TOMMY NAVARRO - I CRIED MY LIFE AWAY (DE JAC)

The Northern Rare Soul scene in the UK was already familiar with latin flavoured sounds such as Cal Tjader's brilliant 'Soul Sauce' and other tracks by Ray Barretto and Mongo Santamaria. In the 1980's, Latino tinged records became popular plays at the venues such as the Top Of The World All-nighter, Stafford.
These include -
Bobby Valentin's storming 'Use It Before You Lose It' (Fania)
Tony Middleton's 'Spanish Maiden' (Speed/Storm)
The Wanderers 'You Can't Run Away From Me' (UA)
and Romance Watson 'Where Does That Leave Me' (Coral).
The tracks helped pave the way for originality and diversity in the rare soul scene.
"When people talked about Stafford sixties newies being too far away from the idea of what Northern Soul was, they meant sounds like Tommy Navarro."
John Pugh
The track was featured regularly on DJ Guy Hennigan's top twenty at TOTW. Initial plays of the record in 1984 required the traditional practice of 'covering-up'. Consequently, the artist was introduced for a brief time as 'Tony Gallo & The Showmen -- Cry, Cry, Every Night!'
"Tommy Navarro I think it came off Tim Ashibende (record collector/dealer). I think it was at Stafford as well, I might be wrong with that but I'm sure that it was. I think I paid £5 for it."
Guy Hennigan, Soulful Kinda Music.
Also on the same label is legendary soul and gospel singer Kenny Hamber.
He hooked up with Atlantic Records around '63 and did a song called `Show Me Your Monkey' in New York --based on the dance crazes that were so characteristic of the first half of the 1960's decade. Together with the flip 'Time', both tracks received plays at TOTW.
The original Tommy Navarro record label was produced in three different colours -white blue red label, turquoise label red text and light blue label. It also has a 'Bell sound' stamped in the run out groove.
However the track was reissued in the mid 1980's. Although the label is perfect, it was pressed in the UK. Centres have been pushed out, leaving the tell tale signs of four notches or indentations around the centre hole. It also has UK style ridge/anti slip grips around the outside of the label. (Stuart Ames 'Angelina, Oh Angelina'/'King For A Day' was pressed at the same time/place).
The artist also recorded as Tommy Navarro & Sundialers -- 'Summertime' -45rpm single taken from the 'Twist Around Town' album (Urania Records)
Douglas Morris began his music career as a songwriter for music publisher Robert Mellin, Inc. His credits include writing the Chiffons' 1966 hit "Sweet Talkin' Guy" and producing such hit records as Brownsville Station's "Smokin' in the Boys Room." Mr. Morris joined Laurie Records in 1965 as a writer and producer and was eventually named Vice President and General Manager. Later, he launched his own label, Big Tree Records, which was distributed and eventually acquired by Atlantic Records in 1978. At this time Mr. Morris was named President of ATCO Records, beginning his association with Warner Music.

[@johnhubbard3705]

I'm 57 and today is the first time I've heard this. Played it a dozen times and still can't believe how good it is. Almost in tears now. Fabulous fabulous song. Feel so lucky right now.

[@andrewdevine6333]

Grew up in a dreary, wet miserable town in the west of Ireland. At 16 I got in to Northern Soul and I was elevated away from all the dreariness. Im 46 now and Soul music is still a massive part of my life. Tunes Tommy Navarro still make me want to dance as much today as when I was a teenager.

[@cheryldodds7067]

Its a fantastic tune

[@aklouslibby9693]

l my friend I'm from County Tipperary lreland 🇨🇮 and l be loving this music Too 🎶 🎵, PS keep the Faith

[@cheryllochhead4714]

Certainly is with itts latin american beat and fantastic voice

[@Jasmine25176]

I miss my daddy. How talented he was!

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

Hi Adriane I just found this message, I'm sure you're aware how much joy your dad bought to the Northern Soul scene, he helped build our scene, knowlingly or not-this record still gets endless plays today, blessings XX

[@peterwaldie4478]

Your daddy will never be forgotten girl

[@chrisgraham9778]

He was a top man.what a talent.

[@chrisgraham9778]

We still his records in the uk...his legacy lives on.

[@Yorkie2]

Adriane Lark... Bless you sweetheart.

[@paulstamp4106]

This record saved my fucking life. gave me reason to live again when I had lost hope

[@jamesbrady5451]

This tune just blows me away & always gets me a dancin

[@fellfox]

Lost for words, except,....Simply fantastic

[@mancbornandbred]

I am 37 tomorrow been raised on northern soul no better music out there to make me feel good and makes me wanna dance

[@missbitch67]

35 years ago when I was 14 & just getting into Northern Soul some bloke I knew recorded a cassette tape for me & this song was on it. No one at that time knew who it was who sang it, as the tape recorded had done the rounds & most of us still being at school had no access to rare soul records. I played that tape for what seemed like forever,in reality it was about 6 years,until it snapped as cassette tapes regularly did. And so the song was lost on my part. All the NS albums I had bought over the years had never had this song on them. Now out of the blue this turned up on my home feed as recommended,my god how grateful I am! Thankyou for uploading. KTF.x

[@timconway1443]

missbitch67 brilliant record,like you took me some years to track it down, even now don't think it's available on iTunes or any of that stuff !

