January 18, 2016

 

 

From ‘Space Oddity’ in 69,

( and it’s re-issue in 75 at No1.)

to ‘John I’m Only Dancing (again)’,

this decade of work from Bowie shone.

 

He brought us ‘The Jean Genie’,

followed by ‘Drive-In Saturday’.

‘Life On Mars’, ‘The Laughing Gnome’ and ‘Sorrow’,

saw his originality here to stay !

 

In 74 came ‘Rebel Rebel’,

and ‘Rock and Roll Suicide’

and with ‘Diamond Dogs’ and ‘Knock on Wood’,

he had us all on side.

 

‘Young Americans’ and ‘Fame’,

his first hits of 75.

And with ‘Space Oddity’ finally No.1,

‘Golden Years’, kept us alive.

 

Then followed ‘TVC’ in 76,

and in 77 ‘Sound and Vision’ made No.3.

‘Heroes’ the final hit of this year,

but by now, Bowie a hero to you and me.

 

‘Beauty And The Beast’ then followed,

along with ‘Breaking Glass’.

And ‘Boys Keep Swinging’ and ‘DJ’.

were yet more hits to prove his class.

 

In 80 came ‘Alabama Song’,

And then ‘Ashes To Ashes’ made No.1.

‘Fashion’ also reaching No5,

proving David Bowie still shone.

 

By now, the King of originality,

he gave us ‘Scary Monsters (and Super-Creeps)’

and ‘Up The Hill Backwards’, and ‘Wild Is The Wind’,

No wonder today –  the world weeps!

 

And then once more proving his diversity,

came the gift of ‘Peace on Earth – Little Drummer Boy’,

when he partnered the legendary Bing Crosby,

giving us a No.1 Christmas-time joy. 

 

In 82 came ‘Baal’s Hymn’,

and then ‘Cat People (Putting Out Fire)’.

And in 83, ‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘China Girl’,

once more filled our hearts with desire.

 

‘Modern Girl’ and ‘White Light, White Heat’,

finished off 83, with a roar,

before ‘Blue Jean’ and then ‘Tonight’,

his two offerings for 84.

 

In 85 ‘Loving The Alien’ at No.19,

(this song also being a re-entry in July.)

And then his release of ‘Dancing In The Street’

with Mick Jagger,  got a deserved, No.1 reply.

 

In 86 came ‘Absolute Beginners’  

which bounced up to No.2,

In this year also came ‘Underground’,

and ‘When The Wind Blows’, came into view.

 

‘Day-In Day-Out’, came in 87,

and ‘Time Will Crawl’, and ‘Never Let Me Down’.

The re-mix of ‘Fame’ entering the charts in 90,

making a bid once more for the crown.

 

In 92 ‘Real Cool World’ peaked at 53,

then in 93 ‘Jump They Say’ got to Number 9.

And ‘Black Tie White Noise’, featuring Al B Sure,

was followed by ‘Miracle Goodnight’ – so fine.

 

‘Buddha Of Surburbia’, featuring Lenny Kravitz –

this last single of 93 making it to No.35.

Two years later, ‘The Heart’s Filthy Lesson’,

in the charts, also at 35.

 

And to follow, this double ‘A’ side,

being the last chart success of 95 –

‘Strangers When We Meet’,  and

‘The Man Who Sold The World (live)’.

 

‘Hallo Spaceboy’ made it to 12 in 96, and in 97

‘Little Wonder’ and ‘Dead Man Walking’, we met.

The final hit of this year being,

‘Seven Years In Tibet’.

 

‘I Can’t Read’ came along in 98, and

‘Thursday’s Child’ and ‘Under Pressure (remix)’ – in 99.

With ‘Survive’ and ‘Seven’ in the year 2000,

The Noughties started off fine.

 

‘Loving The Alien’ and ‘Everyone say Hi’, in 02

and ‘Just For One Day (Heroes)’  next in 03.

‘Rebel Never Gets Old’, then came in 04.

‘Life On Mars’ & ‘Peace On Earth – Little Drummer Boy’,

in 07,  also back in the charts, once more.

