15th May

After yesterday’s journey down into the depths of the 15^th and 17^th centuries, today we return a little nearer to the present day.

Today in 1981, George Harrison released in the UK, the single All Those Years Ago (released 4 days earlier on in the US, on 11^th May). The track was a personal tribute to his former Beatles band mate John Lennon, following his murder in New York the previous December

The lyrics to All Those Years Ago were tailored by Harrison after the music for the track had been previously recorded for a Ringo Starr album, but was never used. 

The recording fittingly featured Ringo on drums as well as Paul McCartney, who overdubbed backing vocals onto the basic track (along with Linda McCartney and Denny Laine of Wings).

The single reached No.2 on the American Billboard 100 and No.13 in the UK charts.

George sadly passed away in November 2001 aged 58, from lung cancer.

RIP George and John.

A selection of today’s other anniversaries:

Guitarist and songwriter from Australia’s Little River Band, Graham Goble (68)

Former Dutch footballer and current Ajax manager Frank de Boer (45)

<--- Country singer and wife of Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash (aged 73), died on this day in 2003 after complications following heart surgery.

30th April

42 years ago today, Paul McCartney and Wings released their Red Rose, Speedway album (4^th May 1973 in the UK). It was the 4^th release from McCartney after the Beatles parted company and the 2^nd using the name Wings.

Initially planned as a double album, a good number of the intended tracks were cut, some becoming B-sides to singles and others not seeing the light of day. It was claimed that the reason behind the smaller offering was to release a more commercial and less expensive record. It has to be said that there are few, what I would class as particularly commercial cuts, on the album.

The album ranges from the sublime, such as the hauntingly gorgeous “Little Lamb,Dragonfly” to the out-and-out ridiculous “Loup, (1st Indian on the Moon)” which in Tatty’s opinion was a total waste of vinyl. 

The former track has ignited discussion over the years with many people believing it to contain references to John Lennon. In later years these rumours were subsequently quashed by Sir Paul, who claimed it to be inspired by the story of a lamb on his farm that was so poorly they kept it inside the house overnight. The main remembered track from the piece was the No1 single “My Love”.

Red Rose, Speedway made it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and no. 5 in  the UK album charts.

Birthdays on this day include:

The great Dickie Davies in his heyday

Former World of Sport presenter Dickie Davies (81)

One of the singing brothers from Utah, Merrill Osmond (62)

English actor Leslie Grantham, best remembered as Dirty Den from Eastenders (68)

Article Update

Just a quick run through of a few newish articles I have recently had published, some of which may be of interest.

Please click on the title to be directly linked:

Football Ground History articles, 

outlining the previous and current grounds of NORWICH CITY * SOUTHAMPTON * MILLWALL. 

Stevie Nicks: The Queen of Rock and Roll

Fresh from her appearance on "Dancing With the Stars," Stevie Nicks has released her new album "In Your Dreams" to critical acclaim.

 

Cover Versions of Beatles' Songs

 A selection of four Beatles’ songs, covered by other artists.

British Character Actor, Edward Hardwicke Dies
Colditz and Sherlock Holmes star, Edward Hardwicke has died, aged 78.


Queen's Diamond Jubilee Creates a New British City
To celebrate the Queen's 60 year reign, a new British city is to be created.


The British Bank Holiday
Why are public holidays known as Bank Holidays in the UK? 


Many more articles are available at my website, 
www.ukwriter.co.uk