Publication: disc
Date: 30/12/1961
Pages: 13
Content type: Front cover / News
Headlines/Articles:
- Albums Boom In Record Year For Discs: Main headline — 1961 was a record year for record sales, with albums showing the biggest increase; record collecting becoming a family habit. Quotes from Decca's S. A. Beccher-Stevens and EMI's Ron White on sales growth.
- 'Wimoweh' LP is Decca's fastest: Karl Denver's first Decca LP "Wimoweh" set a new album record for a British artist, passing 20,000 sales in a fortnight. Denver asked to take part in BBC TV's "Song For Europe" Eurovision contest in February.
- World trips for Bassey in 1962: Shirley Bassey to return to New York's Persian Room next Christmas; 1962 schedule includes Puerto Rico (January), Garry Moore Show (February), London Palladium with The Temperance Seven (April), Vienna, South America, and heading "The Talk Of The Town" in autumn.
- Richard cancels African trip to dub 'Young Ones': Cliff Richard cancelled his South African trip to stay in England and dub the film soundtrack of "The Young Ones" in French. Expresses delight at the film's favourable reception.
- Fury—double spot: Billy Fury appearing on BBC TV's "A Pair of Jacks" with Jack Payne and Jack Jackson, while also on "Thank Your Lucky Stars" the same evening.
- Phase 4 out soon: Decca's new Phase 4 stereo LP series scheduled for mid-February UK release, devoted to instrumental albums. Features Ted Heath, Stanley Black, Bob Sharples, Eric Rogers, Edmundo Ros.
- Decca LP man joins TV: Terry Hughes, Decca's LP album exploitation manager for three and a half years, leaving to become scriptwriter at ABC TV Teddington.
- Oriole issue 'Time': Oriole to release albums from the American Time catalogue in the UK. Label described as "For those who dare," featuring guitarist Al Caiola, pianist Marian McPartland, trumpeter Kenny Dorham.
- Humph, Joy Beverley on magic series: Humphrey Lyttelton, Billy Wright, Sheila Buxton and Joy Beverley among celebrities on magician Chan Canasta's new eight-week A-R TV series starting January 1.
- 'Quintet' on 'Jazz Club': Light Programme's "Jazz Club" on January 11 to feature The Quintet — Ronnie Scott, Jimmie Deuchar, and the Alan Branscombe Trio. Compere Alan Dell.
Advertisements:
- Large bottom-of-page ad for Cliff Richard — "The Young Ones" c/w "We Said Yeah" (Columbia Records, 45-DB4761). "Out next week — order your copy now!" Film to be released during January.
Photos/Images:
- Cliff Richard waving after the "highly successful premiere of 'The Young Ones'" (captioned photo, centre of page)
Notes:
- Masthead: DISC — The Top Record & Musical Weekly, No. 197, Week ending December 30, 1961, Every Thursday, price 6d.
- Right-hand sidebar "Inside" teasers: Frankie Vaughan / The secret of a hit disc (page 4); John Leyton — He wants to act again (page 3); Brook Brothers — Why 'Married didn't make the Twenty (page 4); Checker's 'Twist' film reviewed (page 12).
Content type: Letters / Advertisement
Headlines/Articles:
- The genius behind Helen Shapiro (Prize Letter): Reader B. S. Fletcher praises the subtle management of Helen Shapiro's career — from unsophisticated pop for teenagers to an EP with more bounce, and soon an LP of lasting pop songs to broaden her adult audience.
