TV Pop Diaries
Pop Music on British Television 1955 -
Talking to Disc magazine, the show's producer Russell Turner claimed "'Sugar Beat' is to be a fast moving show, I am not seeking another 'new sound.' I intend to produce a distinctive one, with the appeal on quality, both in the numbers selected and the musicians." "I will use the world's great standards and the best of the current pops. The orchestration will consist of eighteen pieces, fronted by Johnnie Spence, and I will include two vocalists, Paul Hanford, who has recently signed to Parlophone, and Sheila Southern". "At present, I do not intend to regularly use any guest artists, but top stars may be invited from time to time. My basic aim is to try and create my own stars from the series".
Producer Turner held secret auditions in April 1960. Talking to Melody Maker he said
"I am looking for a potential Adam Faith or Cliff Richard for my 13 week series which
starts in August. With a chance like this he can't go wrong. He must make it. I also
want a girl singer to co-
The series was originally due to succeed Tempo '60, beginning 5th August at 7.30pm,
but the late-
In early September 1960 Melody Maker announced that Johnny Spence was to assemble
a band specially for the show, and if the band was successful in the pilot edition
they will be present for the remaining twelve week run. Spence told Melody Maker
"The accent of the show will be on 'beat', so I have formed this crisp, swingy Basie-
The week after the broadcast show Turner talked to Disc claiming "I'm happy, but not completely satisfied with the sound of the band." He later admitted "Because the new, original sound which we wanted has not yet been found".
Hosted by Paul Carpenter it got no further than a one-
SUGAR BEAT
BBC
16th September 1960