The 20th of February 1974
Official U.K. Singles Chart results from Sunday the 17th to Saturday the 23rd of February 1974
Cut-off for sales figures was up to the end of Saturday the 16th of February
Results counted from Sunday the 17th,
published on Tuesday the 19th,
and broadcast on B.B.C. Radio 1 on Sunday the 24th of February 1974.
The London String Chorale
Galloping Home
At No.35, on the “The Top 50 U.K. Singles Chart”, the week of my 2nd Birthday, are The London String Chorale with Galloping Home.
For most of the TV audience,..
…who were around at this time, this familiar and recognisable theme tune to “The Adventures of Black Beauty“, which originally ran in the Sunday teatime slot on London Weekend Television (LWT) between 1972 to 1974, will bring back some fond memories. I know I certainly remember my two older sisters watching it, possibly on one of its many repeated broadcasts.
The TV series, which was primarily targeted to a younger audience, proved just as popular with the wider viewing public as well.
The theme had been composed…
…by Denis King who received the accolade of an Ivor Novello award for his efforts.
I could explain how he came up with the idea of the song, but I think it sounds better coming from the man himself.
The single itself…
…had previously begun its chart run last year in December 1973, when it grazed around the very edge of the Top 50 at No.49 for three weeks from the 9th to the 29th of that month, before cantering back out.
It would re-enter on the 13th of January this year at No.45; and by the end of the month, it had hurdled up and into the Top 40, but had then stopped just shy of the Top 30, when it peaked at No.31 on the 27th, where it grazed for a couple of weeks.
This week is the second of 3 consecutive weeks where it has back-stepped into the mid-thirties.
From here,..
it steps back up one place higher to No.34; the same as last week’s position. Afterwards, it will move further back down before eventually trotting away, accumulating 13 weeks of chart action in total, after the 23rd of March.
Years later…
…there will be ideas to maybe write a lyric for the tune. Again, here’s Denis with his favourite lighthearted words, written to him by celebrated comedy writer and lyricist Dick Vosburgh; sung eloquently by his good friend and British comedy legend Ronnie Corbett.
The “A” Side
The “B” Side
This track is currently unavailable.
The Adventures of Black Beauty – Episode 1.
Many thanks go to the following YouTube Channels for providing the chance to hear this music and see the pictures once again.
Please show your appreciation by visiting their channels:
Grab Your Binoculars, Come Follow Me
My Socials
What is it…?
Who am I…?
Why am I…?
When am I…?
How do I…?
