Frankie Vaughan - Tower Of Strength (1961) - New Stereo Remix 2025

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A mono recording remixed into stereo. For educational purposes only. Enjoy!
Writers - Burt Bacharach, Bob Hilliard. Released - 27th October 1961. © Philips. Catalogue - PB 1195.
GIVE ME THE MOONLIGHT - Frank Fruim Abelson was born on Devon Street in the Islington district of Liverpool on 3 February 1928, one of four children of Isaac and Leah Abelson. Coming from a family of Russian Jewish descent he derived his stage surname from his grandmother who called him "Frank my 'number one' grandson". Her Russian accent made "one" sound like "Vaughan". In his early life, he was a member of the Lancaster Lads' Club, a member group of the National Association of Boys' Clubs. He started out at the club intending to become a boxer, becoming a major contributor to them during his career, dedicating monetary compensation from one song each year to them.

GOT TO START SOMEWHERE - Vaughan made his first television appearance on 13th October 1951 in a variety show from the Theatre Royal, Leeds starring Gracie Fields. He was introduced by Donald Peers and sang "Lucky Me". His first records in 1950 was for the His Master's Voice, but weren't popular. August 1952 saw him join the dance band of Nat Temple for around a year, but the increasing popularity of recordings he made in 1953 encouraged him to return to the variety stage. He switched to the Philips label in 1955, where he recorded what became his trademark song, "Give Me the Moonlight, Give Me the Girl" - a song which appeared only on EP's. The first was on his eponymous EP in 1956, and the second a special "Woman's Own" EP in 1960. Vaughan enjoyed a number of hits, including a number 1 with his cover of the Doo-Wop classic "The Green Door" in 1957, a number keen R'n'R revival fans of 80's star Shakin' Stevens know only too well.

TOWER OF STRENGTH - This song was written by Burt Bacharach with sometime songwriting partner Bob Hilliard. The strong composition did well in the US for its original hitmaker Gene McDaniels, and it became his only UK hit, making number 49 in a run lasting a fortnight. Things might have been different had it not been well and truly trounced by Frankie Vaughan's admittedly thrilling British cover. "Mr. Moonlight" certainly put his heart and soul into it, his strong voice and trademark whoops to the fore, aided by orchestral accompaniment from the ever-reliable Ivor Raymonde. Upping the pace slightly also made it sound irresistible. Following a string of ho-hum chart performances - his last record in January '61 missed completely - This one exploded by comparison. It claimed the number 1 spot on 7th December 1961, staying there for 3 weeks. "Tower Of Strength" is a great example of a UK cover daring to improve on the original.

A HUGE STAR - Vaughan's next single came from a live performance. "Don't Stop - Twist!" was a song Vaughan wrote and went nowhere. But the record's flop was of no consequence, as he would return to the charts and the Top Ten during the 60's. Sometimes it's the song, but Vaughan was a truly great big star, a good man adulated by fans who adored him and everything he did. His continual work supporting Boy's Clubs was remarkable, opening many such venues where kids could learn boxing amongst other things, giving otherwise bored youth positive grounding. A couple of commentator's comments illustrate his enormous popularity. Vaughan attended the opening of a boys club in Swansea, Wales, in 1958, and kissed one baby in her mother’s arms. After this, friends and neighbours instructed the mother to never wash her baby's cheek! On another club opening in Croydon, this lady's mother queued for ages to get her a signed photo, and when she did, was 'well chuffed'. When she passed years later it was found tucked away amongst her "treasures".

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