January 7, 2018

 

 

Their first chart entry – ‘Go Now’,

a Number 1 of Christmas 64.

In 65, three hits followed,

also on Decca, as before.

 

In 67, ‘Nights in White Satin’

reached No. 19, in the charts –

This song also a Top 20 in 72 and 79,

and still today melts many hearts.

 

In the summer of 68  ‘Voices In The Sky’

at No. 27 , came through.

and also ‘Ride My See-Saw’,

in December reached No.42.

 

In May of 70,  ‘Question’,

was in the Top Ten at No.2,

and 72 found ‘Isn’t Life Strange’

at No.13, loved by fans, loyal and true.

 

‘I’m Just A Singer ( In A Rock ‘N’ Roll Band)’

reached No.36 in 73,

and ‘Blue World’, also a Top 40

ten years later in 83.

 

‘I Know You’re Out There Somewhere’  –

this last tribute to members across the divide.

Thank You for the great music –

your contribution, can’t be denied.

 

Rest In Peace 

Clint Warwick – 2004

Ray Thomas – 2018

Graeme Edge – 1941 – 2021

 

December 8, 2017

 

 

In 81, ‘The River’ by Bruce Springsteen –

was his 2nd UK Hit – How he shone!

Twenty years after ‘Sea Of Heartbreak’  –

a Top 20 for Don Gibson in 61.

 

A Gold Selling No.1 for this Dutch group –

‘Mississippi’ by Pussycat came in 76,

and making  No.3 in 59  for Marty Wilde –

‘Sea Of Love’ also in this mix.

 

‘The River Of Dreams’ took Billy Joel

up to No.3 in 93.

‘My Life’ and Gold Selling ‘Uptown Girl’

two more of his hits loved by you and me.

 

‘Ocean Drive’ by The Lighthouse Family,

in 95 came into view,

and ‘Cry Me A River’ by Justin Timberlake,

in 2003 made No.2

 

Everyone’s favourite, ‘Moon River’,

in 61 saw Danny Williams on the Top Spot.

and ‘I Believe In Christmas’ by Greg Lake,

in 75,  claimed the No.2 slot.

 

2001 found The Manic Street Preachers

at No.15 with ‘Ocean Spray’,

and in 62  ‘Island Of Dreams’ by The Springfields –

so nostalgic in every way.

 

Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton,

blessed us with ‘Islands In The Stream’,

and Justin Timberlake’s  ‘Cry Me A River’

from 2003 completes this theme.

 

Let’s hold hands across the ocean,

as another year passes us by.

And hope waters of tranquility

will replace all the hue and cry.

 

Let’s come together as one,

and give peace yet another try.

In this world full of hurt and sorrow’

our last hope – love – we can’t deny.

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2017

 

The much loved Beatle, George Harrison,

had more than 10 singles on his own accord,

among them ‘Got My Mind Set On You’

and making No.1 was ‘My Sweet Lord’.

 

Freddie Mercury’s 1st solo album – ‘Mr Bad Guy’,

was certainly one not to miss.

The 8th track especially winning hearts 

was ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’.

 

From ‘Space Oddity’ to ‘Ashes to Ashes’

From ‘Life on Mars’ to ‘Fame’,

David Bowie will always be remembered

for staying ahead of the game.

 

‘Praying For Time’ to get over his loss  –

for George Michael, we still shed a tear.

His hit  ‘December Song ( I Dreamed Of Christmas)

so relevant at this time of year.

 

‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ & ‘You’re My World’,

in 64 were No.1’s,  back to back.

Loved both at home and ‘Across The Universe’

was Liverpool’s  own Cilla Black.

 

‘One Moment In Time’

gave Whitney Houston her 3rd UK  No.1,

and her 4th No.1 – ‘I Will Always Love You’,

from The Bodyguard, every heart won.

 

In Nov of 80, ‘(Just Like) Starting Over’ –

a gold selling No.1 in the US and the UK,

and ‘Imagine’, and ‘Woman’, two back to back No.1’s –

John Lennon we miss you in every way.

 

‘Walk On The Wild Side’, a Top 10 in 73

came from US genius –  Lou Reed.

Other UK hits include ‘ Soulman ‘ and ‘Satellite Of Love’,

but ‘Perfect Day’, we loved too  – yes indeed.

 

‘Blue Christmas’ and ‘Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me’ –

hits of 64 and 57 for Elvis, –  fans thought just heaven.

In 77, ‘White Christmas’ from Bing Crosby

also back in the charts in 85, 98 and 07.

 

Losing Michael Jackson in 2009

was another huge music industry loss.

‘Rock With You’,  just one of his 50 songs

back in the UK Top 200 – showing he was still the boss.

 

Chris Squire, a respected member of ‘Yes’,

also too soon, from this earth, did depart.

Two Top Ten singles that come to mind are –

‘Circus Of Heaven’ and ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart’.

 

With age comes acceptance

that the end may be nigh,

and that all earthly happenings

will soon pass us by.

 

Though life has a habit

of throwing in a curved ball,

and taking,  far too early,

those who haven’t lived at all.

