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'Shivers down the backbone....'
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Roy Lanham - 16 Jan. 1923,Died 14 February, 1991, Camarillo, CA.Maxwell Davis - 14 January, 1916 (Independence, KS)Died 18 September, 1970, Los Angeles, CABilly Walker - 14 January, 1929 (Ralls, TX)Allen Toussaint - 14 January, 1938 (New Orleans, LA)Earl Hooker - 15 January, 1930 (Clarksdale, MS)Died 21 April, 1970, Chicago, ILRoy Lanham - 16 January, 1923 (Corbin, KY)Mac Curtis - 16 January, 1939 (Fort Worth, TX)Barbara Lynn - 16 January, 1942 (Beaumont, TX)Ronnie Milsap - 16 January, 1943 (Robbinsville, NC)Grady Martin - 17 January, 1929 (Chapel Hill, TN)Chris Montez - 17 January, 1943 (Los Angeles, CA)Ric Cartey - 18 January, 1937 (Atlanta, GA)Hargus "Pig" Robbins - 18 January, 1938 (Spring City, TN)Ken Nelson - 19 January, 1911 (Caledonia, MN)Don Lang - 19 January, 1925 (Halifax, Yorkshire, England)Died 3 August, 1992, London, EnglandJohnny O'Keefe - 19 January, 1935 (Sydney, Australia)Died 6 October, 1978, SydneyPhil Everly - 19 January, 1939 (Chicago, IL)Ray Anthony - 20 January, 1922 (Bentleyville, PA)Slim Whitman - 20 January, 1924 (Tampa, FL)Leadbelly (Huddie Ledbetter) - 21 January, 1888 or 1889(Mooringsport, LA). Died 6 December, 1949, New York CityWolfman Jack (Robert Weston Smith) - 21 January, 1938(Brooklyn, NYC). Died 1 July, 1995, Belvidere, NCSam Cooke - 22 January, 1931 (Clarksdale, MS)Died 11 December, 1964, Los Angeles, CAEugene Church - 23 January, 1938 (St. Louis, MO)Died 16 April, 1993, Los AngelesIsidore "Tuts" Washington - 24 January, 1907 (New Orleans, LA)Died 5 August, 1984, New OrleansJimmy Forrest - 24 January, 1920 (St. Louis, MO)Died 26 August, 1980, Grand Rapids, MIDoug Kershaw - 24 January, 1936 (Tiel Ridge, LA)Jack Scott - 24 January, 1936 (Windsor, Ontario, Canada)Ray Stevens - 24 January, 1939 (Clarksdale, GA)Sid Manker - 25 January, 1932 (Memphis, TN)Died January 1974Etta James - 25 January, 1938 (Los Angeles, CA)Huey "Piano" Smith - 26 January, 1934 (New Orleans, LA)Elmore James - 27 January, 1918 (Richland, MS)Died 24 May, 1963, Chicago, ILDavid Seville - 27 January, 1919 (Fresno, CA)Died 16 January, 1972, Beverly Hills, CABobby Bland - 27 January, 1930 (Rosemark, TN)Buddy Emmons - 27 January, 1937 (Mishawaka, IN)Paul Gayten - 29 January, 1920 (New Orleans, LA)Died 26 March, 1991, Los Angeles, CAFrank Virtuoso - 29 January, 1933 (Philadelphia, PA)Bill Kirchen - 29 January, 1948 (Ann Arbor, MI)Ruth Brown - 30 January, 1928 (Portsmouth, VA)Cleveland Crochet - 30 January, 1929 (Jennings, LA)Melvin Endsley - 30 January, 1934 (Drasco, AK)The Phantom (Jerry Lott) - 30 January, 1938 (Pritchard, AL)Died 4 September, 1983, Vernal, MSRoosevelt Sykes - 31 January, 1906 (Elmar, AK)Died 17 July, 1983, New Orleans, LAChuck Willis - 31 January, 1928 (Atlanta, GA)Died 10 April, 1958, Atlanta
January 1955
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney (Philips PB382)
2. Finger Of Suspicion - Dickie Valentine (Decca F10394)
3. Mr Sandman - Chordettes (Columbia DB3553)
4. Shake Rattle And Roll - Bill Haley (Brunswick 05338)
5. Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane - Dean Martin (Capitol CL14226)
6. Happy Days And Lonely Nights - Suzi Miller (Decca F10389)
7. No One But You - Billy Eckstine (MGM 763)
8. Softly Softly - Ruby Murray (Columbia DB3558)
9. Don’t Go To Strangers - Ronnie Harris (Columbia SCM5159)
10. Let Me Go Lover - Teresa Brewer (Vogue Coral Q72043)
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Mr Sandman - Chordettes
2. Let Me Go Lover - Joan Weber
3. Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane - Ames Brothers
4. This Ole House - Rosemary Clooney
5. Count Your Blessings - Eddie Fisher
6. I Need You Now - Eddie Fisher
7. Teach Me Tonight - De Castro Sisters
8. Hearts Of Stone - Fontane Sisters
9. Papa Loves Mambo - Perry Como
10. Let Me Go Lover - Teresa Brewer
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Earth Angel - The Penguins
Sincerely - The Moonglows
US Country chart toppers this month:
Loose Talk - Carl Smith
Let Me Go Lover - Hank Snow
Some UK single 45 releases:
Catfish Boogie - Tennessee Ernie Ford (Capitol 14006)
Bloodshot Eyes - Wynonie Harris (Vogue 2127)
Earth Angel - Penguins (London 8114)
Earth Angel - Crew Cuts (Mercury 3202)
Give Me Your Word - Tennessee Ernie Ford (Capitol 14005)
Hearts Of Stone - Fontane Sisters (London 8113)
The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane/Let Me Go Lover - Dean Martin (Capitol 14226)
The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane - Archie Bleyer Orchestra (London 8111)
Melody Of Love - Billy Vaughan Orchestra (London 8112)
Important events:
Generating excitement on both sides of the Atlantic is the frantic new pop style known as rock’n’roll. Its most successful practitioner is Bill Haley, a former hillbilly singer from Chester, Pennsylvania, who has been cutting discs in the teenage idiom since "Rock The Joint" in 1952. He and his group, The Comets, have drawn inspiration from country and western star Hank Williams and rhythm and blues bandleader Louis Jordan to create a unique driving sound which has put both "Rock Around The Clock" and "Shake Rattle And Roll" into the best sellers list. The latter, originally recorded by r&b singer Joe Turner, is also in the American charts, together with another Haley side, "Dim Dim The Lights" - as yet unreleased over here.