- Post Bag: Reader letters column. Topics include:
- "Talented" — praising Floyd Cramer's underrated talent
- "Be Fair" — plea from Scottish teenager Ian Gordon for live shows in Scotland
- "Quality" — Teresa Spiers argues American artists like Presley, Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Del Shannon deserve chart presence on merit
- "The Seven" — Stephen Kay championing The John Barry Seven's "Watch Your Step"
- "In Colour" — Miss C. Twist congratulates Pye for Joan Regan's colour sleeve on "Surprisin'"
- "Copying" — Richard Mortlock argues Ral Donner copies Elvis Presley
- "Como, Please" — Lilian Wren wants BBC to bring back Perry Como Music Hall
- "Raw Deal" — George Samson says BBC uses third-rate singers; wants local commercial radio
- "Not Beat" — Dian Roberts defends Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers against accusations of copying The Shadows
- "Artistry" — Joan Harvey praises Shirley Bassey LP as equal to Ella Fitzgerald
- Bonus prize winner for December: B. Gahame, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Advertisements:
- Large half-page RCA ad: "Congratulations Elvis on a Silver Disc year" — lists five 1961 Silver Disc singles: "Are you lonesome tonight?" (March, 45/RCA-1216), "Wooden heart" (March, 45/RCA-1226), "Surrender" (June, 45/RCA-1227), "Wild in the country" (September, 45/RCA-1244), "His latest flame" (October, 45/RCA-1258). Also promotes LP "GI Blues" (RD-27192 / SF-5078).
Photos/Images:
- Helen Shapiro checking over a number during a recording session (captioned "DISC pic"), illustrating the Prize Letter
Notes:
- Post Bag address: 161 Fleet Street, London E.C. 4
- Weekly LP prize awarded to Prize Letter writer; monthly bonus is a Ronson lighter/ashtray set
Content type: Charts / Feature article / News / Ads
Headlines/Articles:
- Leyton gets that urge to act: Feature by John Wells — John Leyton wants to pursue acting alongside his singing career. His disc "Son, This Is She" crashed into the Top Ten. He has been offered a straight acting role in a feature film and tentatively accepted. Plans to make a half-hour colour film "Background To A Star" in January. Quotes Leyton on balancing both careers.
- American Top Discs: US chart (week ending December 23) — Top entries include: 1. The Tokens "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," 2. The Marvelettes "Please Mr. Postman," 3. Leroy Van Dyke "Walk On By," 4. Bobby Vee "Run To Him," 5. Chubby Checker "The Twist," 6. Joey Dee and the Starlighters "Peppermint Twist," 7. Elvis Presley "Can't Help Falling In Love," 8. James Darren "Goodbye Cruel World," 9. Sandy Nelson "Let There Be Drums," 10. James Dean "Big Bad John."
- Top Twenty (UK chart, week ending December 23, 1961): Compiled from retailers' returns. 1. Frankie Vaughan "Tower Of Strength" (Philips), 2. Danny Williams "Moon River" (HMV), 3. Acker Bilk "Stranger On The Shore" (Columbia), 4. Sandy Nelson "Let There Be Drums" (London), 5. Kenny Ball "Midnight In Moscow" (Pye), 6. Pat Boone "Johnny Will" (London), 7. Del Shannon "So Long Baby" (London), 8. Bobby Vee "Take Good Care Of My Baby" (London), 9. Pet Clark "My Friend The Sea" (Pye), 10. John Leyton "Son, This Is She" (HMV), 11. Neil Sedaka "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen" (RCA), and others through to 20. Connie Francis "Baby's First Christmas" (MGM). One To Watch: Terry Lightfoot "King Kong."
- Mrs. Mills Challenges Russ: Chart analysis — Neil Sedaka's "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen" jumps from position seven to Number 11. Mrs. Mills shoots from nowhere into Number 16 spot. The G-Clefs' "I Understand" enters at 19. Bobby Vee's "Take Good Care Of My Baby" dropping. "Tower" still strong at Number 1. Terry Lightfoot's "King Kong" is One To Watch.
Advertisements:
- Top left: Garry Mills "Treasure Island" (Decca, 45-F 11415, 45 rpm record)
- Top right: John D. Loudermilk "Language of Love" (RCA Records, 45/RCA-1269, 45 rpm)
- Bottom row: New Pye Pops; The Laurie Johnson Orchestra "Doin' The Racoon" (7N 15406); Joan Regan "Surprisin'" (7N 15400); Gary Miller "There Goes That Song Again" (7N 15404); "Give A Golden Guinea For Christmas"
Photos/Images:
- John Leyton portrait photo accompanying the feature article, captioned "I'd like to do some acting again, says JOHN LEYTON"
- Small photo of Neil Sedaka captioned "NEIL SEDAKA—Big jump to Number 11"
Notes:
- The American chart lists 20 entries with last week/this week position columns
- The UK Top Twenty includes artist name, label, and position movement
Content type: Feature article page with artist interview/profile, industry commentary, and a band feature
Headlines/Articles:
- "I knew all along 'Tower' would be a big hit" (Frankie Vaughan): Vaughan explains how he and A&R man Johnny Franz deliberately targeted a chart comeback with "Tower of Strength," describing careful song selection and hit-focused planning rather than chance.
