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As a true fan of Sir Cliff, I decided to write a book dedicated to his music which is, after all, superb. It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to select what I consider to be his best singles, and write in detail about each one. My initial plan was to call it "CLIFF RICHARD'S TOP 30", but I found it too difficult to narrow the choice down to just thirty records, so instead I plumped for "CLIFF RICHARD'S TOP 40".
It is, of course, a highly personal selection, and no doubt fellow Cliff fans will disagree with some of my choices. But I reckon that will be half the fun!
What I am now endeavouring to do is to write about each of the 40 singles, explaining why the song is, in my humble opinion, so special, and, more importantly, interviewing some of the people who have played a crucial part in the making of the records ~ e.g. producers, writers, singers and musicians.
Writing this book is a real labour of love, and I am hoping that Cliff fans everywhere will be fascinated to read the stories behind so many of his classic tracks, including "SAVIOUR'S DAY", "DREAMIN'", "WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE", "WIRED FOR SOUND" and "PLEASE DON'T TEASE", to name but a few.
In addition, I have been busy interviewing various esteemed people about their own memories of Sir Cliff and asking them for their favourite Cliff single.
Here is a list of some of those I have so far interviewed: Sir Tim Rice, Olivia Newton-John, Bruce Welch, Brian Bennett, Rick Wakeman, Phil Everly, Leo Sayer, Chris Eaton, Craig Pruess, Paul Field, Tony Rivers, BA Robertson, Terry Britten, Miriam Stockley, Mike Batt, Gene Pitney, Tony Hatch, Herbie Flowers, Jet Harris, Les Reed, Suzi Quatro, Limahl, Leee John, Leslie Stewart, Annabella Lwin, Ralph McTell, Dave Bartram, Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman, Chas Hodges, Bev Bevan, Gary Numan, Ian Gillan, Lyn Paul, Bobby Elliott, David Jacobs, Chris Difford, Ray Laidlaw, Paul Gambacini, Jono Coleman, Wayne Fontana, David Icke, Dennis Locorriere, Linda Lewis, Tony Hiller, John Kettley, Ian McLagan, Norman Wisdom, Phil Spencer, Patti Boulaye, Danbert Nobacon, Katrina Leskanich, Julia Fordham, Frank Ifield, Jimmy Jemain, Peter Sarstedt, Bonnie Tyler, Mick Rogers, Jenny Hanley, Ken Follett, Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee, Peter Osgood, Glenn Hoddle, David O'Leary, Joe Royle and Chris Spedding.
I would very much like to hear from fellow Cliff fans with their own choice of favourite Cliff single, and an explanation of why it is so special to them. Write as much as you like; I'll read it all, and maybe use it in the book.
Also, I would greatly appreciate knowing what Cliff fans think of the project ~ is it the sort of book they would like to read?
Anyone interested is very welcome to e-mail me at mark.kearns@tesco.net
~ please be sure to include your name, age, home town and country.
CLIFF RICHARD'S TOP 40 - BY MARK KEARNS
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