The Long and Winding Road

About the Book

There must have been a time when you just could not get a certain song out of your head. Perhaps it was the last sound played at the disco or perhaps there’s a certain riff in a song that haunts you? Perhaps it’s one of those songs which have a special meaning for you or a special person in your life? Whatever the reason we all have had musical influences throughout our life and some we have deliberately chosen whilst others have crept in because we watch television and listen to the radio. We also have been subjected to other musical influences from shops, restaurants, churches, dance halls and anyone whistling or singing near us. Why was it almost impossible to remember Shakespeare’s quotations when I tried to learn them for school yet I can remember words to songs without even trying to memorise them? As someone who has made a living from playing music for others to listen to it has interested me greatly to find out whether any of the records which have made the popular music charts has had a greater influence on me than I have realized. I will also try to remember the words to the songs I heard in my younger years without using either reference books or a safety net! I will also attempt to put the music in some kind of time frame looking at what else was happening aside from the music. I will also identify how my own appreciation of music has evolved and that charts become less important with age. This will be the basis of a large part of my book. I will also try to show that I have had to show a good amount of true grit and determination in order to eventually find the job I had always wanted from my childhood days of listening to Radio Luxembourg and Radio Caroline. Moreover, it takes a lifetime to really see your priorities. Join me now in my musical voyage of discovery.

About the Author

Vince was born on Wirral, Merseyside and enjoyed the Merseybeat Years at The Cavern and Iron Door in Liverpool. He played harmonica in several groups before becoming one of the first professional disc-jockeys on Merseyside at the Cabin then Hamilton clubs. He worked freelance with the BBC at Radio Merseyside and as a professional DJ and entertainer in the North-West of England. Moving to Cornwall in the 80s Vince qualified as a teacher and ran his entertaining career alongside a teaching career. He had a daily show with Spain's national broadcaster Onda Cero and presents his cabaret shows around Benidorm, Spain. These days he travels extensively creating various podcasts and jamming with other musicians when possible.