Tributes have flooded in for r&b balladeer Johnny Ace, who died on Christmas Day, aged 25. Reportedly, Ace was fatally wounded while playing Russian roulette.
Ella Fitzgerald sues for "racial discrimination", and brings a $270,000 law suit against Pan American World Airways.
British recording company EMI has entered a contract to purchase a majority shareholding in the Hollywood-based Capitol label - started in 1942 by songwriters Johnny Mercer and Buddy de Sylva. Capitol’s illustrious roster includes Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Hoping to persuade record buyers to purchase 45 rpm singles, three major American companies - RCA Victor, Columbia and MGM - have announced startling retail price changes. In future, 10-inch 78 rpm records will cost ten cents more than their seven inch 45 rpm counterparts - indicating that the old-style breakable discs may soon be phased out of production. In Britain, where a 78 is now cheaper than its American equivalent, there are no plans for a price incentive to develop interest in the slower speed items.
According to a New York newspaper report, the "Nabob Of Sob", Johnnie Ray, often slips into a frustrated slough of despair, feeling that his work is futile and that his contribution to the world is insignificant when compared with that of "the wonderful evangelist Billy Graham". Johnnie Ray’s UK tour in April is now definite.
Spotlight on the NME Poll-Winners. Ted Heath, Ronnie Scott, Dickie Valentine, Lita Roza, The Stargazers, Tommy Whittle, Vic Ash, Kenny Baker, Reg Owen, Ronny Verrell, Victor Feldman, Bill McGuffie, Bert Weedon.
British heart-throb David Hughes, on tour in Australia, has described the country as "a singer’s paradise, a land of popportunity!"
Other events:
An exhaustive re-examination of the "Piltdown remains" by 12 experts in various fields of research has "completely confirmed" the hypothesis of a hoax. The remains, from which the experts of the time reconstructed the "Dawn Man" included part of a skull, a jawbone, a tooth and a number of crude tools of flint and bone. Mr Charles Dawson, a Sussex solicitor, now dead, is believed to be the man responsible for the hoax.
The wish expressed by Marilyn Monroe to make films based on "great literature" met with a less than lukewarm reception from 20th Century Fox in Hollywood. A studio spokesman said, "20th Century Fox is very satisfied with both the artistic and financial results from the pictures in which Miss Monroe has appeared. These include "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", "How To Marry A Millionaire", and "The Seven Year Itch"."
Sir Evelyn Baring, Governor of Kenya, today announced a new amnesty offer for Mau Mau terrorists to surrender their arms. The Governor’s speech to 11,000 Kikuyu men, women and children was received in complete silence.
Annette Mills, famous as the human "partner" of Muffin The Mule, the TV puppet, dies at the age of 60. She was the elder sister of the actor, John Mills, who was at her bedside when she died. Last night McDonald Hobley told Children’s Hour listeners that flowers were being sent to her family on their behalf.
January 1956
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford (Capitol CL 14500)
2. The Ballad Of Davy Crockett - Bill Hayes (London HLA 8220)
3. The Tender Trap - Frank Sinatra (Capitol CL 14511)
4. Love And Marriage - Frank Sinatra (Capitol CL 14503)
5. The Ballad Of Davy Crockett - Tennessee Ernie Ford (Capitol CL 14506)
6. Rock-A-Beatin’ Boogie - Bill Haley (Brunswick 05509)
7. Rock Island Line - Lonnie Donegan (Decca 10647)
8. When You Lose The One You Love - David Whitfield (Decca 10627)
9. Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing - Four Aces (Brunswick 05480)
10. Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley (Brunswick 05317)
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Memories Are Made Of This - Dean Martin (Capitol 3352)
2. The Great Pretender - Platters (Mercury 70753)
3. Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford (Capitol 3262)
4. Lisbon Antigua - Nelson Riddle (Capitol 3287)
5. Rock And Roll Waltz - Kay Starr (RCA 6359)
6. Band Of Gold - Don Cherry (Columbia 40597)
7. See You Later, Alligator - Bill Haley (Decca 29791)
8. It’s Almost Tomorrow - Dream Weavers (Decca 29683)
9. Dungaree Doll - -Eddie Fisher (RCA 6337)
10. I Hear You Knocking - Gale Storm (Dot 14512)
US R&B chart toppers this month:
The Great Pretender - Platters
At My Front Door - El Dorados
US Country chart toppers this month:
Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford
Some UK single 45 releases:
Nip Sip - Clovers (London HLE 8229)
The Yellow Rose Of Texas - Stan Freburg (Capitol 14509)
It’s Almost Tomorrow - Dream Weavers (Brunswick 5515)
My Little Home In Tennessee - Mac Wiseman (London HLD 8226)
Underway - Tom Tall (London HL U 8231)
It’s Almost Tomorrow - Snooky Lanson (London HLD 8223)
Only You - Hilltoppers (London HLD 8221)
Midnight Special - Lonnie Donegan (Pye Jazz 2006)
Tumbling Tumbleweeds - Slim Whitman (London HL U 8230)
I Hear You Knocking - Gale Storm (London HLD 8222)
The Ballad Of Davy Crockett - Bill Hayes (London HLA 8220)
The Ballad Of Davy Crockett - Tennessee Ernie Ford (Capitol CL 14506)
Love And Marriage - Frank Sinatra (Capitol CL 14503)
The Tender Trap - Frank Sinatra (Capitol CL 14511)
Half Past Kissing Time - Tommy Davidson (London HLU 8219)
Robin Hood - Dick James (Parlophone MSP 6199)
Dudelsack Polka - Chordettes (London HLA 8217)
Hold Me Tight - Dinning Sisters (London HLF 8218)
Adorable - Four Esquires (London HLA 8224)
Adorable - Fontane Sisters (London HLD 8225)
Sincerely Yours - Eydie Gorme (London HL 8227)
Give Me Time - De Castro Sisters (London HLU 8228)
Important events:
On January 10th and 11th Elvis Presley records his first sessions for RCA in New York, using more musicians than previously, and in particular drummer D.J. Fontana, who has become a regular member of his back-up band over the last few months of touring. The line up is completed by regular band members Scotty Moore and Bill Black, augmented by Chet Atkins on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano and Gordon Stoker, Ben and Brock Spear on backing vocals. The first number they cut is Ray Charles’ "I Got A Woman", the second a new song "Heartbreak Hotel". Also recorded at this session; "Money Honey", "I’m Counting On You", and "I Was The One".
