In the sixties and seventies, snooker hall owner Richard Willis was a familiar sight in the pubs and clubs, spinning records under his stage name Richard Douglas.
He has shared his all-time top 10 favourite tunes. Soul Man – Sam and Dave
As a DJ playing the pubs and clubs in the late ’60s and early ’70s, the music of Sam and Dave was never far from the turntables, and Soul Man could always be relied upon as, to use the modern parlance, a floor filler.
Private Number – Judy Clay and William Bell
Another great memory from the days of disco and a great “smooch time” number.
Days of Pearly Spencer – David McWilliams
Growing up in the mid-1960s, Pirate Radio, and for me Radio Caroline, was very much part of life, and this was a song heavily promoted by Radio Caroline, which became a minor hit.
Eros Hotel – Georgie Fame
Georgie Fame is probably my favourite recording artist, and I have great memories of seeing him playing live at Ronnie Scott’s club. Eros Hotel is one of his less well known album tracks, but the lyrics paint a wonderful picture of life in Soho in days gone by.
I’m Still in Love With You – Al Green
Another great soul artist, from the early 1970s, still as great a song today as it was then.
Old Town – The Corrs
This was a song played a lot by the late great Terry Wogan, on his breakfast show, which has always stuck in my mind.
Monkey Man – The Maytals
It would be great to do a playlist of just reggae and ska, but Monkey Man again brings back good memories of my days on the disco decks.
Green Onions – Booker T and the MGs
Another iconic soul sound from the early 1960s.
Dublin in the Rare Old Times – The Dubliners
With a salute to my Irish ancestry, I have always enjoyed the music of The Dubliners, and have even met the band a few times over the years. This song conjures up a nostalgic picture of one of my favourite countries.
Snooker Loopy – Chas and Dave
Being in the snooker business, no playlist would be complete without Snooker Loopy, and it is interesting to note that part of the video which accompanied the record was filmed at the Matchroom Club that now forms part of Romford Snooker Club.
Can you come up with a better playlist? Send yours to newsdesk@romfordrecorder.co.uk with a picture of you to feature
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