 

 

A self confessed social observer –

David Bowie’s vision knew no bounds.

He spoke for the rebel in all of us.

by constantly breaking new grounds.

 

He bridged the gap from adolescence to adulthood,

when, for us all, there was a division.

So today we say Thank You, for leaving behind,

unforgettable ‘Golden Days’ of ‘Sound and Vision’.

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury

 

January 12, 2016

 

 

This week, the music world lost a legend.

His album, ‘Blackstar’, the final curtain call.

This coolest re-inventor of all time,

set sexuality free, in us all.

 

This week, so many fans feel grateful,

as now they sit and reflect,

on the life of a musical genius,

who qualifies for the highest respect.

 

This week, so many hearts are aching,

as part of our past he owned.

He brought out the ‘rebel’ in all of us,

making sense of what wasn’t condoned.

 

This week, we said goodbye to our hero.

A ‘one off’, and original soul,

who kept us all together through difficult years.

His exit – a private heavenly stroll.

 

This week Music has lost it’s ‘Starman’,

but ‘Golden Years’ of ‘Sound and Vision’, live on.

We thank you David Bowie, for your brilliance.

You were an artist, second to none.

 

Written by Harriet Blackbury.

 

December 14, 2015

 

 

This early seasonal song,

a long time hit for Brenda Lee,

gets everybody in the mood

‘Rocking around the Christmas Tree’.

 

‘and here it is Merry Christmas’

a line that pulls at the heartstrings,

as memories come flooding back,

when nostalgia, a tear brings.

 

as the undisputed masters,

of Christmas records ever made,

with ‘Merry Xmas Everbody’,

sing out Noddy Holder and Slade.

 

Christmas comes but once a year,

but not if Wizzard had their way.

Something they never fail to tell us is,

‘I wish it could be Christmas Everyday’.

 

A more recent Christmas song,

from Chris Rea hit the spot.

His ‘Driving Home For Christmas’

proving family life, means a lot.

 

And not forgetting one of the very best

‘feel – good’ video’s ever made.

Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ hit putting,

all the others in the shade.

 

And just when you thought no better songs

at Christmastime could sound more classy,

with their version of ‘The Christmas Song’

along comes Blake, with our own Shirley Bassey.

 

And every year a new Christmas song –

offers something a bit different, than before.

This years surprise is  ‘Here Comes Christmas’

by Scott and NB 4.

 

If only the sentiment of Christmas,

could be expressed, all year long !

‘Why Can’t We Live Together’, asked Timmy Thomas,

in the world’s most unanswered song.

 

 

October 27, 2015

 

Cream satisfied our thirst,

in 67, with their ‘Strange Brew’,

and in this year, The Beatles took us,

on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, they knew.

 

63 saw the King, Elvis Presley,

at number one with ‘Devil in Disguise’

and making number two in 69,

‘Suspicious Minds’ came as no surprise.

 

In 74, one of our fave U.S. Rockers,

at number one, did arrive:

Following her ‘Daytona Demons’,

Suzi Quattro took us to ‘Devil Gate Drive’.

 

A ‘Specials’ 81 hit –‘Ghost Town’,

in June made number one

‘Too much too young’, from their AKA live EP,

so poignant, now beloved Rico has gone.

 

‘Black Magic Woman’, an early classic,

from Fleetwood Mac, in style.

Two years later, Jimi Hendrix Experience

introduced us to their ‘Voodoo Chile’.

 

Alive and kicking came ‘Simple Minds’

insisting ‘Don’t you (forget about me).

Jim Kerr, at the helm showing us,

how cool ’Ghost Dancing’ could be.

 

Never ones for a ‘Quiet life’,

Japan, in 82, brought us ‘Ghosts’,

and with the help of a ‘Night Porter’,

ensured ‘All tomorrows Parties’ – the most.

 

‘The Devil went down to Georgia’

to link up with The Charlie Daniels Band.

And ‘Ghostbusters’ had us on the run

when Ray Parker Jnr made his stand.

