Top Rank JAR 577 (original) Finland, 1961
Words & Music by: Side A – Geoff Goddard; Side B – Robert Duke (=Joe Meek)
Musicians: John Leyton (lead
vocals), Lissa Gray (backing vocals), Billy Kuy (lead guitar), Vic Flick (lead
guitar), Reg Hawkins (rhythm guitar), Charles Blackwell (piano), Chas Hodges
(bass), Bobby Graham (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Joe
Meek at R.G.M. Sound (Meek’s home studio), London, UK, in May 1961
Highest chart positions: Side A – Finland
#6, UK #1, Ireland #1, New Zealand #1, Norway #4; Side B - none
This was John Leyton’s only number one hit. His follow-up single, “Wild Wind” / “You Took My Love For Granted” (Top Rank JAR 585), came close, peaking at number two in the UK.
Joe Meek recorded the backing instruments (played by the Outlaws) on the first floor of his home and positioned backing vocalist Lissa Gray on the stairs to capture a natural, ghostly echo.
Shortly after recording the song, John Leyton performed it on the ATV television drama Harpers West One. The overwhelming viewer response propelled the single to number one in the UK by August 1961, despite the BBC banning it because of its references to death.
Ritchie Blackmore joined the Outlaws in October 1962, so he is not on this record, yet.
Finnish cover versions have been recorded by Olavi Virta, Topi Sorsakoski & Agents and Kari Tapio (plus many others). This song matches the Finnish taste for dramatic and somber melodies. 😊
Estimated value: I have not found a listed price for this pressing. UK copies have sold for around €20. Because the Finnish pressing was likely produced in smaller quantities, its estimated market value is €20–€30.
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