Author: Margaret Ashworth

Written and produced by Motown’s main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, this was the  Supremes’ first No 1 hit in the States. It reached No 3 in Britain.

This was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and recorded by the Everlys on August 17, 1957. It was released on September 2, reaching No 1 in the States and … Continue readingEverly Brothers: Wake up Little Susie

This was written by Platters lead vocalist Tony Williams, fellow group member Paul Robi and Jeanette Miles. It was released in 1956 and reached No 11 in America and No … Continue readingThe Platters: You’ll Never Never Know

One of my favourite songs by one of my favourite singers. The lyrics were by Eric Maschwitz, writing under the pseudonym Holt Marvell, who was Head of Variety at the BBC, and … Continue readingSam Cooke: These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)

Possibly the definition of the California/surf legend, this was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for the group’s 1964 album Shut Down Volume 2. It was released as a single … Continue readingThe Beach Boys: Fun, Fun, Fun

Holly wrote this song and recorded it on April 8, 1957. It was released on June 20 and amazingly got nowhere. However an almost unrecognisable version by the Diamonds was … Continue readingBuddy Holly: Words of Love

It is hard to find details about this great song. It was written by Holly and his manager Norman Petty and released in 1958 as the B-side to I’m Gonna Love … Continue readingBuddy Holly: Listen to Me

This was composed by Jackie DeShannon with her brother Randy Myers and Jimmy Holiday. Her 1969 recording reached No 4 in the States. In 1988 Annie Lennox and Al Green released a version … Continue readingJackie DeShannon: Put a Little Love in Your Heart

I have never understood why this terrific song was not released as a single – it would have been a No 1 for sure. It was written by Brian Wilson … Continue readingThe Beach Boys: Here Today

One of the Merseybeat acts that sank without trace.  This was the first record for songwriter Bill Martin who later hit the heights with Back Home by the 1970 England World Cup … Continue readingTommy Quickly and the Remo Four: Kiss Me Now