Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – May 2020

In November 2018, American singer/songwriter and record producer, Scott English, passed away in England as a result of  complications arising from hip surgery.

As a singer he made it onto to the Billboard Hot 100 a couple of times.  His most memorable recording was a song he co-wrote with Richard Kerr, a ballad that was released in 1972 as “Brandy.” It was only on the Hot 100 for 2 weeks, peaking at the #91 position.

Two years later the song was covered by Barry Manilow with a minor change in the title – from “Brandy” to “Mandy.”  This breakout record for Manilow went to #1 on the charts.

Ironically, this was not the first time Scott English had experienced delayed-success with a cover version of a song he had written.

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Despite being in the midst of the British Invasion, one of the hottest bands  recognized in the U.S. at the time were the Outsiders from Cleveland.  Their breakout record, “Time Won’t Let Me,” made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1966, peaking at the #5 position and maintaining a presence on the charts for fifteen weeks.

This single appeared on their 1966 album, The Outsiders In. On that album was another track – a song co-written by Scott English and Larry Weiss, the man who wrote “Rhinestone Cowboy” for Glen Campbell. Two years later, in 1968, the song reached the #5 position on the pop charts … but by another band.

This band was formed in Cicero, Illinois, which is near Chicago.  Originally known as Gary And The Knight Lites, the group soon changed its name to be a little more current with the times.  They took the old scientific approach and pulled a suggested name out of a hat!

Thanks to the magic of record producer Bill Traut who created a clever opening, sped up the song, and added some horns, the band, now known as the American Breed, had a hit on their hands.

So, come on and “Bend Me, Shape Me,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.

YouTube video of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVJFQkPkCg

This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.