Tuesday 10 December 2019

UK Number 40s: John Leyton - Lone Rider (1962)


The first number 40 of 1962 is really a tale of just how short a successful pop career can be. When producer Joe Meek set up his own production company, the first hit to come out of that was the debut of John Leyton, "Johnny Remember Me" which made number one in August 1961. His follow up "Wild Wind" reached 2, but his 3rd hit "Son This Is She" didn't do as well, making 15 at the start of 1962.

All his hits to date had been written by Geoff Goddard. This record, his 4th Top 40 hit, was also a Geoff Goddard composition was originally written as an instrumental for the Flee-Rekkers but did not chart. In March 1962, barely half a year after John Leyton was top of the charts, this peaked at 40.

His chart career wasn't over though. He did better with his follow up "Lonely City" which was his final Top 40 hit penned by Geoff Goddard and made 14. He then parted company with both Geoff Goddard and Joe Meek.

He had a couple of minor hits the following year, then he quite music to become a successful actor.

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