FIFTY YEARS AGO we were humming along to the hits of 1976. Some have magnificently stood the test of time; others have not. Join us on Memory Lane as we review them on their golden anniversaries.
Elton John and Kiki Dee were still hogging the number 1 chart position this month, and the number two records are not our favourites. So we have chosen a record which was released in August 1976 and spent ten weeks in the charts before reaching its highest position, number two, on 18th September 1976. We picked this one out because of its theme – we’ve just had Pride month. Also, looking at him now, younger people may not realise what a trailblazer for gay recognition and rights was… Rod Stewart.
Based on a true story, The Killing of Georgie is a powerful listen – and when it was released, the BBC declined to play it. Written and performed by Rod Stewart – Georgie begins with George coming out to his outraged parents. He leaves home – heading for the bright lights of the city. That’s a theme picked up eight years later by Jimmy Somerville’s Bronski Beat in Smalltown Boy (also worth a listen). Georgie then becomes darker – but we won’t spoil the surprise. Listen, enjoy – and remember that speaking (or singing) out can change prejudice.
●For more Sounds on Sunday, go to: Sounds on Sunday