Cyril Tawney

Subject: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST,radriano
Date: 28 Mar 00 - 02:52 PM

Anyone out there know how I can get in touch with Cyril Tawney?

I would like to get his permission to record a song he composed. I've surfed the Internet but have not been able to get an address for him yet.

Thanks,
radriano

---

Cyril Tawney Home Page

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Jack The Lad
Date: 28 Mar 00 - 04:51 PM

Here is Cyril Tawney's address( or was in 1994) Neptune, 521 Meanwood Road, Leeds LS6 4AW UK Tel [phone]

Jack The Lad ([e-mail])

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 28 Mar 00 - 04:52 PM

Cyrils address is 521 Meanwood Road Leeds LS6 4A, England Tel:[phone]..Unless he moved away its an old addy.. Yours,Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Margo
Date: 28 Mar 00 - 04:57 PM

Do you really need permission? Don't you just record it and then pay the royalties? As I understand it, going strictly by the law, the royalty isn't due until the sale is made. But the recording musicians I know just send off a check for royalties when the CD's are made: .07 per song per CD. So if only one song is used on the CD then you'd send off a check for $70.00 for a thousand CD's. At least, I think that's right here in the US. Margo

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: bill\sables
Date: 28 Mar 00 - 04:57 PM

Hi Radiano, Cyril is not on line he says he is not into that sort of thing but if you email his drinking partner, Graham Binless he will be able to get a message to him Graham is at click here Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Mar 00 - 07:19 PM

Thanks for all the quick responses to my inquiry about Cyril Tawny. You are all much appreciated.

Cheers,
radriano

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST,Glen in Gloucestershire
Date: 15 Apr 00 - 06:10 PM

Hi radriano,

Many thanks for getting those words to me so rapidly, you surley are The Finest!

As for Cyril Tawney, well like me he was a Plymouth Man many years ago and was a great inspiration to the folk world in that part of the country. I believe I still sing a song or two of his, and somewhere in the depths of my musty cassette collection there lays one of his LPs, I've also got one of his Lps in my vinyl pile too! If you want to hear it I could bang it off to you! It'll have to be by Snail Mail tho - as I'm not a "tecky"

All the best

Cheers, Glen.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 08:27 AM

In UK to record contact MCPS (Mechanical COpyright Protection SOciety) - phone book South London somewhere

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 08:42 AM

I would like to say thanks for introducing so many songs that so many people sing, who have no idea that Cyril was responsible for writing. It is a compliment to him that the songs have fallen so seemlessly into the 'tradition'.

Maybe be he could be given some recognition in this thread?

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 09:56 PM

Somebody mentioned Stanley the Rat in a thread, and that motivated me to cross-index all our Cyril Tawney threads and songs. I'll probably remove some for them from the group, but I thought it might be fun for all of you to see what we have.
For me, Cyril Tawney was one of the high points of Whitby Folk Week this year, and I made a point to see him several times during the week. I did not know in advance that he was going to be there, and I had no idea what to expect. I saw him first during a children's concert, and he was delightful. He's like an overgrown elf, with a perpetual twinkle in his eye.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Boab
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 02:46 AM

Did "Sammy's Bar" and "Sally" with my wee group at an old folks home this afternoon!
And d'ye know something ---Cyril really WAS "a LEAN and Unwashed Tiffy"!

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Morticia
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 04:06 AM

My favourite song writer with the possible exception of Richard Thompson and as kind as could be when I asked for permission to record Sally Free and Easy on the Mudcat cd series.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Hrothgar
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 04:17 AM

Dunno if Cyril was lean.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 04:42 AM

I've seen pictures of Cyril when he was a "Tiffy" (Naval Articifer - electrician) and he was lean in those days - I don't know how well washed he was though.

Cyril's a lovely bloke - I think he's probably written more wonderful songs than anyone else in the "Folk Revival". How many times do you go to a good singaround without hearing "Chicken on a Raft", "Grey Funnel Line", "Sammy's Bar", "Five Foot Flirt", or any of his other songs performed ? Even Tom Lewis had to admit "Cyril said it all before".

