Barbara Knox's 1973 album: On The Street Where I Live

While looking at some vintage Corrie episodes on YouTube, I came across these 11 audio clips of Barbara Knox (or Mullaney as she was called back then) singing from her record album, a year or so after she returned to Corrie in 1972. 

Back in 1964, Barbara Knox was playing Rita, who was portrayed as an exotic dancer but by 1972 in Corrie she was also a singer. Barbara Knox has often recalled that she was horrified when the Corrie producers asked her to sing on the show. In the soap, Rita's rehearsal went well and for many years, Rita was known as the Weatherfield Nightingale and she still gives us a song now and then.

In 1973, Barbara Knox was asked to record an album. It was called 'On the Street Where I Live'. I have to say that many of the songs are unknown to me, but it's great listening to them. Sadly, she was never allowed to promote the album, and so few were sold. So if you have got a copy at home, leave a comment below and tell us about it. 

You can listen to all the songs here.

The songs are:

You're Getting to be a Habit with Me - First heard in the film 42nd Street (1932), starring Warren Baxter and Ruby Keeler. It was later recorded by the likes of Petula Clark, Bing Crosby, Doris Day and Frank Sinatra.

The Very Thought of You - A 1934 song that was a popular recording by Bing Crosby. 

Embraceable You - A 1930 song that was recorded by the likes of Billie Holliday, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Knox performed this song on the Corrie on the QE2 spin-off in 1995.

Who's Sorry Now? - A 1923 song that was a hit for Connie Francis in 1957.

I'll See You in my Dreams - A 1924 song that was recorded by Pat Boone, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald and Andy Williams.

I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby - A 1928 song that has been recorded by Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Doris Day and most recently Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.

The Nearness of You - A 1940 song that was featured in Romance in the Dark. It was later recorded by Glenn Miller, Dinah Shore, Shirley Bassey and Nat King Cole amongst others.

Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love - A 1928 song by Cole Porter for the musical Paris. It's been recorded by Eartha Kitt, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Are You Lonesome Tonight? - A 1927 song that was a hit for Elvis Presley in 1960. 

Paradise - A 1931 song that was recorded by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.

The Party's Over - A 1956 song that was recorded by Nat King Cole, Lonnie Donegan, Lesley Gore, Shirley Bassey and Doris Day.

It would be nice to know if Barbara Knox chose these songs herself, as they are 'Rita' classics. 

Enjoy!

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Corrie A-Z: M is for musical talents

There are a few Corrie characters who have musical talents. And I love it when someone has musical links because it adds something to their character.

The most obvious one of course is the radiant Rita. During her early years she had a regular stint at the Capricorn Club and then the Gatsby. When she married Len, she didn’t sing so much and only did a few stints.

She sang at Stan and Hilda’s ruby wedding party in 1983 and while she was singing ‘Stardust’ she was informed that Len had died in a car crash. She vowed never to sing publicly again. But she has done. She sang at Blackpool when fleeing Alan Bradley, although she was having a nervous breakdown! Then she sang during the Millennium Party celebrations. She sang at Fred Elliott’s wake.

And of course recently she sang in the Rovers on Christmas Day 2010, days after the tram crash

Another character with musical links is Deirdre who’s a dab hand at playing the harmonica, as witnessed in 2004.

 

Both Ena Sharples and Ernest Bishop were known to tinkle the ivories in Rovers sing songs. Ena had a harmonium in the Mission Hall and later the Community Centre and she played the organ at Ernest and Emily’s wedding. Ernest accompanied Rita at the Gatsby, much to Emily’s chagrin, and at various Rovers dos like Christmas parties and the 1940s night in 1974.

Jack Duckworth also accompanied Rita at the Oggies’ party, but I don’t recall seeing him playing the piano after that.

 

Betty Driver was a renowned singer but, apart from the 1940s night, Betty Turpin was never seen singing. A shame really!

 

Sue Nicholls also had a top 20 hit in the 1960s but Audrey Roberts has never been seen singing.

And of course, who can forget Hilda’s warbling!

Can you think of any other characters with musical talents?

See also: Coronation Street voices on vinyl

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