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Episode 2

Phil Coulter returns to London's Tin Pan Alley where he hears from some of the great pop composers like Geoff Stephens, Les Reed and Tony Hatch.

30 minutes

Last on

Mon 20 Apr 2015 19:30

PETER CALLANDER 1939-2014

PETER CALLANDER 1939-2014

One of the songwriters who took part in this series, Peter Callander, died just before the first episode was aired when first broadcast in 2014. At the time producer Michael Bradley wrote this tribute to him.

Ìý

Peter Callander was one of the first songwriters that Phil Coulter interviewed for the making of this series.

He met us in a cafe around the corner from Denmark Street and I knew immediately that the friendship he shared with Phil went back many years.
Dressed immaculately in navy blazer, carrying a briefcase, Peter stood in Denmark Street and shared memories of his years as a songwriter, producer and music publishing plugger.

His first job in the street was delivering copies of sheet music to wholesalers, pushing a trolley around Tin Pan Alley, a story which he told with humour and humility.
He and Mitch Murray wrote many songs that are instantly familiar when you hear them on the radio. Billy Don’t Be A Hero, The Ballad Of Bonnie & Clyde, Even The Bad Times Are Good, Hitchin’ A Ride, Avenues And Alleyways.
ÌýAs a fan of well-crafted pop songs I was delighted to be in his company, even for one afternoon, to hear at first hand his stories of a music business that had yet to become an industry.

And I was deeply saddened to hear the news that Peter died suddenly last Tuesday.

His wife Connie told me that he had greatly enjoyed doing the interview with Phil about his days in Denmark Street.

I hope the listeners enjoy those stories too.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 9 Mar 2014 13:30
  • Thu 13 Mar 2014 19:30
  • Sat 18 Apr 2015 10:30
  • Mon 20 Apr 2015 19:30