Honky Tonk Angel (Cliff Richard song)
Encyclopedia
"Honky Tonk Angel" is a 1975 single recorded by Cliff Richard
, which was withdrawn when the singer discovered that 'honky-tonk angel' is an American
slang
term for a prostitute.
and Denny Rice, was originally recorded by country music artist Conway Twitty
and released as a single in the United States
in January 1974. One of Cliff Richard's producers, Bruce Welch
, heard the song and considered that it would make a good 'comeback' single after disappointing chart performances in 1973 and 1974. A version was then arranged for Cliff Richard by John Farrar
, with a string arrangement by Nick Ingman
.
beliefs. When the singer himself learnt the meaning of the slang term, he decided to make a television announcement about the withdrawal of the record and refused to promote it, even though the single was expected to perform well. During his 50th Anniversary tour in 2008, however, Sir Cliff revealed that he had forgotten why he originally banned the song, so he "unbanned" it and sang it afresh.
Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
, which was withdrawn when the singer discovered that 'honky-tonk angel' is an American
American language
American language may refer to:* American English, the English language as spoken in the United States* Generically, one of the many indigenous languages of the Americas*The American Language, a dictionary about American English....
slang
Slang
Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's language or dialect but are considered more acceptable when used socially. Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo...
term for a prostitute.
Background
The song, which was written by Troy SealsTroy Seals
Troy Seals is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.He is a member of the prominent Seals family of musicians that includes, Jim Seals and Dan Seals and Brady Seals...
and Denny Rice, was originally recorded by country music artist Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty , born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was an American country music artist. He also had success in early rock and roll, R&B, and pop music. He held the record for the most number one singles of any act with 55 No. 1 Billboard country hits until George Strait broke the record in 2006...
and released as a single in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in January 1974. One of Cliff Richard's producers, Bruce Welch
Bruce Welch
Bruce Welch OBE, is an English guitarist, songwriter, producer and singer, best known as a member of The Shadows.-Biography:...
, heard the song and considered that it would make a good 'comeback' single after disappointing chart performances in 1973 and 1974. A version was then arranged for Cliff Richard by John Farrar
John Farrar
John Farrar is a music producer, songwriter, music arranger, singer and guitarist who is best known for his work with Olivia Newton-John with whom he wrote and produced many hit songs....
, with a string arrangement by Nick Ingman
Nick Ingman
Nicholas Ingman is an orchestra conductor and composer.Early recordings include:*'Big Beat' *'The Love Album' *'Terminator'...
.
Controversy
While recording the song, Cliff Richard incorrectly assumed that the song's lyrics were about a piano player, unaware that the phrase 'honky-tonk angel' was used in America as a synonym for 'prostitute'. Some of his fans and friends, aware of the true meaning of the song's title, expressed surprise that he had chosen to cover the song, given his ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
beliefs. When the singer himself learnt the meaning of the slang term, he decided to make a television announcement about the withdrawal of the record and refused to promote it, even though the single was expected to perform well. During his 50th Anniversary tour in 2008, however, Sir Cliff revealed that he had forgotten why he originally banned the song, so he "unbanned" it and sang it afresh.