On the West Coast, Leiber and Stoller supervise the first Coasters recording session in a Hollywood studio. The songs put down are "Down In Mexico" and "Turtle Dovin’".
In Nashville, Buddy Holly’s first recording session for Decca takes place on the 26th. Guitarist Sonny Curtis and bassist Don Guess are with him, but there’s no Jerry Allison on drums. Grady Martin on rhythm guitar and Doug Kirkham on drums complete the line-up. The numbers recorded are "Love Me", "Don’t Come Back Knockin’", "Midnight Shift" and "Blue Days, Black Nights".
"Rock Island Line" by Lonnie Donegan enters the UK charts. Donegan is a banjo player for Chris Barber’s Jazz Band, the song is one featured in the band’s "skiffle spot" and featured on their new 10-inch album.
The Platters are currently in Hollywood, shooting scenes for the forthcoming movie "Rock Around The Clock" - also starring DJ Alan Freed and Bill Haley & His Comets.
Former members of Bill Haley’s Comets, The Jodimars, are seeking to break through with "Now Dig This".
Tipped for the top is Cherry Wainer, the young Hammond organist who is being dubbed "the female Liberace". She has covered her instrument in quilted white leather with diamante studs to match. Also thought to be going places fast this year are recent UK discoveries Ronnie Carroll, Edna Savage, Shirley Bassey and former dance band trombonist Don Lang, who could soon establish himself as top British rhythm singer.
Other events:
James Dean’s "Rebel Without A Cause" opens in London. "The Benny Goodman Story" and Frank Sinatra’s "The Man With The Golden Arm" are also screening.
Cricketer Len Hutton announces his retirement from first-class play.
The death in Paris was announced on January 5th of Mistinguett, a favourite of The Moulin rouge and The Casino de Paris for more than half a century. She was aged 82.
Talk of future interplanetary travel was described as "utter bilge" by Britain’s new Astronomer Royal, Professor Richard van der Riet Woolley, when he arrived at London Airport from Australia.
Export and import of the pain-killing drug heroin have been prohibited. The purpose of the ban is to co-operate in the widespread international effort to help eliminate abuse of the drug.
Famous British film producer Sir Alexander Korda dies in London at the age of 62.
January 1957
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Singing The Blues- Guy Mitchell
2. Just Walking In The Rain - Johnnie Ray
3. Green Door - Frankie Vaughan
4. Singing The Blues - Tommy Steele
5. St Theresa Of The Roses - Malcolm Vaughan
6. Rip It Up - Little Richard
7. True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
8. Cindy, Oh Cindy - -Eddie Fisher
9. Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
10. My Prayer - Platters
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Singing The Blues- Guy Mitchell
2. Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
3. Green Door - Jim Lowe
4. Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
5. True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
6. Just Walking In The Rain - Johnnie Ray
7. Love Me - Elvis Presley
8. A Rose And A Baby Ruth - George Hamilton IV
9. Banana Boat Song - Tarriers
10. Rock-A-Bye Your Baby - Jerry Lewis
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Since I Met You Baby - Ivory Joe Hunter
Blue Monday - Fats Domino
US Country chart toppers this month:
Singing The Blues - Marty Robbins
Some UK single 45 releases:
Long Tall Sally/Tutti Frutti - Little Richard
Honey Chile - Fats Domino
Lipstick, Powder And Paint- Joe Turner
I Walk The Line - Johnny Cash
Jumps, Giggles And Shouts - Gene Vincent
Rock The Joint/Yes Indeed - Bill Haley
Since I Met You Baby - Ivory Joe Hunter
Why - Cues
Don’t You Rock Me Daddy-O - Lonnie Donegan
A Rose And A Candy Bar - George Hamilton IV
Runaround - The Three Chuckles
Clarabella - Jodimars
Young Love - Sonny James
You’ll Never Know - Platters
Flight To Hong Kong - Hoagy Carmichael
Confidential - Sonny Knight
Look Homeward Angel - Johnnie Ray
Garden Of Eden - Frankie Vaughan
Armen’s Theme - David Seville Orchestra
Baby Doll - Andy Williams
Happy To Make Your Acquaintance - Sammy Davis Jr
Don’t Forbid Me/Anastasia - Pat Boone
LP Release:
Rock’n’Roll Dance Party Vol 1 - Alan Freed - Vogue Coral LVA9035
Important events:
Never in the history of British entertainment has there been such colossal interest and fantastic ticket demand as that which followed the announcement of Bill Haley’s concert tour, which starts at London’s Dominion cinema next month. Extra dates have already been added and impresario Leslie Grade is thanking his lucky stars that he had the foresight to book only super-size Rank cinemas for the tour - a bold move which could see more rock’n’roll acts forsaking the traditional variety theatres. Meanwhile, as weekly sales of "Rock Around The Clock" have accrued over the last two years, Haley has become the first artist to win a British gold disc. Said a Decca Records spokesman; "We have made exhaustive enquiries and to the best of our knowledge, no other record has achieved the astronomical total of one million in the United Kingdom alone".
The UK’s first real rock’n’roll TV show begins on New Year’s Day. ITV’s "Cool For Cats" is fronted by Kent Walton; it features records rather than live performances and studio dancers rather than the teenage public.
On Jan 8th, his 22nd birthday, Elvis takes his US Army medical examination. Most of the month is spent working on his first Hal Wallis film, "Loving You", but time is found for a third and last appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show". Elvis sings seven songs, but is shown only from the waist up during the uptempo ones.
