The Shadows - Wonderful Land (1962) 4K

The Shadows performing “Wonderful Land“, released originally in 1962. It reached #1 in the UK Singles Chart, #1 in New Zealand, #1 in Israel, #1 in Ireland, and #1 in South Africa. “Wonderful Land“ was a reference to America. This British instrumental piece was written by Jerry Lordan, who also wrote two other UK chart-toppers: “Apache“ for The Shadows and “Diamonds“ for ex-Shadows Jet Harris and Tony Meehan. This was the first Shadows track to feature an instrumental backing. Bruce Welch added that Norrie Paramour was a great help to the band, adding French horns, strings, and a little vocal bit to the track, making it a classic record. It was the first time that a rock group had used an orchestra and it was #1 for weeks. Lordan revealed that the title was not his and he did not like it; Hank Marvin came up with the title, “Wonderful Land“, referring to America. Lordan wished he could have come up with something better. The Shadows