Why, why, why it’s time to honour Delilah writer Barry
THE man who wrote the iconic Tom Jones hit Delilah will finally been recognised, thanks to the efforts of Sir Tim Rice.
The 76-year-old was among a group of writers and musicians calling for Barry Mason to be celebrated in his hometown of Wigan, Greater Manchester.
Mason, who died in April aged 85, penned the classic for Jones in 1968, plus The Last Waltz, for Engelbert Humperdinck. It topped the charts for five weeks in 1967.
Edison Lighthouse’s 1970 hit Love Grows was also written by Mason.
Sir Tim, right, plus other writers including Don Black, Tony Hatch and former Spandau
Ballet star Gary Kemp were signatories to a letter calling for a Barry Mason Day to be held in Wigan.
Other celebrities on the list were Graham Gouldman of 10CC, Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett of The Shadows and Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.
Councillor Chris Ready, of Wigan Council, said: “Barry Mason’s career achievements speak for themselves, millions will have heard and be able to sing along to his amazing back catalogue of songs, but may not be aware of the link with Wigan.
“We will continue to explore our options for a permanent tribute and the option of installing a blue plaque at a location within the borough.” Mason’s best-known works were written in collaboration with Les Reed and were also performed by Rod Stewart, Elvis Presley, The Drifters, Perry Como, Charles Aznavour, Tony Christie, David Essex and Barbra Streisand. He wrote more than 1,100 songs and picked up five prestigious Ivor Novello Awards during his career.