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New on the
Stage Door Pop imprint is Shani Wallis The Singles Collection 1954-1961.
Long before she captivated global audiences as Nancy in the film Oliver!,
Shani Wallis was already forging a remarkable career across
Britain's vibrant post-war entertainment scene in musical theatre, variety, on
radio and television, and on disc. This landmark collection brings together,
for the first time on CD, the complete story of Shani
Wallis' debut singles, rare recordings that capture a rising star
at the beginning of her journey.
Shani
Wallis’ earliest recordings were closely tied to her stage career, featuring
her vocals on London cast albums of Call
Me Madam and Wish You Were Here,
which highlighted her clear, expressive voice. Alongside this, she began
building a solo pop career in the 1950s, recording melodic, orchestral-backed
songs typical of the era. Her first single, released on Philips Records in
March 1954, paired “Bell Bottom Blues” with “Heart of My Heart,”
accompanied by Wally Stott’s orchestra.
She
briefly recorded for Pye Nixa Records, issuing “Take My Love” / “Ten
Little Kisses” and “Don’t Ringa Da Bell” / “Our Melody (The
Phonograph Song),” the latter featuring harpsichord by Joe “Mr Piano”
Henderson. Returning to Philips, she released the EP Shani!
and four further singles, including “Sixteen Reasons,” “Where’s the
Boy (I Never Met),” “The Most Beautiful Words in the World,” and
“Something in the Air” (an English version of “Cerasella” with lyrics
by Hal David).
A
rare Vivatone Records single, “Johnny Put the Record On” / “The Game of
Love”, became a sought after collector’s item and is often regarded as the
"holy grail" of Wallis' solo recordings.
For
many years these recordings remained elusive, scattered across rare 78s and
45s. Their appearance here on CD for the first time offers a welcome
opportunity to rediscover an important chapter in Wallis’s artistic journey.
Heard together, these recordings reveal a young performer of poise and
versatility, already displaying the musical sensitivity and expressive warmth
that would later captivate audiences worldwide.
Beautifully
restored and newly gathered together, this historic release celebrates the
formative recordings of a truly distinctive voice, and an enduringly iconic
performer.
ORDER NOW
GUARANTEED IN STOCK
- 100 COPIES ONLY!
Questions?
Email:
info@stagedoorrecords.com
Images
licensed courtesy of Alamy / RGR Collection
The
audio material included on this compilation is in the public domain. Under
s.13A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, copyright in a sound
recording expires 50 years after the end of the calendar year in which the
recording was made. This release is not endorsed by the artist or their
representatives.
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