I was recently alerted by BBC Radio 2 that they have a high profile concert coming up to celebrate the 70th birthday this year of lyricist Don Black:
We are thrilled to announce an evening to celebrate Don and his work on Sunday 17th August at the London Palladium. 'BBC Radio 2 presents a special event to celebrate the work of egendary lyricist, Don Black'.
The star studded cast includes: Jonathan Ansell, Gary Barlow, Elkie Brooks, Craig David, Maria Friedman, Raza Jaffrey, Joe Longthorne, Lee Mead, Ryan Molloy (Jersey Boys) Mica Paris, Matt Rawle (Zorro), Marti Webb, Hayley Westenra and Michel LeGrand. Musical director ,Mike Dixon, conducts the seventy piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a tribute that includes: 'Born Free', 'Thunderball', 'To Sir With Love', 'Diamonds Are Forever', 'On Days Like These', 'Ben', 'Sam', 'Love Changes Everything', and many more.
Plus, a special appearance by Don Black himself and a world premiere of songs from Don's new musical, written with Michel Le Grand, 'The Count Of Monte Cristo'...
Hosted by Michael Parkinson.
If you would like to join Don for what will be a fantastic evening, simply call the Palladium box office on 0844 4124 657.
I wasn't aware he was behind so many of my favourite tracks over the years, especially around the late 60s/early 70s. So here's my wee tribute by way of YouTube. From the top they are Matt Monro's theme to "The Italian Job", "On Days Like These" (this gets hammered on my iTunes), then Lulu's US No1 "To Sir With Love" and finally Michael Jackson in his pre-wacko days with "Ben".
I'm also reposting Lulu as YouTube appear to have dropped the video I posted some time back. And "Diamonds are Forever" would be there too, but all Dame Shirley's stuff seems to have the embed function denied.
http://www.donblack.co.uk/
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