 

 So whether you believe in demons,

and hauntingly spooky apparitions,

or in a devil who enters a body,

without any consenting permission.

 

Or, if you think the whole concept nonsense;

preferring to keep your grip on reality tight.

Just for the hell of it, drop your guard,

and enjoy ‘Halloween’ tonight.

 

Written By Harriet Blackbury

 

 

 

 

 

October 16, 2015

 

 

‘Going out of my head’, a top 40 hit,

making the charts in 65.

This powerful Dodie West song,

came with so much feeling and vibe.

 

Leroy Van Dyke, with ‘Walk on by’ 

in 62, was on display.

And Unit Four Plus Two, in 65, 

secured No.1  with ‘Concrete and Clay’.

 

‘Make it easy on yourself’ in 65, and,

‘The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore’ in 66 –

(Both number one for The Walker Brothers),

had every girl in the country transfixed.

 

Then ‘Jackie’ saw Scott Walker,

finally going solo in 67,

and his love-torn song ‘Joanna’,  

in 68, found him singing of past heaven.

 

In 66, ‘Walking my cat named dog’,

was Norma Tanega’s only hit, 

‘I feel love comin on, by Felice Taylor,

another one – hit wonder, nicely did fit.

 

‘Green Tambourine’ by the Lemon Pipers,

this 68 hit, reaching the top ten pot.

Whilst in the same year, with the same song,

Sundragon, only getting as far as the fifty slot.

 

Len Barry proved we could count on him,

by giving us, in 65, his ‘1 – 2 – 3’

and in 69, Blue Mink, with ‘Melting Pot’,

told us what a great world this could be.

 

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg,

gave us a tune with a seductive feel.

Their ‘Je T’aime’ reaching two in 69;

this love song, so moving and so real.

 

That’s impossible! – we replied to The Bee Gees

when they asked ’Don’t forget to remember’, in 69.

After their third hit – ‘Massachusetts’, (No.1 in 67)

had begun the Legend’s unforgettable pipeline?

 

‘When a man loves a woman’ by Percy Sledge –

A huge hit, in the World Cup year of 66.

Graham Bonney with his song ‘Supergirl’, and

The Chiffons ‘Sweet Talkin’ Guy,  also in this mix.

 

‘She’s about a mover’ by Sir Douglas Quintet, and

‘Big Time Operator’ by Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band.

were both sixties one-hit wonders,

but they nevertheless, made their stand.

 

‘Jackson’ by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood,

came after Nancy, solo, hit ‘Sugar Town’,

proving ‘These boots are made for walking’,

still had some mileage, after the number one crown.

 

‘Paper Sun’ saw Traffic heading up the queue,

and with ‘Hole in my shoe’, continuing the rush.

Their final top ten of 67, being,

‘Here we go round the Mulberry Bush’

 

‘Daydream’ by Loving Spoonful and

‘Summer in the city’, both hits from 66.

‘If I ruled the world’ and ‘This is my song’,

finds lovely Harry Secombe, in this final mix.

 

What can be said about the Sixties,

that hasn’t already been said?

If you were there and you missed it,

then you certainly were off your head!

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury

 

 

September 19, 2015

 

Happy Halloween – 31^st October.

 

Cream satisfied our thirst,

in 67, with their ‘Strange Brew’,

and in this year, The Beatles took us,

on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, they knew.

 

63 saw the King, Elvis Presley,

at number one with ‘Devil in Disguise’

and making number two in 69,

‘Suspicious Minds’ came as no surprise.

 

In 74, one of our fave U.S. Rockers,

at number one, did arrive:

Following her Daytona Demons,

Suzi Quattro took us to Devil Gate Drive.

 

A ‘Specials’ 81 hit –‘Ghost Town’,

in June made number one

‘Too much too young’, from their AKA live EP,

so poignant, now beloved Rico has gone.

 

‘Black Magic Woman’, an early classic,

from Fleetwood Mac, in style.

Two years later, Jimi Hendrix Experience

introduced us to their Voodoo Chile.