- "Can Loudermilk repeat his U.S. success?" (June Harris): A profile of John D. Loudermilk as a songwriter-turned-singer, covering support from Chet Atkins and the RCA team, his U.S. chart momentum, and optimism around his "Language of Love" material and album plans.
- "The Brook Bros Boobed" (Brian Gibson): A critical piece saying the Brook Brothers made a mistake releasing "Married," arguing they should have stayed with their stronger Everly-style formula and hoping they can recover on future records.
Advertisements:
- A print ad for Cine Camera magazine ("Are you an 8mm man?") aimed at amateur filmmakers.
Photos/Images:
- Large portrait of Frankie Vaughan holding a presentation disc/plaque.
- Performance-style image accompanying the Brook Brothers feature.
- Small cartoon illustration near the lower-middle column.
Notes:
- Page mixes industry craft talk (how hits are planned) with artist career positioning and critical commentary.
- OCR confirms key names and phrases including Johnny Franz, Chet Atkins, and the quote framing "Tower of Strength" as a calculated chart bid.
Content type: Opinion/column page with satirical artist roundup plus music business news and a major record ad strip
Headlines/Articles:
- "School Report: Exam results, autumn term, 1961" (Jack Good): A mock report-card column grading current pop stars (including Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Helen Shapiro, Eden Kane, Shane Fenton, Mark Wynter, Lonnie Donegan, Bobby Vee, and others) with witty praise and criticism.
- "Along the Alley" (subhead: "Very pleased with Cleo"): Industry column focused on publisher and label activity, highlighting momentum around Cleo Laine recordings and additional chart/plug news from the Soho music-business scene.
- "News from the Street of Music" (N.H.): Short items on January releases and publishers' priorities, including references to Perry Como/Peter Gordeno versions and Dick James Music activity.
Advertisements:
- Large EMI "NEW POPS THIS WEEK" ad led by John Leyton – "Son, This Is She" (H.M.V. 45-POP956).
- Additional single listings in the same ad area include releases by Big Ben Trad Band, Mr. Acker Bilk, Glen Campbell, Joey Dee and The Starliters, Ral Donner, Joe Loss and his Orchestra, Leroy Van Dyke, and Morecambe & Wise.
Photos/Images:
- Promo image of John Leyton in the EMI ad.
- Portrait image of Lyn Cornell embedded in the School Report area.
- Small artist photo (from "Blue Hawaii") beside the Along the Alley section.
Notes:
- The page layout is split: hard-sell singles advertising on the left, editorial satire and trade gossip on the right.
- OCR confirms the School Report and Along the Alley headings and multiple artist names.
Content type: Party/photo feature plus gossip column and singles advertising
Headlines/Articles:
- "'DISC' JOINS THE EMI AND DECCA PARTY": Photo-led coverage of year-end label social events, with captions naming attendees including Billy Fury, Glenda Collins, Eden Kane, Chubby Checker, Sir Joseph Lockwood, Arthur Muxlow, Lionel Bart, and actress Carole White.
- "STAR TALK" (June Harris) – "The time Torme talked non-stop": Showbiz/news-in-brief column with items on Mel Torme's marathon link recording, Sinatra/Damone/Darin's barber Jay Sebring, Chris Barber, Ken Dodd, Kenny Dino, Neil Sedaka, and emerging young singer Robin Clark.
