I used to be a resident musician at the Garrick Club in Leigh, Lancs from 1968 to 1972. All the top acts played there and Pickettywitch did a week with us when I had to share a dressing room with Polly Brown.(!) (We had three really tiny dresing rooms and seven acts a nigt to squeeze in). They were a really top class act and sounded just like the records. Magnificent. Pity they didn't really make it as big as they should.
Thanks for adding this - I loved Polly Brown! It was actually the lead singer of the "New Pickettywitch" that suffered from total allergy syndrome. her name was Shiela somthing or the other. Polly Brown went onto a solo career but don't know ehre she is now
She was ill some time ago, maybe in hospital but otherwise seems OK. Very few views on her songs, it would appear to be she has been long forgotten....sadly.
2 things - 1. a google search shows me that total allery suffered Sheila Rossall of New Pickettywitch sadly died at the end of lasy year. 2. I can't find a place called Pickettywitch anywhere!
No. After the original Pickettywich disbanded, a new band New Pickettywich was formed with singer Sheila Rossall who reportedly suffered total allergy syndrome. Rossall died in 2006.
omg, I remember watching this as a 6 year old in New Zealand. She must be in her 60s? Never thought Id see it again. For some reason it had a huge impact on me.
This record only reached #67 in the US in the summer of 1970 but hit #5 in the UK earlier that spring. A competing version by The Fortunes bombed in the UK but stole some of Pickettywitch's thunder in the US, reaching #67.
I'm a British girl of the early 70s LOL I live in New York now, but trust me, I'm still Scottish! I'm a little young to remember this when it came out, but I used to love "Jimmy Saville's Old Record Club"; made some great discoveries there :)
I'm pretty sure this was the top of the pops recording performed in Manchester. Top of the pops was originaly recorded from a converted church on Dickenson rd; near moss side.
In 1970 this song made me feel unaccountably wistful for an 11 year old. Quatt47 Great story - thanks for sharing that. I commented elsewhere that Polly seemed to "fit" this song - both vocally (the Warwick comparison is spot-on) and in her personality; it's as if she were predestined to have this song written for her.
I have listened to this song for years now and you just made me realise that she does indeed sound quite similar to Dionne Warwick. Once it is pointed out it is hard to imagine how anyone could not see it?
Yep...and look at those contestants on (insert your country here) IDOL...there is no comparrison. She was a very beautiful girl in her day with a beautiful voice. Do you think they would have been bigger if they had put the single on their album? I think it was a huge mistake to leave it off.
Had to look this up today, the man from Pickettywitch is on The Weakest Link! Sadly, I remember the song when it came out and think I've got the single somewhere in the loft!
I have their cd...very good.....that's definitely her in the video clip....I was going to see them at Bradford PA soccer stadium in summer 1972 but broke my leg on July 2 so couldn't get
Wow I always thought Polly Brown was black! Up In A Puff Of Smoke was a semi hit for her in 1975 here in the states. She sounds so much like Diana Ross's replacement in The Supremes Jean Terrell. So much that Polly could've pulled off singing Stoned Love and no one may have noticed it wasn't Jean.
I wanted a belt like that soooo bad, and my Mum wouldn't get me one (she was not cool at all) - I loved the "big pennies" dangling from them! Great song, and dance routine :) No-one has mentioned yet that Polly Brown had a hit with an Abba cover, "Honey Honey" as part of the duo Sweet Dreams in 1974?
saw them at the princess club in chorlton before it was renamed valentines,and saw them at the talk of the north club ,i think that was their last performance together ,my friend and myself went down in the dressing room to ask her for a date ,but the rest of the group were calling her saying she had gone and left them topack up ,i think they were telling the truth i dont think she was hiding from us
Yep talent and success don't always go together (see also Colin Blunstone, Julianne Regan, Jo O Meara). By contrast look at how many hits Emma Bunton has had.
Oh yes I'm familiar with Dionne's 60's recordings as I have many albums, EP's and singles from her...it's just that I had never made the connection to Polly Brown's vocal style probably due to not hearing Pickettywitch to often. I should play the LP more..if I can find it :)
@twoslices Dionnw Warwickk, good call!! I have a CD of most of their numbers, and in their later songs (after they slipped out of the charts) she could almost be Dionne, and musically they were at a far higher level than her old style. Quite why her star rose and fell so quickly ..... I can only guess that they heralded the bubble-gum pop sound soon to be perfected like bands like "Middle of the Road" and somehow the emerging Polly Browne style got swept under.
I'm afraid so and it is an embarrassment. We even had b&w in 1974!!! For some time there was arguing weather to use PAL or NTSC and eventually they decided to go for PAL and subsequently we got colour tv in late 1974.
A neat song that was a semi hit in the spring of 1970. As for the guy, I don't think he was gay. It was just the times and he looks as if he was trying to imitate Polly Brown. Kind of cool to hear a song that I haven't heard in at least 35 years.
