The Fortunes ~ Look Homeward Angel

Though the Fortunes' first single was released in England in 1963, they were not part of America's 'British Invasion' in early 1964. Instead, their first American single, You've Got Your Troubles' did not chart in the US for another year and a half, peaking at #7 in the fall of 1965. In addition to this being a giant hit for the group, it also marked the first hit for the legendary British songwriting team, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway. The two Rogers recorded as 'David and Jonathan' in the mid 60's and continued to write hit records for many other groups, including The Hollies, Gary Lewis and Playboys, Blue Mink and many others. They also wrote the Coke commercial 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing' , later recorded by The New Seekers. In Britain, 'Look Homeward Angel' was their third single, released in 1964, but did not chart. Their first single was a cover of The Jamies' 'Summertime Summertime', followed by 'Caroline' and 'I Like the Look of You'. Those bombed also, but starting with their fourth single in Britain, 'You've Got Your Troubles', the Fortunes were on their way with a string of hits that lasted into the early 70's. Among the more notable are 'Here is Comes Again' and 'This Diamond Ring' (both 1966), 'That Same Old Feeling' (1970), 'Freedom Come, Freedom Go' and 'Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again' (both 1971) and 'Storm in a Teacup' from 1972. From 1967-1969 they recorded many interesting singles, and a few albums, but all failed to chart. A couple of the better cuts were 'The Idol' (1967, and there is a great lip-synch clip of this on youtube) and 'Books and Films' from 1969- also on youtube. After 'Storm in a Teacup' they had a string of decent singles for Capitol, including a cover of Doris Day's "Secret Love', but they, too, failed to chart.
Despite the lack of hits after 1972, The Fortunes continued to tour big-time in Britain, and occasionally in Holland, where they had a huge hit with 'Seasons in the Sun' in 1968. Lead singer Rod Allen died about a year ago, but the group continues to tour with no original members from the hit days, though several had been with the group for many recent years.
(text by Tremsfan)

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[dcombeer]

Forty-six years ago I had managed to record the last few bars of this song on a then state-of-the-art Grundig 1/4 inch tape recorder of my parents. The song, which I loved from first hearing, haunted me, particularly when I emigrated and the words spoke to my homesickness. I received a full version about ten years ago, but not of this original quality. Is it 'Look Homeward, Angel' or is it 'Look, Homeward Angel'? I love both. I think I've come home.

[tremsfan]

There have been many Fortunes 'Best of" CDs, but it is hard to find many with this song on it. A group called The Monarchs had a hit with this song just before the Fortunes' version, and that is very good also....and it is on youtube. As far as other good songs by The Fortunes- try 'Here it Comes Again', 'The Idol', 'Here Comes that Rainy Day Feeling Again', 'Freedom Come, Freedom Go' and 'Storm in a Teacup', those are among the best.

[JohnnyGNV]

Really interesting re-working of this song, originally recorded by Johnny Ray. Is there a CD out by The Fortunes? I remember their single "You've Got Your Troubles" but wasn't sure what their follow-up Hits were, so thanks for posting and thanks for the information.

[throovest]

Barry's brother, Dave, introduced me to this one. I'd just returned from playing in the Storyville Club, Cologne [John Marshall] where the Fortunes were also playing. They said "Listen out for 'You've Got Your Troubles'" which they'd just recorded. By the time we all got back to Blighty it was already a massive hit.

[john111257]

great cover...fantastic vocals

[tremsfan]

WOW, 3,500 views ! Now, if we can only get The Idol back up again...

[starryeyed70]

Saw these lads sing this at st.phillips club in sheffield i think1963,glen dale was lead vocal.sang it 3 times absolutley superb.i think it can blind the monarchs version.also think youv got your troubles is the best pop song of the era.texm

[crowleysridgegirl]

This is the version that I remember,not the one by the Monarchs.This one came to mind today.Couldn't recall the group but I knew I'd heard the song.Thanks for putting this one on!

[tryithere]

Never understood how a group can continue with only 1-2 original much less 0.

[MrHekkus]

Great song. They were one of the most underrated groups of that period.