My Favourite Musicians: A Personal Top Ten

Music has been an integral part of my life, in more ways than some and I have been lucky enough to discover many talented and inspiring musicians over the years. Here are ten of my favourite musicians, in no particular order:

1. Simply Red  - This British soul and pop band, fronted by the charismatic Mick Hucknall, has been enchanting audiences since the 1980s. Their unique blend of soulful vocals, catchy hooks, and smooth grooves makes them a timeless favourite. 

2. Frank Sinatra  - The legendary crooner and actor is one of the most iconic figures in music history. His smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing have made him a favourite of generations of music lovers.

3. David Bowie  - The late, great Bowie was a true original, constantly reinventing himself and his music over a career that spanned five decades. His eclectic mix of rock, pop, and art music has made him a favourite of fans all over the world.

4. Wet Wet Wet  - This Scottish pop band had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s, with their smooth ballads and catchy pop tunes. Their heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals make them a favourite of mine.

5.  Howard Jones - The British singer-songwriter and keyboardist had a string of hits in the 1980s, with his unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic music. His uplifting lyrics and catchy melodies make him a true favourite of mine.

6. The Rat Pack - This legendary group of entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., defined the cool and sophisticated sound of the 1950s and 1960s. Their smooth vocals, catchy tunes, and witty banter make them a timeless favourite.

7. Mozart - The Austrian composer and pianist is one of the most iconic figures in classical music history. His intricate melodies, sparkling harmonies, and emotional depth make him a favourite of mine.

8. Chopin - The Polish composer and pianist is one of the most beloved figures in romantic music history. His delicate touch, poetic lyricism, and intricate harmonies make him a favourite of mine.

9. Buddy Rich - The legendary jazz drummer is one of the most influential figures in music history. His lightning-fast technique, musicality, and showmanship make him a favourite of mine. Sending shivers down my spine.

10. The Beatles - The iconic British band, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, revolutionised music in the 1960s and beyond. Their catchy melodies, innovative harmonies, and timeless lyrics make them a favourite of mine. 

These are just a few of the many musicians who have inspired me over the years, and I am grateful for their creativity and passion. I encourage you to explore their music and discover your own favourites - after all, music is a universal language that can speak to our hearts and souls.

My Favourite Authors

Everyone has their favourite authors, those whose words and stories have touched their hearts and minds in a meaningful way. For me, there are ten authors who stand out above the rest as my absolute favourites. In this blog post, I will share a little bit about each of these authors and what makes them so special to me.

Terry Pratchett 

is at the top of my list, and for good reason. His Discworld series is a masterful blend of fantasy and satire, with richly-drawn characters and a clever wit that never fails to make me laugh out loud. Pratchett's writing is both entertaining and insightful, and his books always leave me feeling uplifted and inspired.

Agatha Christie 

Another author who holds a special place in my heart. Her detective novels are classic whodunits, with intricate plots and memorable characters that keep me guessing until the very end. Christie's writing is both clever and engaging, and her ability to weave together complex mysteries is truly impressive.

Sir Connan Doyle 

Perhaps best known for his creation of Sherlock Holmes, one of the most iconic characters in literary history. Doyle's writing is marked by his keen eye for detail and his ability to create complex, multi-layered plots that keep me on the edge of my seat. His stories are timeless classics that I never tire of re-reading.

Iain Banks 

is another favourite of mine, particularly his science fiction novels written under the name Iain M. Banks. His writing is marked by his visionary world-building, his philosophical themes, and his memorable characters. Banks' novels are both thought-provoking and entertaining, and I always find myself fully immersed in his imaginative worlds.

Reginald Hill 

is a British author best known for his Dalziel and Pascoe series of detective novels. Hill's writing is marked by his clever wit and his ability to create memorable characters that feel like old friends. His plots are always intricate and unpredictable, and I never grow tired of trying to solve the mysteries alongside his detectives. He died in 2012.

Charles Dickens 

is a literary giant whose works have stood the test of time. His novels are epic in scale, with vividly-drawn characters and a powerful social commentary that is still relevant today. Dickens' writing is both moving and entertaining, and his books have a timeless quality that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

J K Rowling  

a favourite of mine, particularly her Harry Potter seisries. Rowling's writing is marked by her incredible imagination, her memorable characters, and her ability to create a fully-realized magical world that feels both familiar and new. Her books are a joy to read, and I always find myself swept away by her storytelling. Although some of her personal views may be controversial.  

C S Lewis 

is an author whose works have had a profound impact on my life. His Chronicles of Narnia series is a masterful blend of fantasy and Christian allegory, with timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Lewis' writing is both imaginative and insightful, and his books are a constant source of inspiration and comfort for me.

J R R Tolkien

is perhaps best known for his epic fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. His writing is marked by his incredible world-building, his intricate plots, and his ability to create memorable characters that feel like real people. Tolkien's books have a timeless quality that continues to captivate readers of all ages, and his influence can be felt in countless works of fantasy fiction.

Ian Rankin 

is a Scottish crime writer best known for his Inspector Rebus series. Set in Edinburgh and the area around it. These include Knots and Crosses, Hide and Seek, Tooth and Nail just to name a few. In total there are 27.

I was introduced to these by the TV shows in the UK. With Scottish actors John Hannah and Ken Stott playing DCI Rebus.