BILLY
RAYMOND
Fast forward again to 1971, when Billy brought his Australian quiz show “The Generation Gap” to BBC Scotland for a series of 12 shows. I got tickets (going alone, this time) for most of the shows. For the third show I attended I was sitting in the foyer with the accumulating audience before the show when a group of people came in and the elderly lady sat beside me. A younger man referred to her as “The mother of the star” and I knew I was sitting beside Billy’s Mum, May! I introduced myself to her. The younger man was Billy’s elder brother, Jack, and a friend of the family, Jimmy Craighead. May took to me right away! She was delighted to meet a fan of her son. I met Billy properly that night and we’ve been friends ever since.
After that, I met him every time he returned to his family in Glasgow and he invited me to his parties at home at 384 Glasgow Road, Paisley.
The last time I met him was on 1 August 2002. This is my birthday and he was back in Glasgow to see family and friends. I am involved with the restoration campaign for The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall in Argyle Street, Glasgow. At that time entry to the Panopticon could only be gained by arrangement and I wanted Billy to see the old music hall - I knew he’d love it and he did! A tradition at that time was that all visitors to the Panopticon had to sing to the theatre ghosts (yes, there are ghosts in the Panopticon!). My favourite song of Billy’s is “One In Particular”, which he recorded for HMV in 1958 (POP 526). It’s a happy, bouncy song written by Cy Chalmers, perfectly suited to Billy’s voice and personality. I coerced him into singing it with me that day - the one and only time we have sung together - a wonderful memory! And yes, our voices match!
Later that evening, back at his hotel, Billy was joined by his brother Jack and I was treated to dinner for my birthday. I haven’t seen him since saying goodbye that night, but maybe I will, some day in the not too distant future, maybe I will, and I know I will have to travel to Australia to do so.
Until then, Billy, I give you this website, with all my love. You will always be my “One In Particular”.
After that, I met him every time he returned to his family in Glasgow and he invited me to his parties at home at 384 Glasgow Road, Paisley.
The last time I met him was on 1 August 2002. This is my birthday and he was back in Glasgow to see family and friends. I am involved with the restoration campaign for The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall in Argyle Street, Glasgow. At that time entry to the Panopticon could only be gained by arrangement and I wanted Billy to see the old music hall - I knew he’d love it and he did! A tradition at that time was that all visitors to the Panopticon had to sing to the theatre ghosts (yes, there are ghosts in the Panopticon!). My favourite song of Billy’s is “One In Particular”, which he recorded for HMV in 1958 (POP 526). It’s a happy, bouncy song written by Cy Chalmers, perfectly suited to Billy’s voice and personality. I coerced him into singing it with me that day - the one and only time we have sung together - a wonderful memory! And yes, our voices match!
Later that evening, back at his hotel, Billy was joined by his brother Jack and I was treated to dinner for my birthday. I haven’t seen him since saying goodbye that night, but maybe I will, some day in the not too distant future, maybe I will, and I know I will have to travel to Australia to do so.
Until then, Billy, I give you this website, with all my love. You will always be my “One In Particular”.
INTRODUCTION 3
