August 2013 marks the 40th Anniversary of David Essex’s first hit song “Rock On”. Like many pop and rock artists and musicians who came to the fore in the 1970s, David Essex had been grafting hard for most of the previous decade to find a niche in the music world, before cracking it in August 1973.

David Essex had made his first record “And The Tears Came Tumblin’ Down” 10 years earlier on the Fontana label in 1963, but it was playing the lead in the stage musical, “Godspell” in 1971 that brought him to fame. Two years later, he starred in the film “That’ll Be The Day” (1973) and that gave him the platform for his first international hit single, the self penned “Rock On”, which reached No3 in the UK in the same year. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in March 1974. It was quickly followed by the single “Lamplight”, which reached No7 in the UK Singles Chart in December 1973.

The Record Press author’s introduction to David Essex was in 1974 when his pretty boy looks suddenly sprung up in poster form on my sister’s bedroom wall and then later that year “Gonna Make You a Star” reached No1 in the UK charts. This was quickly followed by ”Stardust”, the title track to the film of the same name, the 1974 sequel to David Essex’s first film “That’ll Be The Day”. Both films were excellent and David Essex proved to be as good an actor as he was a vocalist and songwriter. From then onwards David Essex had three years of unparalleled chart success, regularly scoring Top Ten hits including another No1 “Hold Me Close” in 1975.

David Essex had that all round appeal as a sex symbol and pin up boy for the girls, but enough street credibility to be liked by the boys. His music was cool and it was ok to like him. Infact his songs were very original, catchy but not in the slightest bit cheesey. To prove the point, here’s a Top Ten Best David Essex songs –

Top Ten Best David Essex songs

1) Rock On ( No3 1973 )

2) Stardust ( No7 1974 )

3) Lamplight ( No7 1973 )

4) Gonna Make You A Star ( No1 1974 )

5) Like A Rolling Stone ( No5 1975 )

6) Imperial Wizard ( No32 1979 )

7) Hold Me Close ( No1 1975 )

8) Oh What A Circus ( No3 1978 )

9) If I Could ( No13 1975 )

10) Silver Dream Machine ( No3 1980 )

Which are your favourite David Essex songs? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

Celebrate David Essex’s 40th Anniversary in your home or office, by ordering your favourite David Essex song in a vinyl or CD format; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque…… 

ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Alternatively you can order the  DVD of your favourite David Essex film ( either “That’ll Be The Day” or “Stardust” ) with picture cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque……  ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

For further information, plus other merchandise or memorabilia, go to the David Essex website……..  www.davidessex.com/‎