Children’s Favourites
ON June 12, 1960, my future husband was listening to the radio at his home in Lancashire when he heard these words: ‘And now, for Alan Ashworth of Nelson, who … Continue readingChildren’s Favourites
Recent Posts
The Stars and Stripes Forever
This was composed on Christmas Day 1896 by John Philip Sousa (1854-1932), known as the American March King. Following an Act of Congress in 1987, it was officially adopted as … Continue readingThe Stars and Stripes Forever
Gene Pitney: Twenty-four Hours from Tulsa
This is by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was Pitney’s breakthrough success in Britain, reaching No 5 early in 1964. It was recorded by Dusty Springfield later the same … Continue readingGene Pitney: Twenty-four Hours from Tulsa
Ralph McTell: Old Brown Dog
This is a lovely song which ends with a beautiful guitar solo from Caleb Quaye. Beware, it’s a tearjerker!
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
AS we are approaching Easter, and the serious and contemplative hymns of the centre of Christian faith, I thought I would treat myself (and you, I hope) to something a … Continue readingJust a Closer Walk with Thee
A Jackson Browne study: Part One
THE adjective ‘precocious’ could have been invented for Jackson Browne. At an age when most of us were still worrying about acne and failing to revise for exams, he was … Continue readingA Jackson Browne study: Part One
The Kitchen Front
THE BBC, as the state broadcaster and also the only broadcaster, played an important role during World War II. One of its contributions was The Kitchen Front, which combined information … Continue readingThe Kitchen Front
In touch with the Feelies
THIS week’s choice will never feature, I’ll wager, in anyone’s top ten of rock and roll heroes. They wouldn’t even be in my own top hundred. But the three albums … Continue readingIn touch with the Feelies