 

Alive and kicking came ‘Simple Minds’

insisting ‘Don’t you (forget about me).

Jim Kerr, at the helm showing us,

how cool ’Ghost Dancing’ could be.

 

Never ones for a ‘Quiet life’,

Japan, in 82, brought us ‘Ghosts’,

and with the help of a ‘Night Porter’,

ensured ‘All tomorrows parties’ – the most.

 

‘The Devil went down to Georgia’

to link up with The Charlie Daniels Band.

And ‘Ghostbusterrs’ had us on the run

when Ray Parker Jnr made his stand.

 

 Whether you believe in demons,

and hauntingly spooky apparitions,

or in a devil who’s entered a body,

without any consenting permission.

 

Or if you think the whole concept nonsense;

preferring to keep your grip on reality tight.

Just for the hell of it, drop your guard,

and enjoy ‘Halloween’ tonight.

 

Written By Harriet Blackbury

 

June 24, 2015

 

 

Back in the 60’s

when Bob Lord was king,

and life at Burnley FC

went with a swing,

 

A young fan of the club

to Turf Moor would hurry.

He watched every home game,

and was known as Gerry.

 

He stayed loyal through grim times,

and many there were!

But success came as well

for supporters to share.

 

Gerry liked a good sing-song;

a laugh and a joke,

and like the Houghton Weavers,

preferred to sing mostly ‘Folk’.

 

At times when Burnley lost,

he’d sing a shanty or a dirge,

and take requests from Blackburn fans;

‘sing Wild Rover’,  they’d urge.

 

He saw many games abandoned,

due to a water-logged pitch,

or ten inches of snow,

sent by the Pendle witch.

 

But with dogged determination,

and a folk song in his head,

he’d go to most away games;

to which ever town that led.

 

And though he could have followed,

Preston, Wigan or Bury?

He stayed loyal to his team,

did dependable young Gerry.

 

He even shunned watching Bolton,

when at it’s height with Allardyce.

And saw Rochdale and Bury as non-starters,

though was dragged there once or twice,

 

always under much duress,

with some relative or friend.

whilst his heart would be with Burnley,

playing down in Brighton or Southend!

 

When his fave Manager – ‘Stan the man’,

Hip-hopped down to Gigg Lane,

Gerry did attend more games there,

once he’d recovered from the pain.

 

So Folk music and Football

sure have floated his boat,

since back in the sixties,

when he wore his duffel coat.

 

‘Those were the days’ sang Mary Hopkins,

and Roger Whittaker sang Durham Town.

Whilst Haslingden’s very own Gerry,

was the local folk hero, renown.

 

So whether it’s ‘Gerry – the singer’

or ‘Gerry – the Burnley fan’,

he’s stayed true to what he loves,

because he’s just that kind of man.

 

 

 

June 23, 2015

 

 

Acker Bilk, so well remembered

for his ‘Stranger on the shore’.

He always brought such happiness,

but sadly is no more.

 

The biggest hit for Joe South

was ‘Games people play’.

Easy listening music,

That still stands up today.

 

Soulful Etta James,

sang out with a blast.

No better song to touch the heart,

than her massive hit, ‘At last’.

 

Bobby Rogers co-founded The Miracles

who always put on a class show.

With hits like ‘I second that emotion?

and the divine ‘Going to a Go-Go’.

 

Dobie Gray’s song signalled change,

and helped us feel so proud.

We sure had the feel-good factor,

when singing The ‘In’ Crowd.

 

This lady’s country singing,

brought fans near to tears,

and more so when they heard of

the death of Billie Jo Spears.

 

Dave Brubeck, ever popular;

his hits through time survive.

His biggest one we can recall,

being, of course, ‘Take Five’.

 

One of the daydream believers,

with many hits on the go,

Davy Jones, part of the Monkees,

also starred in Film and Show

 

Billy Preston – keyboard legend,

sang his message loud and clear.

Another of the greats,

alas no longer here.

 

Deep Purple’s keyboard player;

Jon Lord, played his part.