@twoslices @twoslices Dionnw Warwickk, good call!! I have a CD of most of their numbers, and in their later songs (after they slipped out of the charts) she could almost be Dionne, and musically they were at a far higher level than her old style. Quite why her star rose and fell so quickly ..... I can only guess that they heralded the bubble-gum pop sound soon to be perfected like bands like "Middle of the Road" and somehow the emerging Polly Browne style got swept under.
2020....who else is still watching/listening?
She put some really good dance moves together throughout, especially @ 2-22.
Wonderful voice..should have been a major star!
The male singer is called Chris Warren. He came from Sunderland. I remember seeing his band - Chris Warren and the Strangers back in the mid sixties.
Wow! I'd never even heard of Polly Brown until yesterday - and now I'm in love with her!
I had one of those chain belts....
🥰
I used to be a resident musician at the Garrick Club in Leigh, Lancs from 1968 to 1972. All the top acts played there and Pickettywitch did a week with us when I had to share a dressing room with Polly Brown.(!) (We had three really tiny dresing rooms and seven acts a nigt to squeeze in). They were a really top class act and sounded just like the records. Magnificent. Pity they didn't really make it as big as they should.
This record just melts my heart and makes me think about my teenage holiday romance. Happy days. Thank you for posting.
Wow! It's Polly's style that does it for me, particularly love the belt on that dress... this is what the Spice Girls wanted to be...
Great Song-Great Voice
Thanks for adding this - I loved Polly Brown! It was actually the lead singer of the "New Pickettywitch" that suffered from total allergy syndrome. her name was Shiela somthing or the other. Polly Brown went onto a solo career but don't know ehre she is now
She was ill some time ago, maybe in hospital
but otherwise seems OK.
Very few views on her songs, it would appear to be
she has been long forgotten....sadly.
2 things -
1. a google search shows me that total allery suffered Sheila Rossall of New Pickettywitch sadly died at the end of lasy year.
2. I can't find a place called Pickettywitch anywhere!
I just discovered this group and I love it! Polly reminds me a little of Dusty Springfield.
No. After the original Pickettywich disbanded, a new band New Pickettywich was formed with singer Sheila Rossall who reportedly suffered total allergy syndrome. Rossall died in 2006.
One of my favorite songs. Still have the 45.
Great Song!
Nice song, thanks!
Thankyou for sharing this. A real gem.
Very classy singer,very much like Dionne Warwick,she should have been a major star.
omg, I remember watching this as a 6 year old in New Zealand. She must be in her 60s? Never thought Id see it again. For some reason it had a huge impact on me.
This has been one of my favourite songs for about 30 years. I'd never had a face to it before though. Thanks
Classic cool
This record only reached #67 in the US in the summer of 1970 but hit #5 in the UK earlier that spring. A competing version by The Fortunes bombed in the UK but stole some of Pickettywitch's thunder in the US, reaching #67.
This was recorded at the BBC TV Centre, White City London.
Looked a bit cramped!
Martin Bridges, on lead guitar and Mike Tomich on bass in the background but I thought they had left well before
May, 1970? Can you confirm?
where on earth are these old clips found? mighty glad they are. thanks for posting.
I'm a British girl of the early 70s LOL I live in New York now, but trust me, I'm still Scottish! I'm a little young to remember this when it came out, but I used to love "Jimmy Saville's Old Record Club"; made some great discoveries there :)
I'm pretty sure this was the top of the pops recording performed in Manchester.
Top of the pops was originaly recorded from a converted church on Dickenson rd; near moss side.
Great to see this !
@OzTvAgogo I think New Zealand had colour TV before us (Oz)!
In 1970 this song made me feel unaccountably wistful for an 11 year old.
Quatt47 Great story - thanks for sharing that. I commented elsewhere that Polly seemed to "fit" this song - both vocally (the Warwick comparison is spot-on) and in her personality; it's as if she were predestined to have this song written for her.
Great! Really enjoyed the clip and I always loved this song. THANKSSSSSSSSSSS
I have listened to this song for years now and you just made me realise that she does indeed sound quite similar to Dionne Warwick. Once it is pointed out it is hard to imagine how anyone could not see it?
Yep...and look at those contestants on (insert your country here) IDOL...there is no comparrison. She was a very beautiful girl in her day with a beautiful voice.
Do you think they would have been bigger if they had put the single on their album? I think it was a huge mistake to leave it off.
Those good old days.
Parts of australia had no signal until then as well.
Great song!
I would be really interested in seing a clip of Polly Brown singing 'Baby I won't Let You Down', one of my favorite tracks by her.
Just been watching it! Brilliant!
Had to look this up today, the man from Pickettywitch is on The Weakest Link! Sadly, I remember the song when it came out and think I've got the single somewhere in the loft!
soz lola5257 meant to press the reply button and pressed wrong one .........i agree whole heartly with u
I remember as a teenager wishing I was that medallion thing bumping away below her hips!