 

And this shock to the system

sometimes questions belief.

Taking longer to cope with

the heavy burden of grief.

 

But if waiting for our arrival

are these past heroes and mates,

the party can continue

far beyond heaven’s gate.

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury.

 

November 22, 2017

 

 

In 71 The Partridge Family featuring David Cassidy

had a U.S. No.1 with  ‘I think I Love You’.

This single also made the UK Top Twenty,

and ‘It’s One Of Those Nights (Yes Love), next in 72.

 

Two months later in April saw David Cassidy

up at No.2 with a flourish –

His double ‘A’ sided single, flying up the charts –

being, ‘Could It Be Forever’  & ‘Cherish’.

 

In September of 72, came his first UK No.1,

as fans answered his song – ‘How Can I Be Sure’,

and hysteria at an all time high,

when, in 73, he arrived for his first UK Tour.

 

‘Rock Me Baby’  his last hit of 72,

climbed to No. 11,  of the chart tree,

and was followed by another double ‘A’ side  –

‘I’m A Clown’ & ‘Some Kind Of A Summer’, in 73.

 

His other UK hit of this year came in October –

 by now he could do no wrong.

His 3rd double ‘A’ side, this time made No.1,

being, ‘Daydreamer’ & The Puppy Song.

 

‘If I Didn’t Care’ – a Top Ten of 74,

and ‘Please Please Me’ – A Top Twenty at No.16.

In 75, ‘I Write The Songs’ & ‘Get It Up For Love’, at No.11,

followed by ‘Darlin’, again at No.16.

 

In 85, ‘The Last Kiss’ made No.6

and ‘Romance (Let Your Heart Go)’,  in at No.54,

seem two apt songs to complete this eulogy,

now sadly, lovely David Cassidy –  is no more.

 

 

From Teens to Mums and Grandma’s,

he was everyones sweetheart –

embracing all that is pure, through song and verse, –

his music touched every heart.

 

Thank you  for the music.

David Cassidy – Rest in peace. 

 

 

 

 

 

November 19, 2017

 

 

In 78, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation” – arrived from AC/DC,

and followed in 79,  by ‘Highway To Hell’.

and ‘Touch Too Much’,  their first Top 30 of 80 –

(Sadly losing Bon Scott this month, as well).

 

Six more hits also came in 80,  ending with,

‘Rock ‘N’ Roll  Ain’t Noise Pollution’, at No.15.

Which found AC/DC firmly established

on the UK Rock music scene.

 

‘Let’s Get It Up’  and  ‘Who Made Who’,

and  ‘Heatseeker’,  some more hits of this decade.

And in the 90’s ‘Thunderstruck’  and  ‘Highway To Hell (live)’ –

two more Top 20’s making the grade.

 

‘It’s A Long Way To The Top

(If You Wanna Rock N Roll)’,

but AC/DC kept the faith –

making it look just like a stroll.

 

And so soon after losing his brother George,

we hear of the sad loss of Malcolm Young.

Rest in peace, in the knowledge –

your work, forever played and sung.

 

Thank you for your music.

 

 

 

 

 

November 5, 2017

 

 

Heard coming out of every Disco

from Manchester to Malibu

were these unmistakable sounds

in magical 1972.

 

‘Here I go again’ by Archie Bell & The Drells –

in the UK charts of October at No. 11,

and Eric Clapton’s ‘Layla’-

in the Top Ten of August at No.7.

 

And David Bowie’s ‘Starman’ –

his first hit of this year too.

Followed by ‘John, I’m Only Dancing’,

and ‘The Jean Genie’ –  our minds blew.

 

‘Mama weer all crazee now’-

a No 1 for Slade, sent us all insane.

and in December at No.3

arrived Carly Simon, with ‘You’re So Vain’

 

‘Meet Me On The Corner’,

in February saw Lindisfarne at No.5,

and in July, flying in at No.3 came –

Hawkwind’s  ‘Silver Machine’, with power drive.

 

Gilbert O’Sullivan reached No.1

declaring his love for ‘Clair’,

and bending our ear was Don Mclean,

telling us of ‘Vincent’ and his despair.

 

Paul McCartney & Wings

gave us ‘Hi Hi Hi’ and ‘Cmoon’,

and in at No.2  came Ringo Starr

singing his ‘Back Off Boogaloo’ tune.

 

This year also saw T Rex – 

 in May at No.1 with ‘Metal Guru’,

and The Stylistics’  ‘Betcha By Golly Wow’

and ‘I’m Stoned In Love With You’.

 

The first hit for Roxy Music

came in August, with ‘Virginia Plain’

and ‘My World’ and ‘Run To Me’,

from the Bee Gees, in our hearts remain.

 

‘School’s Out’ sang Alice Cooper

as we let down our guard,

and Paul Simon’s ‘Mother And Child Reunion’ came

with ‘Me & Julio Down By The School Yard’.

