Mary Hopkin to represent Britain for Eurovision

On this day, Disc And Music Echo reported that Mary Hopkin was being considered to represent the United Kingdom at the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest — and that Paul McCartney might write a song for her for the occasion.

Mary did go on to participate in the 1970 Eurovision, but she ultimately performed “Knock, Knock Who’s There?“, a song written by John Carter and Geoff Stephens. Her recording was produced by Mickie Most.

By that time, Paul McCartney was no longer involved in producing Mary’s music. His last production for her had been the tracks “Que Sera, Sera” / “Fields of St. Etienne,” recorded in the summer of 1969. The change in producers — from Paul to Mickie Most — was covered by the press in October 1969.

This transition occurred during a period of major upheaval for Paul. Having been the driving force behind Apple Records in its early days, he began to step back from active involvement following the appointment of Allen Klein as the Beatles’ business manager. On September 20, 1969, John Lennon had also informed Paul and the others that he was leaving the band.

Paul is a Beatle and is busy with his own career. I cannot expect him to give all his time to me. I am just grateful for all he has done in the past and I hope we will work together again. But I can always find other songs and I can go on my own

Paul McCartney – From Daily Mirror – October 4, 1969

Paul’s interests in Mary are not diminished. The only difference is that Paul doesn’t now feel that his presence on the studio floor is essential — that’s all it is. He will remain executive producer and a good friend and uncle. Remember, Beatles recording sessions often get cancelled too and Mary should not worry too much. She is a lovely child, a hard worker and good earner.

An Apple spokesman – From Daily Mirror – October 4, 1969

Mary to sing a Paul McCartney ‘Song for Europe’?

MARY HOPKIN will represent Britain at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest — and Paul McCartney may write a song especially for her.

BBC TV announced on Monday that Mary will go to Holland on March 21 to sing the British entry in the contest.

Mary said that she would very much like Paul to write a song for her to sing in the contest and Disc understands McCartney is “very enthusiastic” about the idea.

Songwriters submit their songs to a judging panel and six are finally selected for her to sing on the BBC TV “Cliff Richard” show which starts in February.

Mary sings all six songs on the March 7 show, then viewers vote for the winning song to go to Holland.

A spokesman for BBC TV told Disc that this year the BBC have proposed a final “sing off” at the contest to choose the final winner should a tie take place. This follows last year’s incident in Madrid when FOUR songs tied for first place.

From Disc And Music Echo – September 27, 1969

Going further

The Beatles Diary Volume 1: The Beatles Years

With greatly expanded text, this is the most revealing and frank personal 30-year chronicle of the group ever written. Insider Barry Miles covers the Beatles story from childhood to the break-up of the group.

Buy on Amazon