The Singing Milkman

Today in Music History: September 7, 1959

Each of us at one time or another have had 'our day' singing in the shower, in the car on the way to work, after hours at a local karaoke bar or simply while walking in the rain. We made ourselves the star of the show. We have probably known or heard of a local talent singing in the church choir, on the street corner or as entertainment at a nearby diner. But, are you familiar with the "singing milkman" who actually went on to record a No.1 single?

Here is the scoop...

Terence Perkins was one of a pair of twins born in Newport, Isle of Wight, England. His teenage years were during the late 50s, the era when music appealed to the romantic side of females with artists such as Frankie Avalon and Fabian making the charts. As a somewhat indifferent student, Perkins preferred being outdoors involved in athletics, which led to his volunteering during a school holiday to help the milkman make his deliveries. Loving to sing it did not take long before he found himself singing his way through each delivery thus acquiring the name the 'Singing Milkman'. At 16 years old, under the grooming of manager Bunny Lewis, a name change was in order since too many 'Terrys' were around at the time. Terence Perkins became Craig Douglas.

  1959 Craig Douglas was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his version of the Sam Cooke hit 'Only Sixteen'. This became his sole UK chart-topper selling more copies in the UK than Sam Cooke's original version. Douglas continues to perform, with bookings at night clubs and on cruise ships.

 

 Here is Sam Cooke's version released in May, 1959...

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...