Advertisements:
- Decca singles ad block featuring:
- Jess Conrad – "Hey Little Girl"
- Nero and the Gladiators – "Czardas"
- Bryan Johnson – "Love Theme from 'El Cid'"
- Ted Heath – "Tonight" (from "West Side Story")
Photos/Images:
- Large party photograph of Billy Fury, Glenda Collins, and Eden Kane toasting.
- Smaller event photo of Chubby Checker with EMI executives.
- Lower-right party photo of guests raising drinks.
- The page edge includes a partial close-up image from an adjoining design element.
Notes:
- This page serves as a bridge between editorial gossip and promotional label culture, with social reportage dominating the upper half and ads anchoring the lower section.
- Some image areas are cropped by page folds/edge damage, but captions and names remain mostly identifiable.
Content type: Photo feature / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- Fun At The Parties: Photo spread from various record industry Christmas/end-of-year parties, with photos taken by Richi Howell. Captions identify guests at what appear to be Decca and other label parties.
Advertisements:
- Decca Records: Doug Sheldon — "Mama Said You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night" (45-F 11416 Decca); Johnny Will — "Mimi Roman" (45-WB 55, Warner Bros.); Billy Fury — "I'd Never Find Another You" (45-F 11409, Decca); Sandy Nelson — "Let There Be Drums" (London label)
- Parlophone/EMI: Adam Faith — congratulations on winning his 4th Silver Disc for "The Time Has Come" (45-R4837)
Photos/Images:
- Mrs. Fred Mudd receiving a kiss from two men simultaneously — identified as her husband on the right and Franklin Boyd on the left
- Disc LP and EP reviewer Nigel Hunter in conversation with Dorita of Dorita Pepe, discussing South American music
- Screaming Lord Sutch lying on the floor at a party (captioned: "At every party, it seems, at least one person lets his hair down — in this case, if you haven't already guessed, it's Screaming Lord Sutch")
- Doug Sheldon chatting with singer Sylvia Sands at the Decca party
- New Year greetings caption from Pim Nevard, Pearl Carr, Teddy Johnson, and Colin Day
Notes:
- Page is dominated by informal party photography rather than editorial text
- The Adam Faith Silver Disc ad is prominent in the lower-right corner
Content type: Feature article / Column / Advertisement
Headlines/Articles:
- "Brenda Lee can pick from thousands of songs": Feature by John Wells, based on interviews with American songwriters Sharon Sheeley and Jackie de Shannon, who are visiting Britain to study the market and write for British artists (notably Marty Wilde and Billy Fury). The article explains that Brenda Lee receives between 5,000 and 10,000 song submissions when recording, whittled down to around 12 for recording sessions. Sharon and Jackie discuss their collaboration on "Dum Dum" — the first Brenda Lee number they wrote together — and describe the process of pitching songs to major US artists.
- "Cable from America — This was 1961" (edited by Maurice Clark): A month-by-month review of American music highlights in 1961, covering January through December. Events noted include: Ben E. King going solo (January); Elvis Presley signing with MGM (February); Dion leaving The Belmonts (March); Duane Eddy taking drama lessons (April); Elvis completing Blue Hawaii and Peggy Lee's first book (May); Joe Williams, Tony Martin, The Everly Bros. launching their own label (June); Decca/Columbia album anniversary news (July); Nancy Sinatra's debut on Reprise, Dick Clark dedicating a show to Brenda Lee, Kingston Trio trouble (August); Johnny Mathis' fourth golden LP, Frank Sinatra comeback announcement (September); New writers Paul Evans and Fred Tobias, Pat Boone's "Johnny Will," Stanley Kramer signing Bobby Darin, Bobby Rydell film (October); Frankie Avalon's birthday, The Four Freshmen's 13th anniversary, Don Barbour leaving (November); more artists producing own records — Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, Paul Anka, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Erroll Garner — for December.
