“…where little boys with dirty t-shirts are called stars…”

Ronovan #BeWoW, Quotes, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As many of you know by now, I like to watch old TV shows. On one such show called This is Your Life, Petula Clark, the song goddess of England, was being honored. One man, who was a child star with Clark, was filmed for the event, not able to be present in person. That man was Songwriter Hall of Fame member Anthony Newley who would pass away three years later.

I chose Anthony Newley for todays #BeWoW post for his charm, elegance, and dignity to his craft and others. He represents a time long gone, when even the celebrities who were not at the top knew how to act in public and be respectful to others. Even the rock stars of his time knew respect.

Anthony Newley was an early influence on David Bowie, but that legends recent passing did not influence this selection. I only discovered that fact a few seconds before typing this sentence, long after making the selection. However, when listening to recordings of Newley from the early to mid ’60s, I do hear the sound some speak of.

Anthony Newley’s legend has fallen by the wayside for many. Perhaps not so flamboyant as to seek out the spotlight, he did his magic where it mattered most.

There are many types authors. Some are writers of books, of poetry, of newspapers. Then there are the writers of songs.

In 1996 Newley spoke the following words on the This is Your Life special I mentioned earlier.

“In a profession where little boys with dirty t-shirts are called stars, it’s truly reassuring to know that there are real stars like yourself still with us.”-Anthony Newley to Petula Clark.

Anthony Newley Quote

I believe we could say the same for Anthony Newly and many ‘music stars’ today.

“In a profession where little boys with no shirts and underwear showing are called stars, it’s truly reassuring to know that there are real stars like Anthony Newly with music that will forever be with us.”-Ronovan Hester to Anthony Newley

What Kind of Fool am I

Once in a Lifetime-Judy Garland

The film score for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Here is Sammy Davis Jr. doing his rendition of The Candy Man from the movie.

And the theme from the James Bond movie Goldfinger. Newley wrote the lyrics.

Gonna Build a Mountain-Sammy Davis Jr.

And I close with the one that may be what many recognize Newley from.
The Mad Hatter from the TV Alice in Wonder Land from the 1980s.

 

For more Writer’s Quotes Wednesday click HERE to visit SilverThreading.com, and check out the comments below for links to more #BeWoW articles. (#BeWoW stands for Be Writing on Wednesday, Be Wonderful on Wednesday, writing positively.)

Amber Wake: Gabriel Falling by PS Bartlett and Ronovan HesterRonovan Hester is an author, with his debut historical adventure novel Amber Wake: Gabriel Falling due out in February 14, 2016. He shares his life through his blog RonovanWrites.WordPress.com. His love of poetry, authors and community through his online world has led to the creation of a site dedicated to book reviews, interviews and author resources known as LitWorldInterviews.com.

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14 thoughts on ““…where little boys with dirty t-shirts are called stars…””

  1. Thank you for this post, Ron. My mother was a huge fan of Anthony Newley and I remember listening to him on the radio. The first time we heard ‘The laughing Gnome’, we thought it was him and I that’s when I fell in love with Bowie.

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  5. Ron, I love the exploration you take each week of people who are stars in their own right! I always learn something from your observations. I had no idea that Anthony Newley was that prolific in the writing of songs. WOW! Another great discussion of an intriguing quote, my friend! ❤

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  6. When I was in Hollywood in 1983, Anthony Newley wrote the music for a show a friend of mine was in. I was staying with this friend and his family for a week and every night he would come home from rehearsal and sing me this terrific music. It would have been a dream to have gone to the rehearsals, and he DID ask Mr. Newley and Mr. Susskind (who was the producer) if he could bring me but these were closed rehearsals so I was not allowed, this is why he came home each night and sang me the songs, like a consolation prize.I don’t know how the show came out, but I know this. the music was awesome!

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  9. Rochelle that show was Chaplin and it was a gem that failed to shine.
    Anthony Newley was a genius and why he was forgotten is a travesty.
    I thank you for the wonderful article on this wonderful man.
    Newley was my friend and his parting words to me were “Don’t let them forget”.
    My FB page is alive with his friends and work.
    As Newley penned Love Has The Longest Memory of All, ain’t that the truth where he is concerned!!!

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