Tommy Steele has made a sensational start to 1957. Within days of topping the UK best sellers with "Singing The Blues", he was signed for an engagement at the exclusive Café De Paris in London’s West End. He will soon take time out from his hectic variety tour schedule to appear in a full length feature film, "Kill Me Tomorrow" - starring Pat O’Brien - and plans have also been solidified for a biographical movie called "The Tommy Steele Story", depicting his meteoric rise from cabin-boy to star. Having secured his last hit from Guy Mitchell, Steele is repeating the formula by waxing Mitchell’s latest as his own follow-up: no longer "Singing The Blues", he is now "Knee Deep In The Blues".
In Liverpool, The Cavern Club opens, but only, as yet, for jazz and a little skiffle.
Because the chocolate bar is unknown in the UK, George Hamilton IV’s huge American hit, "A Rose And A Baby Ruth" has been re-recorded as "A Rose And A Candy Bar" for British consumption.
Harry Belafonte’s album "Calypso" has spent most of the last six months at the top of the US album charts. Belafonte, a 29-year-old New Yorker with strong Jamaican connections, has tried jazz singing, acting and running a restaurant in Greenwich Village, before finding a profitable and important niche as a populariser of (mostly Caribbean) folk music.
Paramount Pictures have purchased the Tennessee-based Dot records for a reputed $2 million.
Mitch Miller, the Columbia Records A&R manager who has produced chart-topping hits for Johnnie Ray, Guy Mitchell, Doris Day, Frankie Laine and a host of others says "Rock’n’Roll’s appeal to youngsters is the equivalent of those "confidential" magazines to adults. This is the first time in the history of our business that records have capitalised on illiteracy and bad recording". Columbia expect to ride out the current fad without acquiring any rock-oriented acts.
Other events:
The birth is announced by Prince Ranier of Monaco and his wife, Princess Grace, of a daughter, who will be named Princess Caroline Louise Marguerite (January 23).
Humphrey DeForest Bogart dies from cancer on January 15 at his home in California. He was aged 56. He starred in over 50 films and in 1951 was awarded an Oscar as best actor of the year for his part in "The African Queen"
Harold Macmillan is the new Prime Minister. He is 62 and has been Chancellor of the Exchequer since December 1955. The news of his appointment came in an announcement from Buckingham Palace at 2.27 pm on January 10th, 19 hours after the resignation of Sir Anthony Eden.
Chou En-Lai, Communist Chinese Prime Minister, arrives in Moscow for talks with Soviet leaders. Crises in Hungary and Poland are expected to head the list of topics.
Dick Francis, one of the best steeplechase riders since the war, has decided to retire from race-riding at the age of 36.
January 1958
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me - Johnny Otis Show
2. Mary’s Boy Child - Harry Belafonte
3. Wake Up Little Susie - Everly Brothers
4. I Love You Baby - Paul Anka
5. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
6. My Special Angel - Malcolm Vaughan
7. Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson
8. All The Way - Frank Sinatra
9. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine - Jimmie Rodgers
10. Diana - Paul Anka
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. April Love - Pat Boone
2. At The Hop - Danny & The Juniors
3. Jailhouse Rock/Treat Me Nice - Elvis Presley
4. Raunchy - Bill Justis
5. You Send Me/Summertime - Sam Cooke
6. Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly
7. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
8. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine - Jimmie Rodgers
9. Chances Are/The Twelfth Of Never - Johnny Mathis
10. Rock And Roll Music - Chuck Berry
US R&B chart toppers this month:
At The Hop - Danny & The Juniors
Raunchy - Ernie Freeman
Raunchy - Bill Justis
I’ll Come Running Back To You - Sam Cooke
US Country chart toppers this month:
The Story Of My Life - Marty Robbins
Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
Some UK single 45 releases:
Jailhouse Rock/Treat Me nice - Elvis Presley
I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone/How Do You Think I Feel? - Elvis Presley (HMV)
Waitin’ In School - Ricky Nelson
Bony Moronie - Larry Williams
Whole Lotta Woman - Marvin Rainwater
Shuffle In The Gravel - Young Jessie
Bye Bye Baby - Johnny Otis Show
Buzz Buzz Buzz - Hollywood Flames
Buona Sera - Louis Prima
Wait A Minute - Jo-Ann Campbell
At The Hop - Danny & The Juniors
At The Hop - Nick Todd
Teardrops - Lee Andrews
Roc-A-Chicka - Jim Lowe
Tried And Tested - Jumpin’ Jacks
Love Bug Crawl - Marty Wilde
Say Yeah - Sammy Salvo
Say Yeah - Wayne Handy
C’mon Let’s Go - Guy Mitchell
The Story Of My Life - Michael Holliday
The Story Of My Life - Dave King
The Story Of My Life - Alma Cogan
Magic Moments/Catch A Falling Star - Perry Como
Wild Is The Wind - Johnny Mathis
Ever Since I Met Lucy - Mark Stone
I’m New At The Game Of Romance - Jane Morgan
Love Like A Fool - Georgettes
Baby Why? - Vipers
6-5 Hand Jive - Don Lang
You Are My Destiny - Paul Anka
Swingin’ Shepherd Blues - Moe Koffman Quartet
Yellow Dog Blues - Johnny Maddox Orchestra
A Very Special Love - Debbie Reynolds
Light Of Paris - Troubadors
Love Me Forever - Four Esquires
Hear Me Good - Hal March
Don’t Let It Get Around - Tab Hunter
Witchcraft - Frank Sinatra
Love Me Forever - Eydie Gorme
Love Me Forever - Kaye Sisters
Handed Down - Laurie London
The Lantern Slide - Russ Conway
Long Black Nylons - Beverly Sisters
LP’s
Rock The Oldies - Bill Haley
The Best Of Elvis (HMV 10")
Important events:
Elvis Presley’s induction into the U.S.Army is deferred two months to allow him to finish filming "King Creole".
Alan Freed’s Christmas Show at New York’s Paramount Theatre breaks the previous box-office record held by comedy duo Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Headliner Fats Domino earns $28,350 for a week’s work. Other artists appearing on the same bill: The Everly Brothers, The Rays, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Paul Anka, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lee Andrews & The Hearts, Danny & The Juniors, The Teenagers, The Dubs and Thurston Harris.
The film "Disc Jockey Jamboree" opens in the U.K. this month. Among the artists featured are Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Lewis Lymon, Jody Sands, Buddy Knox, Fats Domino and Frankie Avalon. Jerry Lee - whose torrid performance of his current hit "Great Balls Of Fire", is one of the most exciting segments of the movie - has been booked for a UK tour this spring.