Advertisements:
- Charles Buchan's Soccer Gift Book — 10/6, presented in a handwritten-style ad ("Don't forget to tell him he will enjoy the new Charles Buchan's Soccer Gift Book…")
Photos/Images:
- Portrait photos of Sharon Sheeley and Jackie de Shannon, both identified by name
- Small inset of The Everly Brothers with caption noting they are "always keen to look at new songs"
Notes:
- The "Cable from America" column provides a detailed retrospective of 1961 US music industry events and is a valuable historical record
Content type: Album review / Opinion feature / Jazz feature / Advertisement
Headlines/Articles:
- "Not A World Beater — But You'll Enjoy It" (album reviews by Tony Hall):
- Nat Adderley's Big Sax Section — "That's Right!" (12in, Riverside RLP 330) — 4 stars. Personnel includes Cannonball Adderley, Yusef Lateef, Jimmy Heath, Charlie Rouse, Wynton Kelly, Jim Hall, Les Spann, Jimmy Cobb. Described as joyable, swinging, and musicianly. Heath writes most of the arrangements.
- Kai Winding Trombones (12in, HMV CLP 1457) — 3 stars. Personnel includes Johnny Messner, Jimmy Knepper, Dick Lish, Paul Faise, Ross Tompkins, Bill Evans, Bob Cranshaw, Ron Carter, Al Otoluniji. Tracks listed include Speak Low, Darlin', Doodlin', Love Walked In, Mangez, Black Coffee, Bye Bye Blackbird, Michie (slow and fast). Slightly more interesting solos than the arrangements.
- "Singers should NOT pen their own songs" (opinion piece by Tony Hall): Argues that the trend of singers writing their own material is commercially damaging for pop music. The piece contends that self-written discs are often too personalised and uncommercial, and that professional songwriters produce better-quality material. Cites publishers' resistance and the decline in general standards. Notes the trend was started by rock 'n' roll. Features views from publishers who declined to name named artists due to sensitivity.
- "John Coltrane is the musician of the year": A substantial feature on John Coltrane's significance to jazz in 1961. Notes he has made history working at a New York club with top-rank musicians and was responsible for blending the most sympathetic rhythm section in modern jazz (Jeff Clyne and Bill Eyden in Britain). Names Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Tubby Hayes, Victor Feldman (Cannonball and band), Monk, Miles, Baker, Lee Morgan, Bobby Timmoms, and Wayne Shorter, then Coltrane, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Dolphy. Brubeck noted for making Top Ten. Status symbol discussion re. "soul" and "funk."
Advertisements:
- New Year greeting from The Committee of Management, London Co-operative Society Limited
Photos/Images:
- Portrait of Nat Adderley (captioned: "Old Country and the simple blues, That's Right!")
- Portrait of Lionel Bart (captioned: "One of those who have studied their craft" — ABC TV picture)
- Portrait of Jerry Lordan (captioned: "A professional")
- Photo of John Coltrane (captioned: "John Coltrane has gone from strength to strength — DISC Pic")
Notes:
- The Coltrane feature is unusually substantial for a pop-focused weekly paper and reflects the magazine's broader coverage of jazz in this period
- Tony Hall bylines both the album review and the opinion piece on page 9
Content type: Reviews / Classified Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- "Faith changes his tune—and it's a success" (LP of the Month): Full-page review of Adam Faith's LP (Parlophone PMC 1162), conducted by John Barry. Fourteen tracks reviewed; notes Barry's greater latitude on the LP format vs. singles. Reviewer finds it falls fully on two tracks — "Watch Your Step" and "A Help-Each-Other Romance." Successful tracks include "Little Yellow Roses" and "You And Me And The Gang." Adam Faith is described as potentially hearing a lot more from once he embraces the folk/country tradition he's moving towards.
- "LPs by Nigel Hunter": Reviews of Bobby Darin (Love Swings, London HA-K 2394 ★★★★), Lonnie Donegan (More Tops With Lonnie, Pye NPL 1806 ★★★★★), and Steve Lawrence (Begin The Beguine, HMV CLP 1515 ★★★), plus mention of an Original Broadway Cast album (Subways Are For Sleeping, Columbia).
