Sunday, May 31, 2009

Clinton Ford


An Lp on the cheapo Marble Arch label from 1969 , distributed by Pye records. A compilation of children's songs. Nice versions of old novelties like Aba-daba Honeymoon and The Oyster Song.

"Clinton Ford, whose real name was George Harrison strangely enough was born in 1931 in Salford near Manchester in the North West of England.
"Clinton will now be best remembered for his novelty song, "Fanlight Fanny"- a recording he made while he was with Oriole, a minor label which had association with the Woolworth's budget record brand, 'Embassy'. In fact Clinton Ford was one of Oriole's most successful artists for a while, and "Fanlight Fanny" looked like Clinton's break into the big time. Sadly, it never quite happened.

Like many other artists of the time, Clinton had first excercised his entertainment ambitions by becoming a 'redcoat' at Butlins. Although his own leanings were towards country and western material, he began singing with traditional jazz bands and skiffle groups. This appears to have influenced his style somewhat and much of his best work was done in the company of trad groups like the Merseysippi Jazz Band and George Chisholm for example. Clinton's choice of recorded material was certainly diverse- with everything from the country flavoured sentimental 'Old Shep' and his confident interpretation of 'Run To The Door' through the most outrageous novelties like 'The Old Bazaar In Cairo' and even George Formby's 'Why Don't Women Like Me'."


Clinton Ford - Little White Donkey

Clinton Ford - Oh Dear What Can The Matter Be

Clinton Ford - Daisy Bell

Clinton Ford - Rosemary & Thyme

Clinton Ford - What Noise Annoys An Oyster

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I've been after "What noise annoys an oyster" for yonks. Brilliant stuff, thank you so much!