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: breezy
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 05:15 AM

Dear Rad, have you got in touch with him? as I booked him at my club recently and I have his address, he left Leeds long ago

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: graham_t
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 06:20 AM

Cyrils apparently now in Exeter. Homepage

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/guestlist/cyril.tawney/

Gives booking details, biog, recording and book sales etc

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: bradfordian
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 09:56 AM

Rosemary Tawney
10 Sivell Place, Heavitree, Exeter, EX2 5ET. England

Tel. 01392 - 426055

EMAIL: [e-mail]

click here

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: radriano
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 11:31 AM

I originally posted this thread in March of 2000. Thanks to all - yes, I did reach Cyril Tawney. He was very helpful and quite generous. Hope to meet him in person one day.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 04:32 PM

Cyril's brother, Archie, is a regular at our club at the Bull's Head in Failsworth. Eighty-two years old and a lovely bloke....

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: greg stephens
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 06:41 PM

There is reputed to be a tape of Bob Dylan singing Sally Free and Easy, recorded when he was in London in 1962 filming Mad House in Castle Street. can't say Ive ever heard it though, or met anyone else who has. Anybody heard this story?

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: breezy
Date: 02 Dec 02 - 07:34 PM

so Cyril may have some mileage left then, He packed em in the Moorland Folk Club recently, finished at 1 3o at the St Albans Club

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Boab
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 01:38 AM

Hi, Hrothgar---I have a Tawney song book bought from the Man Himself 'way back in '81 [I know , cos he signed it for me.] The cover has photographs depicting , maybe not unwashed, but definitely a "lean" tiffy! He wasn't lean by '81, mind you!

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 04:03 PM

Thanks for explaining tiffy, Dave! There are two more intriguing problems hidden on 'Navy Cuts' (on my copy, at least): Tracks 15 and 16, which are not listed, and which, for want of better titles, I call 'In the Doorway' and 'Sorrow Is My Stock-in-trade'. They were most probably written - certainly sung - by Cyril, but why aren't they listed, and what are they called? Any help?

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: michaelr
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 01:15 AM

...and just what is a grey funnel line?

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 02:27 AM

"Grey Funnel Line" is slang for the Royal Navy

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 07:22 PM

Refresh! What about those two extra tracks on 'Navy Cuts'?

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 11:17 AM

The proper title of "Sorrow Is My Stock-in-trade" is, I think, "Reunion". The story is about an ex-naval man who has had to give up drinking for medical reasons. He's bumped into an old navy friend who asks him if he'll be coming to the next service reunion. The song basically says that there's no point in him going because everyone else will be drinking and everything will seem so banal to him as he has to remain sober. It's one of Cyril's most moving songs. I have heard that Cyril wrote it about himself - but he still seems to have the odd drink.

I'm not sure about "In the Doorway" - is it the one about the drunken seaman on shore leave ?

Another of Cyril's songs "New names for old" puzzles some people. It's based on the fact that Ewan MacColl arranged for Alex Campbell to go through a marriage of convenience to Peggy Seeger, so that she could stay in the UK, while he was obtaining his divorce from Joan Littlewood.

After Cyril left the navy, he ran a weekly folk programme on west country radio. He used to try and write a new song for each week. Songs like "In the sidings now" were written at this time - and some of them might have been forgotten if fans hadn't refreshed his memory.

I can also remember that many years ago (I think during the 60s) there were several benefit concerts for Cyril, because he had been diagnosed as having Parkinson's Disease. Happily the diagnosis turned out to be wrong.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Noreen
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 11:52 AM

Susanne, for many years, Navy Cuts was only available on audio tape. Eventually Cyril gave in to pressure to make his songs available on CD, so Navy Cuts was transferred (only in the last year or so?) to CD. More space available on the CD enabled them to add the extra two tracks, but they didn't change the track listing from the tape. This what you wanted?