- "EPs by Nigel Hunter" (bottom-right column): Reviews include Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren — Peter And Sophia (No. 3) (EP of the Month, Parlophone GEP 8848 ★★★★), Brook Benton (So Warm, MGM EP 759 ★★★★★), Mahalia Jackson (The Holy Babe, Philips BBE 12483 ★★★), Connie Francis (MGM EP 759 ★★★★), Cliff Richard (Listen To Cliff No. 2, Columbia SEG ★★★), and Roy Orbison (Only The Lonely, London RE-U ★★★★).
Advertisements:
- Classified advertisements section (bottom of page): Fan clubs (The Springfields, personal ads), Records (Record Bazaar, Records Bought), Photographs (Your Favourite Stars offer), Tape Recorders, Tuition (singing lessons with Clift Richard School/Burman School of Modern Pop Singing), Musical Services (Pop Songs Revised), Pen Friends listings.
Photos/Images:
- Adam Faith: portrait photo promoting his recent ATV "All Kinds Of Music" show, with caption noting he does something different with the songs.
- Steve Lawrence: small photo with caption "Steve Lawrence, without Eydie Gorme this time, sings faultlessly."
Notes:
- EP of the Month given to Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren's Peter And Sophia (No. 3) (RCA RD-27228, stereo SF-5107 ★★★★★).
- The "EPs by Nigel Hunter" column is continued from a previous page (note "Contd. on facing page" at the bottom of the LP review).
- Classified ads rate: 6d. per word, minimum 6 words; copy deadline Mondays.
Content type: News / Reviews / Feature / Promotions
Headlines/Articles:
- "Champion Jack is a great blues singer" (main headline): Review of Champion Jack Dupree's LP How Long Blues (Storyville SEP 381 ★★★★★). Dupree reviewed as a top musical entertainer in the blues tradition; features the Leroy Carr compositions. Also reviews Eddie Condon (Tiger Rag And All That Jazz, Vogue LAE 12249 ★★★★) and Steve Lacy (Soprano Today, Esquire 32-107 ★★).
- "TRAD by Owen Bryce": Trad jazz column — reviews Champion Jack Dupree LP; also covers Eddie Condon and Steve Lacy; notes Steve Lacy as a modern approach to soprano sax, described as "cool."
- "Teach 'Em Jazz Is The Rule Now!" (Round-Up, top-left): Report on local education authorities embracing jazz education — Middlesex County Council, London County Council (Hendon, Chiswick Polytechnic), Herts County Council, Shropshire. Notes Worsley Hall, Sheffield; London Co-operative Society jazz night in Dorking; forthcoming Nash College courses.
- "Back again?": Bob Wallis returns from Northern Ireland tour; mentions following in Dick Charlesworth's footsteps.
- "Doghouse": Dick Charlesworth Band making "I'm In The Doghouse" their new single; booked at Sunbeam-Talbot Owners Club, Kensington Palace Hotel.
- "Learning": The Ed Corrie Band praised as the youngest professional band in the country and the only one where everyone is taking music lessons. Reviewer laments poor musicianship among some bands.
- "LPs" (continued from facing page): Reviews of June Christy and Bob Cooper (Do Re Mi, Capitol T-10331 ★★★), Danny Kaye (Danny At The Palace, Ace of Clubs ACL 1087 ★★★), The Cambridge Strings (Twelve Great Movie Themes, Capitol T-10383 ★★★), The Statler Dance Orchestra (Strictly For Dancing, Golden Guinea GGE 0102 ★★★), and Pete Seeger (Story Songs, Philips BBL 7507 ★★★★).
Advertisements:
- "Pick your pin-up" (bottom-right): Promotional album-of-stars offer — readers choose a favourite from a large listed roster of artists and send a coupon to receive an autographed star photo. Stars listed include Chris Barber, Shirley Bassey, Michael Bentine, Tommy Bruce, Eddie Calvert, Freddy Cannon, Alma Cogan, John Coltrane, Jess Conrad, Sam Costa, Dallas Boys, Lonnie Donegan, Craig Douglas, Duane Eddy, Peter Elliott, Adam Faith, Emile Ford, Lance Fortune, Billy Fury, Dizzie Gillespie, Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor, Ronnie Hilton, Les Howard, Joni James, Eden Kane, Kaye Sisters, Jerry Keller, King Bros., Eartha Kitt, Lana Sisters, Peggy Lee, Ewan McColl, Chas. McDevitt and Shirley Douglas, The Mudlarks, Donald Peers, Duffy Power, Mike Preston, Lita Roza, Marion Ryan, Joan Regan, Dave Sampson, Harry Secombe, Peggy Seeger, Helen Shapiro, Anne Shelton, Jo Shelton, Tommy Steele, Robb Storme, Gene Vincent, Bert Weedon, Marty Wilde, Danny Williams, Mark Wynter.
