Wednesday, July 08, 2009

A Blue Day for Terry Black, age 62


It's sad when someone dies, and doubly so when a person's once popular hits turn up in "Lost Jukebox" compilations. Terry Black, who died on June 28th, after many years suffering with multiple sclerosis, was once "Male Vocalist of the Year" in his native Canada. But that was back in 1965, and unless you care a lot, you may not know "Unless You Care," "Say It Again," or "Kisses For My Baby," all charted singles over 40 years ago.

"Say It Again" has that Mersey beat, even if it's Canadian. You'll recognize that familiar guitar underpinning from so many a Billy J. Kramer, Peter & Gordon or Gerry and the Pacemakers disc. (And yes, Gary Lewis & The Playboys adopted it in the U.S. to adorn "This Diamond Ring.")

Black's debut album was "Only Sixteen," released in 1965, and the teen idol wasn't much older than that. He grew from teen idol to actor-musician, appearing in the Toronto version of "Hair" in 1969. He ended up marrying cast member Laurel Ward, and together they formed the duo Black and Ward...and let's just say that their singles probably haven't even made it to a "Lost Jukebox" compilation.

When last heard from, Terry was hosting a radio show in British Columbia, playing jukebox favorites from the past. If you have some Terry Black records, play it, Sam. If you had a Terry Black single but it got lost or scratched over the years, check the download below for "Say It Again."
TERRY BLACK "Say it Again" Instant download or listen on line. No pop-ups or porn ads.

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