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 03:02 PM

In The Doorway is called The Drunken Sailor on my cassette.
Lean And Unwashed Tiffy comes from a line in Shakespear..."Yonder comes another lean and unwashed artificer"
If she'd had wings I'd have kissed her flying,
Keith.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 03:16 PM

Friends, if you haven't got this CD then go get it straight away. Listen to one of the master songwriters of the revival. Burl

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 07:27 PM

Thanks t' y' all! It seems, though, those tracks were left out for a different reason (oversight?), as they seem to be listed on the cassette. Keith, are there any notes with it?

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:12 PM

Susanne, here is what I have on the Doorway song.
1954 It is pay night in Plymouth, Portsmouth, Chatham,or anywhere similar. You are in a bar. Suddenly, silently, a lone matelot appears in the doorway. Listen on from there. Not much action, I'm afraid, and it's all over in seconds without a word being spoken, but it was a common enough sight once a fortnight back in the days of large fleets, uniforms ashore, plentiful sailors' bars and strong, gas-free beer.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 02:18 PM

Oh, and now Reunion.
1980 Seeking a divorce from My Lady Alcohol on medical grounds leads above all to a social dilemma. The problem's universal, of course, not purely naval, but it's especially familiar to former long-service RN personnel, and one reason why chaps have to give up attending those reunions.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 02:25 PM

My tape is a 1999 one called Sally Free And Easy

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 07:30 PM

That was really nice of you - many thanks!

Subject: Diesel and Shale.
From: GUEST,Neil Denholm
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 10:12 AM

I remember the lads singing that song in 1980. Was Syril on O boats?
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney's Estate
From: GUEST,Daniel
Date: 20 Oct 19 - 11:52 PM

Hello! Opening up an ancient thread here.

I am looking to get in touch with Cyril's estate/whomever holds the rights to his songs. I know Rosemary and Archie have both sadly passed on, so I'm not sure who the next bet would be...

I'm putting together a book of sea shanties with lyrics and notation, and was wanting to include a couple of Cyril's songs. Having a bit of trouble finding the right person to email.

If anyone has any information I would greatly appreciate it! Please email [e-mail].

Much obliged!

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 Oct 19 - 04:47 AM

I do know that his early publications were called gwyneth publications, gwyneth might still be alive and might know, gwyneth i believe was a daughter of a friend of Cyril, the other option is to contact performing rights

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 21 Oct 19 - 06:11 AM

Daniel
Ask Doc Rowe. docrowe.org.uk
Derek

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST,Daniel
Date: 23 Oct 19 - 05:40 AM

Thanks so much guys!

I will contact Doc Rowe. I was also in touch with the Vaughan Williams library, who hold all of his recordings, I believe.
They said that Gwyneth was bought out by Universal, so I don't like the odds of ever getting permission.

It's beginning to look like this book will be trad only...

In any case, thanks guys!

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: The Sandman
Date: 26 Oct 19 - 03:40 AM

if you are putting together a book of sea songs,perhaps you should contact Richard Grainger and Tom Lewis and also bob watson who wrote southern ocean

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST,Eddie
Date: 27 Oct 19 - 11:47 AM

Cyril always used to stay with me when he was on tour in Scotland. I let him hear this on a cassette by Lonnie! Cyril loved it, even played it to Rosemary over the telephone! She reckoned Lonnie had never paid any royalties so got into action pretty quick!
Sammy's Bar sung by Lonnie Donegan

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Nov 21 - 12:01 AM

well well Idid not realise lonnie was such a good singer, he does a fine job on it

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST,Another version (by Stan Rogers)
Date: 27 Nov 21 - 06:39 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbuEjo1OUxE
Seems good too, a bit more how Cyril would do it.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 30 Nov 21 - 05:04 AM

Cyril Tawney was the first guest of the Beacon folk club in South Shields in late 1963. The club moved to the Marsden Inn in 1964, and in 1988 Cyril became its honoured guest for the 25th anniversary in 1988, as part of a celebration weekend.

He started his night by saying how good it was to be
'back in the Jimnasium'

-explanation- four residents were club founder Jim Sharp, the late lamented Jims Irvine and Boyles, and myself.