Photos/Images:
- Champion Jack Dupree: large portrait photo captioned "Champion Jack Dupree is in more serious mood with four Leroy Carr numbers."
- Cliff Richard: pin-up photo in "Pick your pin-up" section.
- Danny Williams: pin-up photo in "Pick your pin-up" section.
Notes:
- The "Round-Up" column header appears top-left.
- The LP reviews column continues from the previous page.
- Pin-up offer: photos are 3/- each, sent post free; coupon to be filled in and sent to DISC, 161-166 Fleet Street, London, E.C.4.
Content type: News / Feature articles
Headlines/Articles:
- "Adam Faith wins fourth Silver Disc": Adam Faith wins his fourth Silver Disc for "The Time Has Come," featured in his film What A Whopper. Notes "The Time Has Come" was released October 20 and entered the charts almost immediately. Previous Silver Disc awards for "What Do You Want?", "Poor Me," and "Lonely Pup." Explains confusion over the scheme — Decca now claiming five Silver Discs for Elvis.
- "Lordan wants U.S. producer for his new musical": Singer-songwriter Jerry Lordan flies to New York on Monday (January 1) to seek an American producer for his new semi-political musical Manana, featuring Central American country music and song.
- "Chubby Checker may tour here next summer": Chubby Checker has recently returned from the States and may come to Britain for a tour the following summer, after making definite plans during his Mexican visit.
- "Dick Jordan on 'Club'": Dick Jordan, new recruit to the Piccadilly label, to appear on Saturday Club (January 6) and a series of five BBC appearances beginning January 1.
- "BBC change 'Turn'": Teenagers Turn (BBC Monday to Friday programme, 5 o'clock) to get a new look from January 1 — a series of children's programmes on the BBC Home Service starting Wednesday, January 7 at 5 p.m.
- "Now Decca claim five for Elvis": In response to public confusion, Decca officially claims five Silver Discs for Elvis — "Are You Lonesome Tonight?", "A Mess Of Blues," "It's Now Or Never," "Wooden Heart," and one more; Decca stating records must reach the quarter-million sales figure.
- "Conway series": Russ Conway to do a series of children's programmes on BBC Home Service starting Wednesday, January 7.
- "'Club' book King Bros.": Saturday Club will feature the King Brothers as residents.
- "Shapiro interviewed": Helen Shapiro to be interviewed on "Woman's Hour" by Gordon Gow, January 13.
- "Jacobs' show extended": David Jacobs' BBC DJ Show extended to no less than 75 minutes starting January 6; on Fridays with the Earl Combo, Nashville Five, The Nashville Trio, and Shirley Jones.
- "Pick of the Pops' moves": Pick of the Pops dropped from Trad Tavern, to be heard instead on Sunday afternoons starting January 1.
- "Janette Scott is Great": Review of Janette Scott in Old King Cole pantomime at the London Palladium — she is praised as star of the show, stealing the show from Charlie Drake. Costumes and stage effects described as startling.
- "No Story—But A Lot Of Twist!": One of the first Twist films to be released in Britain — Twist Around The Clock opens January 1; also mentions re-release of Gidget Goes Hawaiian. Peter Hammond review of Twist Around The Clock included.
- "February visit by 'Frogman'": Clarence Henry, the American rhythm and blues singer, expected to visit Britain in February. Managed by Aussie Newman; expected to appear on a major TV programme.
- "Moss Hart": Tribute to American director, playwright, and film scenario writer Moss Hart, who died in Palm Springs, California, aged 57. Credits include My Fair Lady.