Little Richard, about to enter Oakwood College, a Seventh Day Adventist school in Huntsville, Alabama says, "I’d like to tell my fans that rock’n’roll glorifies Satan"
Elvis Presley’s "Jailhouse Rock" becomes the first record ever to enter the NME chart at number 1.
In America, the new dance craze is The Stroll - presumably more energetic than the Hand Jive now sweeping Britain.
HMV have signed Adam Faith - former leader of 2-I’s resident skiffle group, The Worried Men.
BBC-TV have begun transmission of Perry Como US television series.
Quote from Mitch Miller: "Rock’n’Roll is musical baby food: it is the worship of mediocrity, brought about by a passion for conformity.
Other events:
Sputnik 1, launched last October 4 from a point north of the Caspian Sea, has ceased to orbit the earth after 1,350 circuits
General Moshe Dayan, Israeli Army Chief-of-Staff, tenders his resignation to the Prime Minister, Mr Ben-Gurion.
Differences of opinion over the extent of cuts in Government expenditure have led to the resignation of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Peter Thorneycroft.
The new Vickers V.C.10 jet airliner is to be developed for BOAC as a London - New York non-stop plane as well as for the Commonwealth routes. A contract has been signed to supply 35 V.C.10’s at a cost of £60 million.
January 1959
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. It’s Only Make Believe - Conway Twitty
2. Hoots Mon - Lord Rockingham’s XI
3. Tom Dooley - Lonnie Donegan
4. Tom Dooley - The Kingston Trio
5. Love Makes The World Go Round - Perry Como
6. Tea For Two Cha-Cha - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
7. It’s All In The Game - Tommy Edwards
8. High Class Baby - Cliff Richard
9. The Day The Rains Came - Jane Morgan
10. More Party Pops - Russ Conway
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. The Chipmunk Song - David Seville & The Chipmunks
2. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Platters
3. To Know Him Is To Love Him - Teddy Bears
4. One Night - Elvis Presley
5. Problems - Everly Brothers
6. Tom Dooley - Kingston Trio
7. Lonesome Town - Ricky Nelson
8. Beep Beep - Playmates
9. A Lover’s Question - Clyde McPhatter
10. Whole Lotta Lovin’ - Fats Domino
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Lonely Teardrops - Jackie Wilson
US Country chart toppers this month:
City Lights - Ray Price
Billy Bayou - Jim Reeves
Some UK single 45 releases:
One Night/I Got Stung - Elvis Presley
C’mon Everybody - Eddie Cochran
Stagger Lee - Lloyd Price
Bom Bom Lulu - Gene & Eunice
It’s Just About Time - Johnny Cash
Maybe Tomorrow - Billy Fury
Mighty Mighty Man - Bobby Darin
Peek-A-Boo - Cadillacs
Livin’ Lovin’ Doll - Cliff Richard
The Only Way To Love - Frankie Lymon
I Cried A Tear - LaVern Baker
That’s What I’ll Do - Shirley & Lee
Sixteen Candles - Crests
I’ve Had It - Bell Notes
Lucky Ladybug - Billy & Lillie
Gonna Give Myself A Party/Look Who’s Blue - Don Gibson
The Little Space Girl - Jesse Lee Turner
My Heart Sings - Paul Anka
Wee Tom - lord Rockingham’s XI
The diary - Neil Sedaka
Gazachstahagan - Wildcats
Teasin’ - Quaker City Boys
Chicago - Clark Sisters
Hawaiian Wedding Song - Andy Williams
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour - Lonnie Donegan
In Apple Blossom Time - Rosemary June
The Big Country - Diahann Carroll
Blue Hawaii - Billy Vaughan Orchestra
Stella Stella - Marino Marini
Champagne Cha Cha - Tony Crombie
Important events:
It’s the end of the line for BBC-TV’s "Six-Five Special", which has been shunted into a siding to make way for a new teen show, "Dig This"
Cliff Richard, Lord Rockingham’s XI, Cuddly Dudley, The Vernons Girls, Vince Taylor and other stars of the series are now touring as the "On Boy!" package show.
"Maybe Tomorrow" is the first release by Billy Fury, a young Liverpudlian who, last October, gained access to Marty Wilde’s dressing room at the Birkenhead Essoldo, hoping to interest him in some songs he’d written. Marty’s manager, Larry Parnes, persuaded Fury to perform his songs on stage that very night - and promptly contracted him.
Since he first found fame last autumn, UK star Cliff Richard has seen all his closest colleagues come and go. First of all, new Drifters arrived in the shape of guitarists Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch - former skifflers from Newcastle who were attracted by the bright lights of the 2-I’s coffee bar. Then bass player Jet Harris joined from The Vipers. Now drummer Terry Smart, the sole survivor of Cliff’s original group, has gone too - replaced by Jet’s friend Tony Meehan. Cliff’s former guitarist, Ian Samwell - the man who penned "Move It" - is now concentrating entirely on song-writing. He provided his old sidekick with both sides of his current hit, "High Class Baby"/"My Feet Hit The Ground".
When the time arrives for Lloyd Price to sing his hit "Stagger Lee" on "American Bandstand", Dick Clark insists that the lyrics, which appear to celebrate gambling and murder, be changed. And not only for the TV show - a whole new version is recorded and put out in place of the original.
Buddy Holly agrees to headline a tour of the Mid-West with Dion, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. In the days before departure, he makes his last recordings, accompanying himself on guitar in his New York apartment.
Ricky Nelson makes his big screen dramatic debut alongside John Wayne and Dean Martin in Howard Hawk'’ "Rio Bravo", playing young guitar-playing gunslinger Colorado. The "flowerpot through the window" scene, in which Ricky and Angie Dickinson combine to rescue John Wayne from trouble, soon attains cult status among Western connoisseurs.
In the UK, vocal stars Joan Regan, David Whitfield, Gary Miller, and others are already booked for summer tours.
NME writer Derek Johnston notes these stars were missing from the charts last year: Slim Whitman, Nat King Cole, Bill Haley, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Eddie Fisher, and Johnnie Ray.
