In The Summertime was the debut single by Mungo Jerry – named after the poem Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer from T S Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. Released on May 22, 1970, Britain's very first "maxi-single"it entered the UK singles chart at 13, hitting the number one slot the next week where it lodged for seven consecutive weeks, becoming one of the highest selling singles of all time. Ray Dorset – who composed the song in 10 minutes using a second-hand Fender Stratocaster and who, at the time, had to ask for special leave from his boss to appear on BBC TV's 'Top Of The Pops'' – talked to Steve about his Guilty Musical Pleasures.What was the first record/CD you bought?
I bought four: Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now by Prudence & Patience, Knee Deep in the Blues by Guy Mitchell, Young Love by Tab Hunter, and I can't remember the other one. I was about nine years old and my parents had just bought a new Ferguson Radiogram – one of those clumpy pieces of "furniture" that took pride of place in people's sitting rooms in those days. They were always a menace to manoeuvre those old-fashioned vacuum cleaners round – which was usually my job!Who was your first musical crush?
If you mean my influences, I would have to say Elvis Presley, Lonnie Donegan, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, that kind of stuff. Even then, it was all about the groove, the vibe, and the performance captured on record.What's the best gig you have enjoyed?
That was definitely BB King, Long Island 1970. I was on my first US tour with the Mungos and we'd just had that first big hit record. BB is a world class entertainer and blues artist and he has a wonderful musical show, no question about it.What is your guilty music pleasure/cheesiest CD?
I don't really have one. What constitutes "cheese" is for other people to decide, but why take notice of others and feel guilty about a record that you just like?Who are you listening to now in the car or on your iPod?
Radio 4 Extra, plus some blues and rockabilly compilations …and a whole load of Ramones recordings! What is your favourite karaoke song/song to sing in the shower?
I don't actually have one – I'm usually humming something and making up new tunes in my head and the shower is as good a place to do that as any?.
Mungo Jerry will be appearing at the Public Hall in Budleigh Salterton on Sunday, April 13, and tickets are available at www.wegottickets.com/ event/254527 or from the box office on 01395 443419 or 07891 663044.
