You're a Lady
| "You're a Lady" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Peter Skellern | |
| from the album You're a Lady | |
| B-side | "Manifesto" |
| Recorded | 1972 |
| Label | Decca |
| Songwriter(s) | Peter Skellern |
"You're a Lady" is a 1972 song by British singer-songwriter Peter Skellern. Skellern’s recording of the song was his first and biggest hit, reaching number three in the UK Singles Chart and number 50 in the United States Billboard Hot 100.[1] Skellern’s vocals were supplemented by the Congregation, a choral pop ensemble who had already had their own top ten hit with "Softly Whispering I Love You".[2] The introductory bars were performed by the Hanwell Band, with the euphonium, played by John Luckett, prominently featured.[3] Skellern provided his own piano accompaniment.
The single was placed on Radio Luxembourg on a pay-for-play basis, but was then picked up by Terry Wogan on his BBC Radio 2 programme. The single went on to sell over 800,000 copies.[4] The song was also the first track on Skellern's album of the same title, released in 1972.[5]
Skellern performed the song live on many occasions prior to his retirement in 2001.[6] It became a constant feature of his double act with Richard Stilgoe, and another rendition of the song featured on their 2000 album, A Quiet Night Out.[7]
Cover versions
A French version of the song was released by folk singer Hugues Aufray with the title "Vous ma lady", and the following year the same version was released as a duet by Brigitte Bardot and Laurent Vergez.[8]
Other performers who have covered the song include:
- Johnny Mathis, on his 1973 album Me and Mrs. Jones
- Dawn, on their 1973 album Tie A Yellow Ribbon
- Telly Savalas, on his 1974 album Telly[9]
- Peter Hofmann, on his 1987 album Rock Classics 2[10]
References
- ↑ "Peter Skellern | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
- ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 505. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ↑ "Death of Peter Skellern". 4BarsRest. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ↑ "Peter Skellern Tribute with Sir Tim Rice - BBC Radio 2". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
- ↑ "Peter Skellern – You're A Lady". discogs. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ↑ "Nativity Music by Peter Skellern". The Aeolian Singers. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ↑ "Stilgoe & Skellern – A Quiet Night Out". discogs. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ↑ Brigitte Bardot complete discography on Brigitte Bardot, Initiales B.B., 3 CD box set, released in 1993 by Phonogram France and Philips, p. 30.
- ↑ "Telly Savalas – Telly". discogs. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ↑ "Peter Hofmann – Rock Classics 2". discogs. Retrieved 27 February 2017.