Their valued founder member,

who’s passing broke our heart.

 

Flautist with the group who put,

vegemite sandwiches to rhyme;

Greg Ham from ‘Men at work’,

too soon ran out of time.

 

Half of a British writing duo;

her legacy has much ‘content’.

‘Where are you now my love’,

sang our own, Jackie Trent.

 

So many more were taken,

So many, I could name.

It comes with liabilities,

this fickle game of fame.

 

So many idols lost;

sudden death hard to digest.

Their music, their legacy;

our gain at their bequest.

 

June 12, 2015

 

 

Loving Minnie Riperton was easy.

This perfect angel touched the heart.

Her hit so hauntingly beautiful;

all too soon did she depart.

 

One of the original Supremes,

Florence, destined not to grow old:

But a part of Motown’s hit machine,

with songs of pure gold.

 

War! – What is it good for?

asked Edwin, who then gave his reply.

‘Absolutely nothing’, he soulfully cried out,

then settled in the UK, until his goodbye.

 

Heinz strummed just like Eddie,

taking to the stage alone,

This clean-cut tornado of a singer,

made the song his very own.

 

Mary was sticking to her guy,

like a stamp to a letter:

Her hit strong enough to make sure,

we would never forget her.

 

Ginger Baker, was another,

who lived and breathed his art.

The undisputed cream of drummers,

who we keep very close at heart.

 

Bobby – The Womack legend:

His name synonymous to those,

who know their music well:

This soul man, sweet as any rose.

 

Nick Drake, from deepest Warwickshire,

with three albums to his name,

has now at last deservedly,

though posthumously, found fame.

 

Joe Cocker’s famous gritty growl,

let us know he was on stage.

Yet another of Sheffield’s finest,

helped us release our pent up rage.

 

Ronnie ‘plonk’ Lane of the Faces;

a lovely guy who suffered long:

Happy memories of them touring,

when the band was in full song.

 

Monday Monday, surely destined,

never to be the same,

without the joyous laughter,

from Cassie’s sassy frame.

 

Last of the Big Band Leaders;

James’ party was non-stop.

Such pleasure he gave to millions,

with jazz right through to pop.

 

So many more were taken,

so many, I could name.

It comes with liabilities,

this fickle game of fame.

 

So many idols lost;

sudden death hard to digest.

Their music, their legacy;

our gain at their bequest.

———–

To hear this poem read live

tune in to 

Tonys Time Machine – LDOK.net  

on

Wednesday 1st July

11.00am  to 1pm

 

May 21, 2015

 

 

Jimmy’s brother, David,

walked away from love,

leaving The Temptations,

to his resting place above.

 

and Michael from INXS;

our Aussie ‘pin up’ boy,

by accident or desire,

his future did destroy.

 

The Stones, at their height,

lost one of their band.

A day they painted black,

when Brian left this land.

 

And birds suddenly appeared

after Karen withdrew.

It seems like only yesterday,

when her sweet love we knew.

 

The Four Tops lead man, Levi,

reached out and was there.

Hits like ‘Shake me, Wake me’, and

‘Walk Away Renee’ – are gifts so rare.

 

A part of The Steam Packet:

Long John had us hooked,

after leaving Brian, Rod and Julie,

to sell-out every venue booked.

 

And the voice of an angel,

taken from us so young.

Little Lena won our hearts,

with every song she sung.

 

He hit us with his rhythm stick:

Ian’s sound was so unique.

His music changed our mood,

he lost his fight, when at his peak.

 

Walk away, please go,

sang our British crooner Matt.

Music was all the poorer

when he threw in his hat.

 

‘You don’t own me’ – her anthem,

to feminist’s rang true.

But Lesley’s party is now over,

and we can cry with her too.

 

BB King – The Legend of Legends:

His influence was so great.

Many generations of guitarist’s,

now pay homage to their mate.

 

So many more were taken,

so many, I could name;

It comes with liabilities,

this fickle game of fame.

 

So many idols lost;

sudden death hard to digest,

Their music, their legacy;

our gain at their bequest.

 

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