Sounds on Sunday: 50 years on/2

POP MUSIC was once so new and daring: it’s shocking to think that it’s over 50 years old. Some standards have been around for over half a century… What, then, were we listening to 50 years ago? It was an odd year, 1970. The influence of the older generation saw a good deal of old school easy listening in the charts – while the movements that were to develop during the 1970s were not yet established. Come with us – whether it’s down memory lane or to unknown territory – and remember or find out what it was all about.

It took until March for the UK charts to see their second new number one of the decade: Lee Marvin’s Wandrin Star. The single was to hold the top position for three weeks – the only time Marvin entered the charts – and blocked the rather more rewarding Let It Be by the Beatles from reaching the top spot.

Lee Marvin was an actor who appeared in the film of the Broadway Musical Paint Your Wagon. He sang Wandrin Star in the film, and it was released as part of the film’s soundtrack. Although some covers have since been released, Marvin’s inimitable gravelly growl is the hallmark of the song. Everyone should hear it once.

https://youtu.be/El9eCRisbDo

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