(Peter Asher (L) and Gordon Waller (R) - A very important wing of the British Invasion of 1964)
I was very sad to learn today that Gordon Waller (the Gordon half of Peter and Gordon) died yesterday at his home in Connecticut.
It reminded me of how much of a presence Peter and Gordon were, during the British Invasion of 1964 and just how long ago that was.
I never saw them live, but rather via television. Their popularity waned by the end of the 60's, with Peter (Asher) turning to producer and being responsible for a string of hits for artists such as Linda Ronstadt.
But it was their sound, their voices that made such an impression. Several of their early hits were written by Lennon-McCartney, and I'm sure it had much to do with their initial success, but they were talented song writers on their own.
By way of a tribute, I dug up a live version of "World Without Love" originally featured on an album "Tribute to Michael Holiday" recorded in 1964 and added as a bonus on a Japanese CD release in 2002.
I doubt if it's been heard very much. I'm sure you're all familiar with the hit studio version. I thought I would offer something special.
Because they were and Gordon was.