Other events:
Britain decided tonight (January 7) to recognise the revolutionary Cuban Government put in power by Dr Fidel Castro. Dr Castro and his supporters are still aggrieved over the British sale of Sea Furies and tanks to the now defeated dictator, General Batista.
A pilot scheme for "battery beef" production is to be tried this summer or autumn. Cattle are to be fattened by automatic feeding from what are known in America as "Lazy Susan" silos. It is even suggested that, if the scheme is succesful, Britain could eventually export beef.
A speed equal to twice that of sound, about 1,300 mph, has been reached a number of times by the English Electric Lightening jet fighter. The company claimed yesterday that the plane was the fastest twin-engined all-weather fighter in full production anywhere.
Mike Hawthorn, world champion Grand Prix driver, has died in a road accident, one month after announcing his retirement from motor racing. He was aged 29.
Henry Cooper is the new British and Empire heavyweight boxing champion, having beaten Brian London on points over 15 rounds at Earls Court.
Cecil Blount DeMille, who has died at the age of 77, was the acknowledged master of the film epic. DeMille was the first film man to arrive in Hollywood, in 1913, to film "The Squaw Man" for Samuel Goldwyn. He hired a barn there for $75 a month.
January 1960
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For? - Emile Ford & The Checkmates
2. What Do You Want - Adam Faith
3. Oh Carol - Neil Sedaka
4. Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat - The Avons
5. Johnny Staccato Theme - Elmer Bernstein
6. Little White Bull - Tommy Steele
7. Bad Boy - Marty Wilde
8. Reveille Rock - Johnny & The Hurricanes
9. Travellin’ Light - Cliff Richard
10. Some Kind-a-Earthquake - Duane Eddy
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Why? - Frankie Avalon
2. El Paso - Marty Robbins
3. The Big Hurt - Timi Yuro
4. It’s Time To Cry - Paul Anka
5. Way Down Yonder - Freddie Cannon
6. Heartaches By The Number - Guy Mitchell
7. Among My Souvenirs - Connie Francis
8. Mack The Knife - Bobby Darin
9. Hound Dog Man - Fabian
10. Pretty Blue Eyes - Steve Lawrence
US R&B chart toppers this month:
The Clouds - The Spacemen
Smokie (Part 2) - Bill Black’s Combo
US Country chart toppers this month:
El Paso - Marty Robbins
Some UK single 45 releases:
Southern Love (Whatcha Gonna Do) - Ronnie Hawkins
Hallelujah, I Love Her So - Eddie Cochran
We Told You Not To Marry - Titus Turner
Mystery Train - Vernon Taylor
Running Bear - Johnny Preston
Tiny Tim - LaVern Baker
Let It Be Me - Everly Brothers
I Wanna Be Loved - Ricky Nelson
Darling Lorraine - Knockouts
Stampede - Danny Valentino
Where Or When - Dion & The Belmonts
Say Man, Back Again - Bo Diddley
What In The World’s Come Over You - Jack Scott
What About Us - Coasters
Smokie Part 2 - Bill Black’s Combo
Harbour Lights - Platters
Little Drummer Boy - Johnny Cash
You Got What It Takes - Johnny Kidd
Son-Of-A-Gun - Sanford Clark
Go, Jimmy, Go - Jimmy Clanton
How About That - Dee Clark
Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
Yes, I’m Gonna Love You - Sonny Anderson
Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop - Little Anthony & The Imperials
Sinbad - Bobby Freeman
Big River - Ernie Freeman
Bless You - Clyde McPhatter
All In Good Time - The Nelson Trio
La Mer - Bobby Darin
Theme From "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith Orchestra
Theme From "A Summer Place" - Hugo Winterhalter Orchestra
Why - Frankie Avalon
Why - Anthony Newley
Billy Boy - Jimmy Isle
Lucky Devil - Carl Dobkins Jr
I Want To Know - Buddy Lucas
Savage Parts 1 & 2 - Sneaky Petes
Little Coco Palm - Jerry Wallace
He’ll Have To Go - Jim Reeves
Life Gits Tee-jus Don’t It - Wink Martindale
A Voice In The Wilderness - Cliff Richard
Point Of No Return - Diana Dors
Poor Me - Adam Faith
Be Mine - Lance Fortune
On A Slow Boat To China - Emile Ford
Let’s Tell Them Now - Steve Clayton
Ask Me To Go Steady - Debbie Reynolds
Tender Love & Care (T.L.C.) - Jimmie Rodgers
El Paso - Bob Cort
El Paso - Vince Eager
What More Do You Want - Frankie Vaughan
School Day Blues - Jamie Coe
Listen To Your Heart - Fontane Sisters
Alone - Hilltoppers
The Big Hurt - Maureen Evans
Beyond The Sunset - Pat Boone
I Left My Love - Irving Joseph Orchestra
There’s Still Time Brother - Barrington Brass Band
Important events:
On the night of January 8th, Eddie Cochran makes his last recordings at Los Angeles’ Goldstar Studio, with Crickets Sonny Curtis on guitar and Jerry Allison on drums. One of the songs is "Three Steps To Heaven". The following day he flies to Britain for the tour he’s co-headlining with Gene Vincent. The show opens at Ipswich on Monday, January 24.
In Paris, on a five-day pass, the soon-to-be discharged Sgt Elvis Presley emerges from his suite in the capital’s most expensive hotel (Prince Of Wales) to issue the following quote: "Being in the Army, I’ve lost my love of high living. I’ve learned to relax and take things leisurely during my off-duty Army hours. Before, I was rushin’ around in case I missed somethin’"
The Big Bopper has a posthumous American #1 with his composition "Running Bear". Recorded by Johnny Preston more than a year earlier, it has Indian sounds contributed by the Bopper himself.
Cliff Richard & The Shadows have been special UK guests on the month-long "Dick Clark’s Caravan Of Stars" US tour.
Jimmy Jones has been around since the mid-50’s, singing lead for several groups before launching a solo career that has, until now, not been notably successful. The falsetto-dominated "Handy Man" will reach #2, the follow "Good Timin’" #3.
Brook Benton continues his R&B chart success, duetting with Dinah Washington on "Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)". This will spend eight weeks at #1, the follow up "A Rockin’ Good Way" a further five. Later in the year, Benton’s solo release "Kiddio" will be #1 for nine weeks.
Sam Cooke signs for RCA.