I have their cd...very good.....that's definitely her in the video clip....I was going to see them at Bradford PA soccer stadium in summer 1972 but broke my leg on July 2 so couldn't get
Awesome:)
The best !
I love this record, that man's making me laugh though.
Wow I always thought Polly Brown was black! Up In A Puff Of Smoke was a semi hit for her in 1975 here in the states. She sounds so much like Diana Ross's replacement in The Supremes Jean Terrell. So much that Polly could've pulled off singing Stoned Love and no one may have noticed it wasn't Jean.
I wanted a belt like that soooo bad, and my Mum wouldn't get me one (she was not cool at all) - I loved the "big pennies" dangling from them! Great song, and dance routine :) No-one has mentioned yet that Polly Brown had a hit with an Abba cover, "Honey Honey" as part of the duo Sweet Dreams in 1974?
duffy looks just like her, a real sixties look.
kinda like 'Middle of the Road' sound close, brilliant song, loving it people.
saw them at the princess club in chorlton before it was renamed valentines,and saw them at the talk of the north club ,i think that was their last performance together ,my friend and myself went down in the dressing room to ask her for a date ,but the rest of the group were calling her saying she had gone and left them topack up ,i think they were telling the truth i dont think she was hiding from us
They have it up - just type it in!
I think its the guy at the front singing with Polly, looks like him and the hair looks the same colour!
never new she came from brum hope she supports the blue side of the city!!
She lived in Grange Road, Small Heath...very near to the ground!
thanks. I must proof read my postings! For allery read allegy, for suffered read sufferer, and for lasy read last!!
Yep talent and success don't always go together (see also Colin Blunstone, Julianne Regan, Jo O Meara). By contrast look at how many hits Emma Bunton has had.
cool .....
Oh yes I'm familiar with Dionne's 60's recordings as I have many albums, EP's and singles from her...it's just that I had never made the connection to Polly Brown's vocal style probably due to not hearing Pickettywitch to often. I should play the LP more..if I can find it :)
@twoslices Dionnw Warwickk, good call!! I have a CD of most of their numbers, and in their later songs (after they slipped out of the charts) she could almost be Dionne, and musically they were at a far higher level than her old style. Quite why her star rose and fell so quickly ..... I can only guess that they heralded the bubble-gum pop sound soon to be perfected like bands like "Middle of the Road" and somehow the emerging Polly Browne style got swept under.
He seems to be the Mike Love of the group.
Up The Villa !!!!
UTV!
To think that this was filmed 39 years ago today!!! (May 16, 2009)
and now it's 49 years! ( June 8th, 2019 ).
Thanks for that. Do'nt know how I missed it. And you being in the States. Why an interest in a British band of the early 70s?
I'm afraid so and it is an embarrassment. We even had b&w in 1974!!! For some time there was arguing weather to use PAL or NTSC and eventually they decided to go for PAL and subsequently we got colour tv in late 1974.
@fearevil . Yes he's the one with the long blonde hair playing guitar, I used to go to school with him in the 60s.
Only 240p.
I'll have to try and dig the old LP out as the cover of that featured a map with Pickettywitch located on it...BUT I don't know how old that map was.
black&white in 1970! what is going on! was this australian tv?
What happened to her?? Is she stil living? xx
A neat song that was a semi hit in the spring of 1970. As for the guy, I don't think he was gay. It was just the times and he looks as if he was trying to imitate Polly Brown. Kind of cool to hear a song that I haven't heard in at least 35 years.
@twoslices @twoslices Dionnw Warwickk, good call!! I have a CD of most of their numbers, and in their later songs (after they slipped out of the charts) she could almost be Dionne, and musically they were at a far higher level than her old style. Quite why her star rose and fell so quickly ..... I can only guess that they heralded the bubble-gum pop sound soon to be perfected like bands like "Middle of the Road" and somehow the emerging Polly Browne style got swept under.
Anyone have the Fortunes' version of this great song?
Polly Brown has a remarkably similar voice to Dionne Warwick, great single!
i wish someone would post Sweet Dreams cover of Honey Honey. I can only find Abba doing it on youtube.
Kent people still living high at the Bell in Staplehurst
I loved this, thank you! I had a go at singing this on Midomi under the user name w00fdawg, I'd love to hear what you think!
Is that Jackie Stewart on backin vocals ?
Is martin Bridges on this clip?
Yes, he is at the rear on the left..he has blond hair, playing lead guitar; he was the original bass player in the group.
What is Polly doing Now?
Even more so,now,I'll bet
is that benny hill at the start
no way could a gorgeous gal like Polly brown have anything to do with saville.she too old for a start!
Good song but shocking vocals. I much prefer the version by the Foundations.
remember seeing this clip on t.v in the 70s and the belt wore them myself with mini skirts always loved this song special memories
brings back lots of memories