The Joystrings

Last updated

The Joystrings
OriginEngland
Genres
Years active1963–1969
Past members
  • Thelma Adams
  • Brenda Alexander
  • Lillian Boot
  • Peter Dalziel
  • Bill Davidson
  • Handle Everett
  • Sylvia Gair
  • Wycliffe Noble
  • Joy Webb
Website https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk

The Joystrings (originally credited as The Joy Strings) were a 1960s British Christian music group led by classically trained keyboard player and singer Joy Webb, who was an officer in the Salvation Army. [1]

Contents

History

After appearing on Cliff Michelmore's BBC Tonight television show, they were given a recording contract by EMI Records. [1] In 1964, they became the first Salvation Army pop group to achieve chart success with "It's An Open Secret" and "A Starry Night". [1] The main members through the years were Joy Webb (who wrote the group's first hit), Peter and Sylvia Dalziel, Bill Davidson, and Wycliffe Noble. The group had a number of other singers drawn, at intervals, from cadets at the William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill in London.

They also recorded a version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," using the music of The Animals' "The House of the Rising Sun" - an unusual blending. [2]

In September 2013, 50 years after the Joystrings' formation, group member Sylvia Dalziel wrote about the group in a book published by Shield Books. The book included an introduction by General John Larsson, a tribute from Sir Cliff Richard, a full discography and many photographs never previously published. [3]

Wycliffe Noble died on 1 April 2017, at the age of 91. [4] Joy Webb died on 1 October 2023, at the age of 91. [5]

Discography

Singles

EPs

Albums

Bibliography

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 1329. ISBN   0-85112-939-0.
  2. YouTube, "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
  3. Dalziel, S. 2013 The Joystrings: The Story of the Salvation Army Pop Group, Shield Books, ISBN   978-0854129065
  4. "Obituary: Salvation Army drummer was part of one of Britain's first Christian pop groups". The Salvation Army. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  5. "Promoted to Glory: Major Joy Webb (OF)". Southern Spirit Online. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  6. 1 2 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 291. ISBN   1-904994-10-5.
  7. [ dead link ]