Bobby Darin: "If I’m this good now, what will I be like when I’m Sinatra’s age?"
Random headlines from "New Musical Express":
Max Bygraves is doing the ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ on skis
The ‘Personality’ rocker is back - Anthony Newley
The Welsh are singing praises of Maureen Evans
Private Tommy Steele, by Ifor Griffiths
January 1961
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Poetry In Motion - Johnny Tillotson
2. Save The Last Dance For Me - Drifters
3. I Love You - Cliff Richard
4. It’s Now Or Never - Elvis Presley
5. Lonely Pup - Adam Faith
6. Perfidia - Ventures
7. Strawberry Fair - Tony Newley
8. Man Of Mystery/The Stranger - Shadows
9. Counting Teardrops - Emile Ford
10. Goodness Gracious Me - Peter Sellers & Sophia Loren
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Elvis Presley
2. Wonderland By Night - Bert Kaempfert
3. Last Date - Floyd Cramer
4. Exodus - Ferrante & Teicher
5. A Thousand Stars - Kathy Young & The Innocents
6. North To Alaska - Johnny Horton
7. Many Tears Ago - Connie Francis
8. You’re Sixteen- Johnny Burnette
9. Angel Baby - Rosie & The Originals
10. Corrine Corrina - Ray Peterson
US R&B chart toppers this month:
He Will Break Your Heart - Jerry Butler
Shop Around - Miracles
US Country chart toppers this month:
Wings Of A Dove - Ferlin Husky
North To Alaska - Johnny Horton
Some UK single 45 releases:
Are You Lonesome Tonight?/I Gotta Know - Elvis Presley
Mean, Mean Man/Honey Bop - Wanda Jackson
What To Do/That’s What They Say - Buddy Holly
Walk Slow - Little Willie John
c/w The Hoochi Coochi Coo - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
First Taste Of Love/Spanish Harlem - Ben E King
You Are The Only One/Milk Cow Blues - Ricky Nelson
Jezebel/Maybe - Gene Vincent
Sad Mood - Sam Cooke
Lovey Dovey - Buddy Knox
Sweet Dreams - Don Gibson
F.B.I./Midnight - The Shadows
Lonely - Little Dippers
My Empty Arms - Jackie Wilson
Chills And Fever - Ronnie Love
I Want To Be Loved - Savannah Churchill
Ruby - Ray Charles
Piltdown Rides Again- Piltdown Men
C’est Si Bon - Conway Twitty
Calendar Girl - Neil Sedaka
Happy Days - Marv Johnson
Blue Tango - Bill Black’s Combo
Pepe - Duane Eddy
If I Didn’t Care - Platters
Know What You’re Doin’ - Lloyd Price Orchestra
Jealous Heart - Rusty Draper
Angel Baby - Rosie & The Originals
Many Tears Ago - Connie Francis
Music - Robb Storme & The Whispers
A Teenager Feels It Too - Denny Reed (I say!!!!)
Will You Love Me Tomorrow - Mike Berry & The Outlaws
There She Goes - Jerry Wallace
Gypsy Beat - The Packabeats
Shine - Joe Brown
A Perfect Love - Frankie Avalon
You Know You Belong To Somebody Else - Fabian
Rubber Ball - Bobby Vee
Rubber Ball - Marty Wilde
Ruby Duby Do - Volcanos
Hey Good Lookin’ - Tommy Zang
Angel On My Shoulder - Shelby Flint
Jimmy’s Girl - Johnny Tillotson
Jimmy’s Girl - Ricky Valance
Bangers & Mash - Peter Sellers & Sophia Loren
You Make Love So Well - Tommy Bruce
Mr Livingston - Larry Verne
Calcutta - Four Preps
The Story Of My Love - Paul Anka
Mystery Girl - Jess Conrad
Ten Gallon Hat - Barbara Windsor
I Can’t Do My Bally Bottom Button Up - Ian Wallace
Sailor - Petula Clark
Sailor - Lolita
Lopsided, Overloaded (And It Wiggled When We Rode It) - Brian Hyland
Important events:
Elvis Presley signs a new film contract with Hal Wallis, committing him to make at least on film a year for the next five. The Hollywood Women’s Press Club nominate Elvis "The Least Co-operative Actor of 1960"
Two doo-wop classics from the previous decade - the Five Satins’ "In The Still Of The Nite" and The Mello-Kings "Tonite, Tonite" - make belated re-appearances in the US charts.
UK Decca Group boss, Edward Lewis, receives a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Barry Mann, half of the successful songwriting team Mann & Weil, has entered the US charts with "Who Put The Bomp In The Bomp. Bomp, Bomp"
Frank Sinatra confirms the formation of his own record label - Reprise.
Adam Faith - now the closest rival to Cliff Richard as the UK’s premier teenage idol- has been booked to headline the prestigious prime-time TV show "Sunday Night At The London Palladium" and negotiations are underway for a four-movie deal.
Les Chausettes Noire - the popular French rock group that features the explosive Eddy Mitchell - have just made their eagerly awaited disc debut on the Paris-based Barclay label, with a four track EP that contains French language covers of Gene Vincent’s "Be-Bop-A-Lula" and Presley’s "Dirty Dirty Feeling". However, it’s the slow "Daniella" that has become the unexpected hit, prompting Mitchell (who is seen as a rival to Johnny Halliday) to seriously consider a solo career.
