By John Knox
Keith grew up in Carlisle, starting his musical career in the 1960s. After marrying in 1973, he came to Sunderland and was heavily involved in the Folk Scene, running the Blue Bell Folk Club in Seaburn and performing semi-professionally across the North East. He has written his own material, kept a ‘50s & 60s’ act going since those songs first appeared in the charts, worked tirelessly to bring music into the classroom and has assisted Eileen Richardson with the monthly Folk focused gathering at The Stumble Inn.
Some years ago Keith decided to leave his sons with a collection of 20 favourite 45 rpm singles from his youth, with an explanation of why they were important to him. He has chosen to share a few with us here:
Stranger On the Shore – Acker Bilk As a result of this clarinet classic my dad bought me a second-hand clarinet for my 13th birthday. Not too long ago I had the pleasure of playing it in front of a glass case containing Acker’s famous bowler hat and waistcoat.
You Really Got Me – The Kinks My school pal and I had the job of getting in fish and chips for the pop stars performing at our local cinema. I still have the autographs of many of them including ‘Ray of the Kinks’ and Graham Nash of the Hollies. Both were very friendly and interested in our own musical ventures.
Wintertime – The V.I.P.’s A rare record from a Carlisle group which went on to be part of a couple of cult bands – Spooky Tooth and Humble Pie. The lead singer Mike Harrison lived close to my school and was a founder of psychedelic rock – (worth a Google!)
God Only Knows – The Beach Boys – First heard at my godfather’s house in London on the morning of the 1966 Football World Cup Final. We went to Trafalgar Square in the evening but the team bus couldn’t get in because of the crowds, so I only saw the team from a distance.
Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) – Peter Sarstedt – This song mentions the resort of Juan Les Pins in France and I had the pleasure of busking the song on the promenade at Juan les Pins in 1969 when the recording was still ‘top of the charts’. I busked with a character called ‘Tymon Dogg’ who went on to great things (again worth a Google)
You can listen to Keith’s chosen significant songs here:
