The assassination of President John F Kennedy on Friday 22nd November 1963 inevitably overshadowed the death of Clive Staples Lewis on the same day. For those struggling with the name, he was commonly known as C. S. Lewis, the author of arguably the best children’s book of all time “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe” from “The Chronicles of Narnia”.

Somewhat ironically C.S. Lewis was known to his friends and family as “Jack”, as was the ill-fated American President. If Jack Kennedy has been an icon in the Record Press author’s adult life, then C.S. Lewis was an inspiration and icon in my childhood. I was given a copy of “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe” as a present and I cannot think of another book in my childhood that captivated me as much as that story of the magical, snow laden land of Narnia, to be found at the back of a wardrobe in a rambling old house.

The first time I stepped through that wardrobe, there was no coming back for me – it fired my imagination in a way that no book has done before or since. The TV adaptions of the book “The Chronicles of Narnia” simply do not do the books justice. The books are totally magical. I read all seven books avidly from “The Chronicles of Narnia” – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician’s Nephew and The Last Battle. Every couple of weeks I would go down to the library with my Dad on a Saturday morning and get the next book in the series, if available. When they weren’t available, the wait was agony!!

To mark the 50th anniversary of his death, C.S. Lewis will be rightfully, but somewhat belatedly, honoured with a memorial in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey. On Friday as the world marks the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of President John F Kennedy, also spare a thought for the passing of one of the greatest children’s book authors, probably only matched by Enid Blyton, JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling.

In the timeworn traditions of this music blog, here is the Record Press Top 5 Songs to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of C.S. Lewis –

1) Genesis – I Know What I Like ( In Your Wardrobe ) ( 1974 )

2) Yes – Wondrous Stories ( 1977 )

3) Earth Wind & Fire – Fantasy ( 1978 )

4) Pilot – Magic ( 1974 )

5) Beatles – Paperback Writer ( 1966 )

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!!