The world of British pop music is in mourning as it bids farewell to the legendary songwriting duo, Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, who have passed away at the ages of 84 and 83, respectively. The pair, whose partnership began in childhood, left an indelible mark on the 1960s music scene, penning an array of chart-topping hits for some of the era’s most iconic groups.
The Birth of a Songwriting Powerhouse
Howard and Blaikley’s journey began in 1954 when they recorded their first song, “The Yellow Dance,” on Howard’s father’s Dictaphone. Little did they know that this humble beginning would pave the way for a pop music revolution in the following decade.
Discovering The Honeycombs and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich
In 1964, a chance encounter with a group called the Sheratons in a London pub led Howard and Blaikley to pen their breakthrough hit, “Have I the Right?” The song, recorded by the newly-christened Honeycombs, soared to number one in the UK and several other countries, cementing the duo’s status as hit-makers.
The pair’s winning streak continued with their next discovery, Dave Dee and the Bostons, whom they renamed Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich. Under Howard and Blaikley’s management and songwriting prowess, the group enjoyed a string of 13 consecutive hits, including the chart-topping “The Legend of Xanadu” and the provocative “Bend It!”
“We connived to think of crazy ideas and scenarios. They were really actors; if you gave them a plot they would act up on it, whether it was a whip in The Legend of Xanadu or a motorbike in Last Night in Soho.”
– Ken Howard on working with Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich
Conquering the International Music Scene
Howard and Blaikley’s success extended beyond the UK, with their songs being covered by international stars like Sacha Distel, Engelbert Humperdinck, and even Elvis Presley. In 1970, they became the first British songwriters to have a song covered by Presley when he recorded “I’ve Lost You.”
“At the time pop music was the thing that England could excel in. Everybody counselled us against it. They said, ‘You’re mad – you can’t leave the BBC. It’s your career’. But it wasn’t difficult at all.”
– Ken Howard on the decision to pursue songwriting full-time
Transitioning to Television and Theatre
As the music industry evolved in the 1970s, Howard and Blaikley seamlessly transitioned their talents to television and theatre. They wrote theme songs for films like Up Pompeii and Up the Chastity Belt, and their musicals, including Mardi Gras and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, graced West End stages.
The duo also made significant contributions to BBC television, scoring acclaimed dramas such as Shadowlands, The Flame Trees of Thika, and Miss Marple. Howard himself directed several notable films for the network, including a dramatized documentary about John Lennon and a tribute to Broadway legend George Abbott.
A Legacy That Endures
Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley’s passing marks the end of an era, but their legacy lives on through the timeless songs they created and the countless artists they inspired. Their ability to craft memorable melodies, clever lyrics, and captivating narratives set them apart as true masters of their craft.
As the music world mourns their loss, it also celebrates the indelible mark they left on popular culture. The songs of Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley will continue to be cherished by generations of music lovers, a testament to the enduring power of their creative genius.
