a couple of quirky little entries here too. Hank Mizell’s “Jungle Rock” (actually recorded years before) and Mike Oldfield’s “Portsmouth”. The latter was a particular favourite at the Boys’ Club with some of the younger members (and one or two older ones who should have known better!) letting off steam by performing a somewhat strange dance at a less-than-serene pace around the Club at closing time (remember that Mr Burgess?). Funny what a hornpipe and flutes would do back in the late 70‘s!!!! Making a deserved re-appearance, after several years absence, is Mary Hopkin. She sings the beautiful French song often associated with Edith Piaf, “If You Love Me” and does a mellow, sweet job of it. Lovely stuff. A mention too for the excellent Bellamy Brothers, who were to become a particular favourite of mine in the coming years and finally the Strawbs - they recorded a top quality ballad, “I Only Want My Love To Grow In You” in 1976 - it did nothing nationally, but I thought it was an outstanding recording.
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British rock & roll revivalist favourite, Dave Edmunds (former lead singer of Rockpile) makes an appearance, as does Noosha Fox with the excellent track “Georgina Bailey”. However, the ladies are also very well represented by the lovely Rita Coolidge (above right). “We’re All Alone” certainly had a good run of success nationally, reaching no. 6 in the summer of 1977 (9th here). The Eagles, not to be outdone too much by Poco, take 3rd place in my listing with the classic hit single “Hotel California”, with Boz Scagg’s memorable “Lido Shuffle” just behind it in 4th spot.Finally, Eric Clapton and Boney M (god, how can I possibly mention these artists in the same breath, tell me?!) hint at what was to be an extremely successful year to come for them by taking “Lay Down Sally” and “Belfast” to successful placings in my 1977 chart. Fascinating!
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My record buying - well, singles anyway - was now “in decline” and the end of my Vintage Years is very much in sight. 1978 is far from a vintage twelve months and it is a sure thing that a number of the entrants would not have made a top 100 ten years previous. That should not, however, detract from the fact that there are a number of gems here. The beautiful Commodores track with Lionel Ritchie’s excellent vocals thoroughly deserve a mention as does Errol Brown’s interpretation of “I’ll Put You Together Again”. Hot Chocolate produced some classic pop singles over a very long period of time - a most under-rated British group.
There’s a great track featured at no. 8 - by U.S. group Jefferson Starship (below left). They progressed from being an Airplane to issue a melodic, highly impressive track in “Count On Me”. In 1985 they hit the charts again as just Starship - Jefferson was out!!! A lovely song which surely deserved greater recognition nationally and internationally?
How on earth did “Rasputin” by Boney M (right) manage to drag itself to 13th? But there are two British bands who make their only appearances in ’78. Electric Light Orchestra (now light of Roy Wood though!) and the excellent Smokie - they, like Hot Chocolate, issued top quality British pop music for many years, “Oh Carol” being just one. Lead singer Chris Norman and the group were European superstars, especially in Germany. Got good taste, then, in the Rhineland despite some Boney M releases emanating from there! I’m being a little unkind on Bobby Farrell, Marcia Barrett and Co., as the German based West Indian combo did produce a catchy, successful and ultra-commercial double-sided smash in the UK in 1978 and both tracks make my top 5. That in itself is a unique feat!The peerless Gladys Knight does stand the test of time though. This wonderful singer is surely one of the world’s best female vocalists - with a silky smooth voice and an excellent interpreter of soul ballads. Listen to “The One And Only” today and it is still a fabulous track - goosebumps time! A brace of Eric Clapton tracks up the overall quality of the chart. “Promises” hits the top 3 and the classic tribute to women everywhere, “Wonderful Tonight” is there at no. 7.
Finally a word about the number one. Gerry Rafferty is a national treasure! “Baker Street” is his most famous solo track, but earlier material with Stealer’s Wheel in ‘73/4 deserves more than just a passing acknowledgement. Gerry’s vocals here are really first rate on a song of such durable quality. I think “Baker Street” is also remembered and praised because of the superb orchestration - the saxophone and guitar solos surely the best instrumental breaks in any pop record, ever. Quite simply a classic track which was so far ahead at no. 1 in my 1978 list that it was a one-horse race all year! 1978 will be remembered if only for “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty.
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The early “punk music” movement had largely passed me by - it’s not that I was offended by the Pistols, Clash etc., in fact they did liven up what was becoming a very stagnant British music scene and played an important part in the history of popular music in the UK - it’s just that a self-respecting 34 year-old couldn’t come out to his young Youth Club charges and declare he was a fan of punk rock! Despite my hidden likes, I did find it possible to include a few of the latest British stars in my final Top 20. Take the Undertones (right), for example.Debbie Harry was a little bit punkish too wasn’t she - despite being from the other side of the pond! “Sunday Girl” and “Heart Of Glass” are excellent singles which achieved great things for the very desirable lady from the US of A. Blondie - the melodic side of punk. Included in the new style has to be the other Elvis. Mr Costello, I refer to, of course. Low down at no. 19 is “Accidents Will Happen” - excellent fare - but there, my final number one, the last single I bestowed that honour to, to rest beside the Adam’s, the Gene’s, the Big O’s of this world, is Elvis Costello’s catchy “Oliver’s Army”. No, I don’t regret selecting it in any way at all - it really is a marvellous single and worthy of its lofty heights. It beats off the great Billy Joel (who was to become a massive favourite of mine from the early 1980’s right up to today) and the classic Abba track “I Have A Dream”.Now I did rate this Irish band highly and remember making extravagant forecasts on how Feargal Sharkey was going to be the biggest star in years! It didn’t really happen, but boy, wasn’t he a first-rate vocalist - listening today to those early Undertones’ efforts, I still think he‘s great. The Boomtown Rats - well Sir Bob (bet he didn’t think that would happen back in ’79) did go on to greater things and “I Don’t Like Mondays” is still his signature dish!! Oh yes, Mr Blockhead too! The incomparable Ian Dury - that great LP “New Boots & Panties” was so popular at the Boys’ Club (yes, I know, the colourful language and all that!).
Honourable mentions to Nils Lofgren’s (left) “Shine Silently” - a track still played on Radio 2 today, and two rockers from Dave Edmunds that also sound gutsy and fresh in 2005. And, a sad way to end it, perhaps. Art Garfunkel, a singer of such purity and beauty, who was number 1 in the UK national charts with “Bright Eyes” on the day my dear old mum passed away. For me, the words of this song were too much to bear for quite a while, but now I can smile and recall her fondly as I listen to Art sing those very relevant lyrics. I dedicate this, my final comment on these 430 singles, to her memory.
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