Charlie Landsborough: British country singer with a grassroots following

Tuesday 1st May 1990

Drew Kelleher reports on Merseyside-based songsmith CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH.

Charlie Landsborough
Charlie Landsborough

Charlie Landsborough says he abhors arrogance, litter, falseness, violence and socks with holes. But, according to the lyrics of his best-known song, he is quite fond of his wife.

His most popular song, "I Will Love You All My Life", has been recorded by George Hamilton IV, Roly Daniels and the popular duo Foster and Allen. The latter's version reached number 49 as a single in the British charts while the album of the same name also entered the Top 100-Charlie's own version, which was the first to be released, was a BBC Record of the Week. "I started out writing," says Landsborough, "because I believed I could sing. No one seems to take much notice of you unless you can write your own songs. I always loved poetry and so I started writing at a time when no-one was writing their own material."

Charlie said that round his Merseyside hometown people see him as a singer. "But everywhere else I'm known as a songwriter - the roles are reversed." Although he is not overtly a 'gospel singer' he's a man who holds very strong Christian convictions, which permeate his writing.

In fact he is a deeply committed Christian but not an on-stage preacher. This may explain why his songs have been so well embraced by other artists and audiences.

Foster and Allen, well known in the antipodes, have had success with his "I Will Love You".

"I have friends down there who call me up sometimes, they say 'Oh I heard one of your songs the other day'. That's nice for them, and for me of course."

His fame has even spread to the 'Dark Continent'. Many South Africans are familiar with Landsborough songs - and not just English speakers.

"Three songs have been translated and sung in Afrikaans and are doing quite well from what I've heard," he said.

Closer to home, "I Will Love His songs have been recorded by everyone from George Hamilton IV to Foster & Allen. He is one of the performances at the 'British Country Promenade' show at the Royal Albert Hall in June. He is also a committed Christian.

You All My Life" made the Irish Top 10- it claimed two positions simultaneously! The Irish obviously wanted a double-dose of monogamous morality so much they bought the Foster & Allen version as well as that of Roly Daniels.

Internationally loved country and gospel singer George Hamilton IV first expressed an interest in Landsborough's work when he asked about "Part Of Me" before he settled on "I Will Love You". (I just wonder why this rendition didn't get into the Irish Top 10 at the same time.) "I've been writing for years and years," said Charlie, "I always sort of dabbled in writing songs for the past 30 years. I was always fairly diffident until I wrote 'No Time At All' which was taken up by an American company. That's one that Willie Nelson was interested in."

Charlie's first album, produced in Bolton by Christian producer Brook Trickett, is now available. Not surprisingly nine of the 11 songs on the album have already been covered by other artists. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About Drew Kelleher
Drew Kelleher is an Australian-born journalist currently residing in Walsall, West Midlands.


 

Reader Comments

Posted by Frank McCarthy in Canada @ 18:20 on Mar 4 2019

How could I obtain the melody notes/tabs for "! Will Love You All My life"?

Thanks.




Posted by JEANNE HARPER in WHEATHAMPSTEAD @ 15:33 on Aug 20 2018

BEAUTIFUL VOICE SENSITIVE WORDS VERY PROFOUND!



Posted by kenneth mills in isle of wight @ 11:17 on Feb 26 2013

I first heard Charlie on Pebble Mill TV show, and was struck by the emotion that he put into the song "What Colour is the Wind".
I was furtunate enough to be able to persuade Charlie's agent Ken Davies, to come and play on the island. At first he was unsure if his music would be accepted, There was no doubt and Charlie has become a very good friend not only to me but to all my family, we have met several times and when our son-in-law Cameron sadly passed away Charlie took time out from a busy schhedule to telephone me, something I will never forget.
Bless you Charlie your a Star.
Looking forward to March 5 2013 when we will meet again, along with Thelma, somebody who does not get enough praise.



Posted by Edwin Wright in Gtr Manchester @ 20:26 on Sep 2 2011

Charlies songs make me feel good inside...



Posted by DIANA GREGORY in LONDON @ 16:06 on Mar 7 2011

I found this article to be a fair and factual description. However there is so much more to CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH than just the writer of these beautiful songs. He has undoubtedly written the most fantastic selection of songs, from most every kind of genre, that people of all ages and background want to listen to.His music can have a calming effect in some of te songs or then again they can get you up and dancing within a couple of notes.......absolutely beautiful......something for everyone.The man behind the name...well he is a class above the rest of man. A national treasure and a true gentleman. My only hope and personal prayers would be that the powers that be.....will recognise and do something about this while we still have him on this earth.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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