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LP
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ACRSLP 1705LP
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$26.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 8/7/2026
"Billy Fury remains one of the most important and charismatic figures in the history of British rock 'n' roll. Born Ronald Wycherley in Liverpool in 1940, he was a shy young songwriter who transformed almost overnight into a national sensation after a chance meeting with impresario Larry Parnes in 1958. Parnes, impressed by both Fury's original material and striking presence, signed him immediately, setting in motion a career that would define the sound and style of pre-Beatles British pop. Fury possessed a rare versatility: he could deliver energetic, American-influenced rock 'n' roll with conviction, yet switch effortlessly to tender, emotionally charged ballads. His voice -- smooth, yearning, and capable of surprising dramatic power -- made him one of the most distinctive singers of his generation. During the early 1960s, he became a fixture on the UK charts, achieving an extraordinary run of hits that placed him just behind Cliff Richard and The Shadows in chart appearances for the decade. His tours, which often featured young Merseybeat acts such as the Beatles in support slots, played a vital role in shaping the emerging British pop landscape. The Hit Parade Hero 1959-62 brings together the defining recordings from his most influential early years. Side A captures his breakthrough and rapid rise with tracks like 'Maybe Tomorrow,' 'Margo, Don't Go,' 'That's Love,' and the atmospheric fan favorite 'Wondrous Place,' a song that perfectly showcases his moody, intimate vocal style. The side also highlights his early experimentation with teen-pop and rockabilly influences. Side B presents the full force of Fury's hit-making period, including the majestic ballad 'Halfway to Paradise,' the dramatic 'Jealousy,' and the polished romantic pop of 'Last Night Was Made for Love' and 'Once Upon a Dream.' Together, these tracks form a definitive portrait of an artist who helped shape British popular music -- passionate, stylish, and timeless."
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