Valerie Murtagh (born Patricia Valerie Jenkins,[citation needed] 1936, Willesden, London, England,[1] also known under the pseudonym Valerie Avon) is an English singer and songwriter, who was a member of The Avons.
Valerie Murtagh | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Patricia Valerie Jenkins[citation needed] |
| Also known as | Valerie Avon |
| Born | 1936 (age 87–88) Willesden, London, England |
| Genres | Pop music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 1960s–1970s |
Career edit
After singing with the Avons vocal trio in the 1950s and 60s, alongside her husband's sister Elaine Murtagh and Elaine's husband Ray Adams, Murtagh became a songwriter under the name Valerie Avon. Together with Adams and Elaine Murtagh, she wrote "Dance On!".[2][3] This was a UK number one hit in 1963,[4] and the year later returned to the UK Singles Chart in a vocal version by Kathy Kirby with lyrics by Marcel Stellman.[5]
With her songwriting partner, Harold Spiro, she later wrote "Long Live Love", which was performed by Olivia Newton-John, the UK entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 1974.[6]
She also co-wrote the following songs:[7]
- "In Summer" (Billy Fury) – Ray Adams, Valerie Avon and Elaine Murtagh[8]
- "Don't Move Away" (Cliff Richard) – Valerie Avon, Harold Spiro[9]
- "Annabella Umbrella" (Cliff Richard) – Valerie Avon, Neilburg, Harold Spiro[10]
- "Easy Lovin', Easy Livin'" (Georgie Fame) – Valerie Avon, Harold Spiro[11]
- "Easy Loving" (The Troggs) – Valerie Avon, Harold Spiro[12]
- "Desdemona" (The Searchers) – Valerie Avon, Harold Spiro -- U.S. #94[13]
- "I'm Gonna Find Myself A Girl" (Gene Pitney) – Ray Adams, Valerie Avon and Elaine Adams (Elaine Murtagh)[14]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Britrock Chronology: 1935–39". Skidmore.edu. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ Jon Kutner, "Dance On!", 1000 UK Number One Hits, Omnibus Press, 2010
- ^ "Shadows, The – Dance On! (Vinyl) at Discogs". discogs. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 491. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 304. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "Long Live Love – Oliviia Newton-John". discogs. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ Valerie Avon. "Valerie Avon – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Billy Fury – I'll Never Fall in Love Again / In Summer (Vinyl) at Discogs". discogs. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Don't Move Away – Cliff Richard : Listen, Appearances, Song Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Cliff Richard Featuring Shadows, The – The Cliff Richard Story (Box Set, Album) at Discogs". discogs. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Easy Lovin', Easy Livin' – Georgie Fame : Listen, Appearances, Song Review". AllMusic. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Troggs, The – Easy Loving / Give Me Something (Vinyl) at Discogs". discogs. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
- ^ "Gene Pitney – I'm Gonna Find Myself A Girl (Vinyl) at Discogs". discogs. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
External links edit
- Songwriting database
- Valerie Murtagh discography at Discogs