 

Simon & Garfunkel gave us ‘America’,

and Hurricane Smith sang ‘Oh Babe What Would You Say’,

and Donny Osmond with ‘Puppy Love’ at No.1,

proved he was here to stay.

 

‘Morning Has Broken’ by Cat Stevens

arrived in the charts as January began,

followed soon after in April,

by Elton John and his ‘Rocket Man’.

”

Two more hits of this year for Elton

were ‘Honky Cat’ and ‘Crocodile Rock’,

and in January ‘Son Of My Father’

for Chicory Tip,  made the top slot.

 

‘You Wear It Well’,  a No.1 in August,

for Rod Stewart – the 2nd hit to come his way,

after the double-sided No.1 of ’71 –

‘Reason To Believe’ and ‘Maggie May’

 

‘Got To Be There’ and ‘Rockin Robin’ –

the first single to make the Top Ten

for Michael Jackson in 72,

followed by ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Ben’.

 

In August, ‘Living In Harmony’

saw Cliff Richard again in the charts,

and ever since ‘Move It’ -back in 58,

Sir Cliff continues to win more hearts.

 

Whichever year ‘did it’ for you;

whichever year pulled at your heart strings,

there’s no better ‘feel good’ factor,

than reliving the joy each memory brings.

 

Whatever your situation now;

whatever your reasons to exist on this land.

Just put all your troubles behind you –

relax, and listen to your favourite band.

 

 

 

October 27, 2017

 

 

George Young of The Easybeats

this month, left life behind.

This Group best remembered

for their hit of 66 – ‘Friday On My Mind’.

 

Their next hit came two years later

with the success of  ‘Hello, How Are You.

George was the brother of  ‘AC/DC’s

Angus and Malcolm too

 

Let the music live on.

 

 

 

 

 

October 21, 2017

 

 

In 65, ‘I Can’t Explain’- a hit

for these UK,  R & B men,

and ‘Anyway Anyhow Anywhere’

gave The Who their second Top Ten.

 

Their last hit of 65 – ‘My Generation’,

reached as high as No.2.

In 66, five more hits arrived

with ‘Substitute’ & ‘A Legal Matter’ in view.

 

‘I’m A Boy’ & ‘The Kids Are Alright’ followed,

with ‘Happy Jack’ filling the dance floor.

‘Pictures Of Lily’, their first hit of 67 –

and ‘The Last Time’/ ‘Under My Thumb’, in at 44.

 

‘I Can See For Miles’, came next –

making the Top Ten line.

Then in 68 came ‘Dogs’ & ‘Magic Bus’,

and at No.4, ‘Pinball Wizard’, in 69.

 

Their 2 Hits of 70 included –

‘The Seeker’ and ‘Summertime Blues’,

and ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ & ‘Let’s See Action’ –

2 Top Twenty hits of 71, over which, fans enthused.

 

‘Join Together’ their next offering-

reaching No.9 in 72.

and in 73 ‘Relay’ & ‘5.15’,

saw more hits adding to the queue.

 

In 76 came ‘Squeeze Box’ & ‘Substitute’

with ‘Who Are You’ in 78, reaching No.18.

Then ‘Long Live Rock’ in 79,  before,

‘You Better You Bet’ & ‘Don’t Let Go The Coat’, seen.

 

‘Athena’, their Top 40 of 82,

 was followed by ‘Ready Steady Who (EP)’, in 83,

and ‘My Generation’, back again in 88 and 96 –

completes this hit list from A to Zee.

 

Well known for their Rock Opera – ‘Tommy’,

this Legendary Mod group, loved so true.

Sadly, losing Keith Moon back in September 78,

and John Entwistle in June 2002.

 

Thank You for the ground-breaking music  –

You changed so many lives.

 

Written by Harriet Blackbury

 

 

October 16, 2017

 

 

‘Do it again’ made the UK Top 40

in 75 for Steely Dan.

This U S group then reached the Top 20

with ‘Haitian Divorce’ going to plan.

‘FM (No Static At All)’

in 78, their next release

‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, came in 79 –

Walter Becker – May you rest in peace.

 

 

 

 

October 4, 2017

 

In 77, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

hit the UK Charts with ‘Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll’.

Also in 77 their ‘American Girl’

made the Top 40 scroll.

 

In 81, joining with Stevie Nicks

came ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’,

and in 85 ‘Don’t Come Around Here No More’

entered  Top 50 ground.

 

Going solo in 89 – ‘I Won’t Back Down’

became his highest UK hit.

and ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’ & ‘Free Fallin’

fans loved more than just a bit.

 

In 91 came ‘Learning To Fly’

and in 92 ‘Too Good To Be True’

Followed in 93 by ‘Something In The Air’

and in 94 ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’, on cue.

 

Florida’s ‘own’ Tom Petty –

So talented and versatile.

May your journey ‘Into The Great Wide Open’ 

be welcomed with a huge smile,

 

by those who have gone before you,

impatient to make their next song. –

Those ex Traveling Wilbury faces

with their guitars still strummin’ strong.

 

Keep doing what you do best –

‘Rock on in style Tom Petty.

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury

 

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