[@CIVITILLOVIC]

i had goosebumps reading this

[@mlh4711]

wasn't played at Wigan, it hadn't been discovered. So your dates might be slightly out.

[@BradBrassman]

The same thing happened to me with a NS tape which was done for a mate by a well-known, NS D.J. in 1982 which began with a superb sax instrumental and all I can do now is hum it. Never hae found out what it was.

[@cheryllochhead4714]

You can buy the record online from ebay. I bought a copy its a beautiful song

[@johngarden4114]

can listen to this all day long

[@skingirl_lulu6369]

Love this song. First time I heard this was when I was still a little baby,16 years ago. 16 years of growing up with Northern Soul,Ska,Punk etc. and I have to say,its brilliant.

[@suebradford5758]

😊🎶❤💃❤🎶✊...Thank you 👍...Thank You Lord ✝️ for the Tingles 🙏❤✝️

[@terrym.wheaton2060]

My Father's music touched so many. Miss you daddy.

[@MrMatcher9]

Top man in Britain for eternity

[@stevegreenly2259]

After all these years this record still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Awesome record. Managed to get an original copy many years ago

[@frankpaterson9786]

Makes you glad to be alive, great tune.

[@uroywalker]

Absolutely beautiful and a cracking video too - one of the best records to come out of the Northern scene, in my opinion. I have always loved the big beat ballad Stafford sound and this is as good as it gets - mid tempo, danceable and heartfelt lyrics and vocals...genius!

[@chrismcfarlane5039]

All I know it was the music and dance,,,,,,,,,,,, I ever went too was the best I ever heard it really was , my mind was blown away, xx

[@scouser222]

I love Northern soul and this is my new favourite, great.

[@jeffbellboy64bell19]

Did your Dad know this was a classic in the uk for more then 40yrs , So be proud of your dad I would be & I am cos this choon sums up Northerm soul at its very best ktf jb

[@sosram]

I am here because I love good music and this tune is a classic not played enough ......brothers and sisters lets dance.....

[@TelfordO]

Oh how i yearn for those days again KTF

[@faeembrugh]

The great thing about these is the mix of images and music - it really comes close to summing up what these soul sounds mean to us all. Mind you, that picture of Guy and Keb at the end was a bit scary!

[@markhiggins8136]

just cannot stop playing it great track

[@tjward9540]

Absolutely fantastic song.

[@patriciamyatt1205]

Oh my how I love this tune. Takes me back too a time when I was a young teenager. It grabs hard at my soul,.

[@peterwaldie4478]

This is the first time I've heard this and wont be the last...excellent sound cheers

[@jackcrouch3835]

Brilliant track 😊 had some great times at top of the world

[@anthonydavidson2733]

Majestic

[@jackieharper5300]

My favourite record to dance to ever

[@fellfox]

Not looked at this for a few months...Christ I've missed it👍

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

again what a beautifully puty together film Rob, I am personally grateful for all your hard work as im sure many other are

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks for your comment Lans-A-GG. Appreciated. Rob

[@andyhunting8050]

Brilliant!

[@lennyharkins]

Thats how good it was Big Pal, ,,,,no one ever believe us

[@andybell9703]

I don't do much modern stuff but his is just the dogs, even my mrs can't stop singing it. Thanks for posting.

[@lennyharkins]

thats how good it was Big Pal......no one will ever beleive us.!

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comment/s from over there.

[@sheila1967]

Love this northern soul fan og,68 this year

[@Blackpool77]

Rob - you spot on there: even brought a Mecca/Ritz Jazz Funk devotee like me back just for the Hennigan/Darge partnership. The breath of fresh air that this venue and its "people" brought to what was then a decaying and "preservation Soul scene can not be underestimated. The only other club to have such an appeal (and pull on the wider North West//Midlands Soul Scene) back in those halcyon days of the mid 80s was Colin Curtis's Berlin Sessions in Manchester

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks, always remember this with Romance Watson and Faye Crawford.

[@patcarter5417]

Been in my playbox a long time... it wiil NEVER leave Alan c.

[@laurence1120]

And mine too Al ... love the video, was at TOTW that night, in that Que and on that dancefloor, It was Eddie Holman night ... Like the fact that Guy introduces it as The Showmen, as we knew it at the time .. Still play it out often and always reminds of those wonderful days....Laurence p.

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Glad you like it! Thanks for your support and comment too.

[@waggyhill514]

Still a top favourite love this song

[@susanbedford9247]

This is such a amazing track love it

[@franceswatkins5632]

I love this tune ..dance ALL over dance floor XXxX love it

[@irenescarr6957]

Brilliant song and video

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Glad you enjoyed it Pete! Thanks for commenting.

