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 1960 - 1969 |
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1960
Eurovision comes to Britain for the first time! The magnificent Katie Boyle (aka Lady Saunders, nee Imperiali dei Principi di Francavilla) makes her debut as announcer. Radio 2's own David Jacobs commentates. 'Looking High High High' takes the UK into second place behind France. It's sung by Bryan Johnson, who is Teddy's brother (see 1959), rather than the Brian Johnson who later sang with Geordie and AC/DC.
1961
The Allisons, Britain's answer to the Everly Brothers, take the UK into second again, out of 16 nations taking part in Cannes. They sing 'Are You Sure?', one of their own songs. The French entry boasted the classic Euro chorus, 'Binge Bong, Binge Bong'.
1962
The UK entrant in Luxembourg is Millicent Martin's husband, Ronald Cleghorn, better known as Ronnie Carroll, with 'Ring A Ding Girl'. He comes fourth. Belgium scored the first ever 'nul points'.
1963
Eurovision returns to London. Katie Boyle and David Jacobs are back! So is Ronald Cleghorn, again condemned to fourth, with 'Say Wonderful Things'. Greek chanteuse Nana Mouskouri represents Luxembourg, French popstar Francoise Hardy sings for Monaco. Norway scores nul points for the first time. The interval entertainment is a Swedish trick cycling act.
1964
Matt Monro gives the UK another second with 'I Love The Little Things' (not that we're competitive). He later has a big hit with 'Walk Away', a reworked version of this year's Austrian entry.
1965
To Naples, with Kathy Kirby and 'I Belong'. Second again, for the fifth time in eight years. Luxembourg wins, with a song by Frenchman Serge Gainsbourg, sung by 17 year-old France Gall who's also French.
1966
Kenneth McKellar wears his kilt to sing 'A Man Without Love'. The title proves apt as only two out of the other 17 countries bother voting for him.
1967
Vicky Leandros makes her first appearance for Luxembourg, singing the future classic 'L'Amour Est Bleu' - 'Love Is Blue'. But it's Sandie Shaw's night in Vienna, as her barefoot rendition of 'Puppet On A String' gives the UK its first victory. Rolf Harris commentates. Does something make us think the BBC isn't taking Eurovision too seriously?
1968
Cliff Richard is robbed of rightful victory in the Royal Albert Hall by Spain's 'La La La', which sets a dangerous precedent by using the word 'la' 138 times. 'Congratulations' is second by one point. The Irish entry is sung by Pat McGeegan, the father of boxer Barry McGuigan.
1969
'Boom Bang A Bang' went Lulu, bringing the UK a second victory. It is marred only by having to share first place with three other countries in a four way tie. Lulu's song was chosen to represent the UK over an early song from Elton John and Bernie Taupin, among others.
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