"I’m out to take Lonnie Donegan’s crown as Britain’s best-dressed pop singer. I doubt if I can do it this year, but I’m having a shot at the title for 1962" - Marty Wilde
Articles in this January’s issues of N.M.E.:
Frank D’Rone Is Here to Stay
Cliff Richard Accepts First Blackpool Season
Monty Sunshine to Form Own Band
Ian Samwell, U.S. Tour
Marty Wilde Makes Film in Africa Next Month
Miki and Griff - Britain’s Hillbillies
January 1962
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Stranger On The Shore - Acker Bilk
2. Moon River - Danny Williams
3. Let There Be Drums - Sandy Nelson
4. Johnny Will - -Pat Boone
5. Tower Of Strength - Frankie Vaughan
6. Midnight In Moscow - Kenny Ball
7. So Long Baby - Del Shannon
8. Toy Balloons - Russ Conway
9. I’d Never Find Another You - Billy Fury
10. My Friend The Sea - Petula Clark
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Tokens
2. The Twist - Chubby Checker
3. Run To Him - Bobby Vee
4. Peppermint Twist - Joey Dee & The Starlighters
5. Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
6. Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen - Neil Sedaka
7. Goodbye Cruel World - James Darren
8. Walk On By - Leroy Van Dyke
9. When I Fall In Love - Lettermen
10. Unchain My Heart - Ray Charles
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Unchain My Heart - Ray Charles
I Know - Barbara George
US Country chart toppers this month:
Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
Some UK single 45 releases:
Can’t Help Falling In Love/Rock-A-Hula Baby - Elvis Presley
Crying In The Rain/I’m Not Angry - Everly Brothers
The Wanderer/The Majestic - Dion
La Bamba/Ooh, My Head - Ritchie Valens
Tuff - Ace Cannon
It Will Stand - Showmen
(Ain’t That) Just Like Me/Bad Blood - The Coasters
Steps 1 And 2/One f These Days - Jack Scott
Unchain My Heart - Ray Charles
Well I Told You - Chantels
There’s No Other Like My Baby/Oh Yeah, Maybe Baby - Crystals
Just A Little Bit Sweet/It’s Too Late - Charlie Rich
In The Middle Of A Heartache - Wanda Jackson
Lonesome Number One/Same Old Trouble - Don Gibson
Turn Around Look At Me - Glen Campbell
Don’t Walk Away From Me - Dee Clark
He’s Old Enough To Know Better - Crickets
Goodbye To Love - Dick & Deedee
Raincoat In The River - Sammy Turner
Farewell, Farewell/Traffic Jam - Johnny & The Hurricanes
Break It To Me Gently - Brenda Lee
Rockin’ Twist - Flips
Revenge - Brook Benton
The Mouse - Santo & Johnny
You’re Running Out Of Kisses - Chuck Foote
Like Teen - Kokomo
Twistin’ Around The Clock - Clay Cole
Mr Music Man - Jimmy Jones
The Comancheros - Lonnie Donegan
Wimoweh - Karl Denver
When I Fall In Love - Lettermen
Smile - Timi Yuro
c/w I Believe - Johnnie Ray & Timi Yuro
I Cried My Last Tear/A Certain Girl - Ernie K-Doe
I Could Have Loved You So Well - Ray Peterson
Babette - Tommy Bruce
Newcastle Twist/Rockingham’s Twist - Lord Rockingham’s XI
Preview Of Paradise - Adam Wade
Watch Your Step/Lonesome - Adam Faith
The Young Ones - Cliff Richard
Pocket Full Of Miracles - Frank Sinatra
(I’ve Been Travelling The) Rough Road/You Gotta Go Home - Tony Gunner
Young Only Once - Michael Cox
Lessons In Love - Allisons
Tonight - Shirley Bassey
Walk With Me My Angel/Crazy, Man, Crazy - Don Charles
Forget Me Not - Eden Kane
The Saints/My Bonnie - Tony Sheridan & The Beatles
A Little Bitty Tear - Burl Ives
A Little Bitty Tear - Miki & Griff
Your Cheatin’ Heart - Teresa Brewer
Stand Up And Say That - Nashville Five
Free Me - Robert Knight
Soft Rain - Guy Mitchell
Walk Away - Shane Fenton & The Fentones
Softly As I Leave You - Matt Monro
Jeannie - Danny Williams
The Bells At My Wedding - Paul Anka
Don’t Stop, Twist - Frankie Vaughan
Forever - Ricky Stevens
D-Darling/I’ll Walk Beside You - Anthony Newley
Norman - Sue Thompson
Norman - Carol Deene
Shalom - Eddie Fisher
Shalom - Dickie Valentine
I Can Dream, Can’t I? - McGuire Sisters
Important events:
Now that it has been revealed that Frank Sinatra’s $250,000 private jet is fitted with a small stage, an electric piano, and a fully stocked cocktail bar, Colonel Tom Parker - with an eye for similar basic creature comforts - has informed the world that Elvis’ fee for a one hour TV special has increased to a mere $400,000.
Thailand has banned all Elvis movies following riots prior to, during and following the screening of "Blue Hawaii".
Cliff Richard’s "The Young Ones" 45 has been released with 500,000 advance UK sales. Only Elvis and Lonnie have previously achieved a no.1 first-time chart entry. Now Cliff joins them.
Billy Fury has been filming "Play It Cool".
Liverpudlian group The Beatles undertook an unsuccessful studio audition under the supervision of Decca Records’ A&R man Mike Smith at the company’s West Hampstead Studios in London. Among the 15 songs taped were three compositions by the group’s John Lennon and Paul McCartney - "Like Dreamers Do", "Hello Little Girl" and "Love Of The Loved". Also auditioned, and signed to the label, were a five-piece from Dagenham - Brian Poole & The Tremeloes.
The Twist looks as though it has sidelined trad jazz as Britain’s latest teenage trend, as Chubby Checker dances into the charts with two singles featuring his biggest Stateside hits, "Let’s Twist Again" and "The Twist". Joey Dee & The Starlighters have also clicked with "The Peppermint Twist". Cliff Richard says, "Sure, I dig The Twist. It knocks me out!" Helen Shapiro finds The Twist "tremendous", adding: "It’s bound to catch on with the girls…..after all, let’s face the facts, the hip swinging movement is almost a natural for us!" Frankie Vaughan, who has entered the with "Don’t Stop, Twist", is ecstatic: "I think that The Twist is the greatest musical thing to hit England since rock’n’roll."
The Beach Boys’ debut single "Surfin’", has entered Billboard Magazine’s charts at no. 118. Formerly known as The Pendletons, their only public appearance to date was when they received $300 to play a Ritchie Valens New Year’s Eve memorial dance at Long Beach Municipal Auditoreum. "We got so excited hearing our record on the radio that Carl threw up, and I ran down the street screaming" - Dennis Wilson.
Folk favourites Peter, Paul And Mary have been signed to Warner Bros Records
Articles in this January’s issues of N.M.E.:
Army life suits the Everlys.
South America wants to see our Cliff: First British star to play there
They plan to make Pat Boone a Beatnik
Billy Fury to tour own band soon