[@grahamdavies9084]

Out standing track. 😎

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Glad you enjoyed both! Thanks.

[@NorthernNige]

Such a fab track

[@tonimazza1209]

Que tout ça est trop fort, SUPERRRRRRR, TANK YOU

[@soultaff]

Massive, Massive toon ❤️🙏✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿KTF

[@TheGlasgowmods]

ON MY FEET AND HAT OFF ..........SUCH A CLASSIC I HAD TO BUY IT ON DEJAC

[@markrobinson3097]

first class tune!

[@jaynehoughton8667]

love this tune top top tune

[@MegaTightMike]

On with the monsters!!!!!!

[@waggyhill514]

What a guy superb brill

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks Carole ...please visit again soon.

[@randolphtrenchtrousers4345]

oh my, so, so , so good

[@trophy1999]

Great Tune... as a Soul Boy and Salsario i can dance both styles to this.. win win for everyone..KTF... love the video .

[@robbykrygsman6215]

Top tune, never get sick of it , it just gets better.... still listening 2020

[@bodger844]

Another 45 that has "Top Of The World" in the run out groove.

[@martineaster4539]

Definitely one of my favourite tunes

[@soulie62]

Fantastic video & brilliant tune Rob, just hearing the DJ's intro gives me shivers. TOTW the saviour of northern soul, so glad I was there.

[@laurence1120]

Tony Gallo and The Showmen... That does it for Me, Guy Hennigan, I think....Brillant night at TOTW, Eddie Holman night.

[@garyfawcett945]

what a great video I love this song northern at its best

[@keechdesign]

Genius - a wonderful tune that I have always loved. Can anyone tell me more about Tommy Navarro?

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting.

[@carol41731]

brilliant awesome lovin hay ;) ;) ;)

[@fellfox]

Loved this so much I bought a copy 👍 “you cry cry every night” 👏🏻

[@helenwood9225]

I love this song and I love the film

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks HW.

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks for visiting the channel Andy.

[@Yorker-zo2hh]

Love it!!!

[@beefoneeto]

Wow great tune.Never heard this-one that escaped The Drifters.

[@algrayson9380]

Awesome choon , KTF.

[@alniter1000]

just loveit,the wife says it should be on the come dancing prog.

[@8050neil]

Just bought a copy to add to my collection Love it

[@ralphsalt]

About time too I've had it15 years Ralph from Leek Staffs

[@jonathanstavely9656]

Great tune, perfect cha-cha-rhythm! :)

[@deepgroovesounds]

Beautiful!

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Glad you like it! Thanks for commenting.

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

...and beautifully executed by Tommy Blaize. Thanks alniter for finding the original video edit.

[@keechdesign]

Thank you Rob. Much appreciated.

[@Glawsterfing]

pure class - @ mycasanova2163 touching comments I love this track,respect to you and your Grandpa

[@georginaspick3371]

Wow!.. My twin Rob Marriott on footage sure it's Stafford nighter, great tune!!!!

[@MrAccordionPimp]

THIS IS AWESOME

[@ianbretta]

Great track, just love that video as well....

[@walcherenii3767]

Such an awesome video Rob, never get tired of them. All the best, Seb

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

I can remember the night they filmed for Channel 4's 'Chasing Rainbows' Thanks for commenting.

[@anthonyyates4802]

What a tune awesome !

[@redmancrock]

Funny seeing my husband on the video comp for this. He has remained a mod and dj throughout the intervening years (unlike most, no matter what so many claim).

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I guess he was filmed at The Top of the World, Stafford 1985?

[@redmancrock]

Yes indeed!

[@tracieobrien4647]

Lucy girl x

[@tracieobrien4647]

Xxx

[@redmancrock]

+Tracie Obrien Lucy?

[@juliewaterson5771]

still love the music x

[@tommyross5959]

A wee gem!

[@niteowl147]

Vid and tune Excellent!!

[@caroldowning4204]

aw thats ace your dad!! we still dance to this as often as we can its played everywhere. x

[@ifitsnotmusicwhatisit]

How this channel has evaded me I dont know. Still Im on it now.

[@Dave-zd1rd]

Utterly brilliant,

[@chrisbell5237]

love this choooon and the vidio oh to be young again i went to wigan from the age of 15 wicked times

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks for stopping by Chris.

[@dundee520]

just had tae visit this 1 more time ktf

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

+dundee520 Thanks ...top of the guest list!

[@philipswords4177]

Love this

[@grahamhhadden8111]

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME

[@ROBSBIGSCITYSOUL]

Thanks very much for the comment.

[@soulchick80]

Fantastic song and video.

[@the12shades]

Wow, i was watching this and remembering what great times and music we enjoyed when, i saw myself on this video....1:02. Im the guy in the blue and yellow coat on the stairs. Great work fella....keeping the faith as always.