8 February 1963
Elaine Murtagh from Cork, a singer with English-based vocal group The Avons, co-wrote ‘Dance On!’ with her English sister-in-law (and fellow Avon) Valerie Murtagh. This gives Elaine Murtagh and Cork the distinction of the first Irish person to write an Irish number one single – in fact, the first Irish person to play any part in an Irish number one single. As personal achievements by her go, it certainly ranks up there with her successfully leaving Cork.
Once you’ve let go of trying to work out how a vocal group wrote an instrumental, you’ll hear that The Shadows’ version of ‘Dance On!’ has the plaintive twang of early-’60s clean-cut US rock & roll. At all times The Shadows here sound like polite, respectable English lads who fancy the cut of Buddy Holly’s jib. I wouldn’t call it memorable, but nor is it unpleasant. Still, you listen to this and start to understand how The Beatles later this year sound so raucous, thrilling and fresh by comparison.
Irish Number Ones 