- "Castle show for ATV": ATV tele-recording of show starring Roy Castle at Christmas for transmission in the New Year; guests include The King Brothers, Jimmy James, Kenny Baker, and singers from the Corona Children's Stage School.
- "Palladium—all star bill": Final 1961 edition of Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium on December 31 will star Roy Castle, Ronnie Carroll, Alma Cogan, Lonnie Donegan, Cleo Laine, Vera Lynn, Jane Manning, Gary Miller, Cliff Richard, and Bert Weedon.
- "'Garrard Sings'": Canadian singer Don Garrard to star in his own CBC radio series DJ Show starting January 3; accompanied by the London Theatre Orchestra conducted by Rex Jenkins; series will run 10 weeks.
- "Record year" (continued from front page): Record and LP sales continuing to rise; Reprise label noted as most progressive label of the year; Pye Records established as an international company.
Advertisements:
- None visible (page is news/editorial content only).
Photos/Images:
- Bruce Welch, Brian Bennett, Billy Fury, Chubby Checker, and Cliff Richard: group photo captioned "learn the Twist for this Saturday's edition of 'Thank Your Lucky Stars.'"
- Janette Scott: portrait photo with caption.
Notes:
- Page 12 is the final body page of the issue.
- The "Record year" story is continued from the front page.
- The masthead colophon appears at the bottom: printed by the Herts Advertiser Printing Co. Ltd., Dagnal Street, St Albans; published by Charles Buchan's Publications Ltd., 161 Fleet Street, London E.C.4 (Fleet Street 3011).
Content type: Feature article (party photo spread) with advertisements
Left page (p.6):
- Main feature headline: "'DISC' JOINS THE FUN AT THE EMI AND DECCA PARTIES"
- Sub-heading credits the photographer: "The man behind the camera: RICHI HOWELL"
- Multiple black-and-white party photographs showing groups of people socialising at what appear to be EMI and Decca end-of-year industry parties
- Bottom-left photo caption identifies Billy Fury, Glenda Collins, and Eden Kane
- Bottom section: "STAR TALK by JUNE HARRIS" column with dense text in multiple narrow columns
Right page (p.7):
- Top-right advertisement: "CONGRATULATIONS ADAM FAITH on winning your 4th SILVER DISC for THE TIME HAS COME" — Parlophone Records (cat. no. 45-R-4837); includes a portrait photo of Adam Faith
- Decca/London Records multi-title advertisement listing current releases:
- Johnny Will / Mimi Roman
- Billy Fury — "I'd Never Find Another You"
- Doug Sheldon — "Your Ma Said You Cried in Your Sleep Last Night"
- Sandy Nelson — "Let There Be Drums"
- Nero and the Gladiators — "Czardas"
- Ted Heath — "Tonight"
- Jess Conrad — "Hey Little Girl"
- Bryan Johnson — "Love Theme from El Cid"
- Continuation of the STAR TALK column from the left page
Spanning content:
- The party photo feature runs across the full width of both pages; several photographs span the centre fold
- The STAR TALK column continues from the bottom of the left page into the bottom of the right page
- A sub-article headline visible at the bottom: "The time Torme talked non-stop" (likely about Mel Tormé)
Photos/Images:
- Several informal group shots of music industry figures at the EMI and Decca Christmas parties (identities largely unlabelled except for Billy Fury, Glenda Collins, and Eden Kane in the lower-left photo)
- Portrait photo of Adam Faith in the Parlophone advertisement (top right)
- A portrait photo embedded in the STAR TALK column (identity unclear)
- One circular/cropped photo among the party shots (mid-page, left side)
Notes:
- Page numbers 6 (bottom-left) and 7 (top-right) are visible, confirming these are the magazine's centre pages
- Small captions on several party photos are partially legible but very small — text runs along the image edges
- Some caption text along the spine fold is split or obscured; individual photo captions reference more names but are difficult to read at this resolution
- The STAR TALK column text is dense and small; several star-rated items (★★★) are visible in the right-hand column