1968 Barry Ryan - Eloise (mono--#1 UK hit*)
The writer Paul Ryan (formerly performing with brother Barry as the duo Paul & Barry Ryan) states that he was inspired to write this ambitious title having just heard a rough mix of the upcoming Richard Harris release “MacArthur Park.” The long and heavily-orchestrated track was a purported multi-million selling international hit, topping the charts in a number of countries.
UK Chart Peaks: 1 (NME, MM), 2 (RR, TP) - U.S. Chart Peaks: Cash Box 50, Record World 61, Billboard 86
UK single issued on MGM 1442, US single issued on MGM 14010 - Eloise (Paul Ryan) by Barry Ryan with The Majority, arranged & conducted by Johnny Arthey, produced by Bill Landis
While the most commonly referenced “Official” UK singles chart history from this period utilizes data from only one of the various nationally-published music periodicals (Record Retailer…in which this record did not reach the top), for historical reference our channel also credits as “#1 UK hit” any title which achieved that peak in one or more of the other national charts.