Margo Guryan was born in Far Rockaway, New York. Her songs were recorded by Mama Cass, Bobbie Gentrie and Glen Campbell, Astrud Gilberto, Julie London, Jackie DeShannon, Carmen McCrae, The Lennon Sisters, and Claudine Longet. Although she preferred writing songs that others could record and perform, in 1968 Margo recorded and released an album entitled "Take a Picture".
Although the success of this record back then was limited, it has since become a much sought-after collector’s item, so much that original pressings of the "Take a Picture" LP have been spotted being sold on e-Bay for as much as $190 each! Margo’s exquisite songwriting has garnered attention from some "celebrity" fans as well. To name just a few, Japanese pop star Cornelius released Take a Picture in Japan on his own label; Beck has been known to listen to Margo on the road. And according to her band’s website, Garbage’s Shirley Manson says she wants to cover Margo’s "Love Songs".
Reading this reminded me a lot of an article in The Gentlewoman about Cathy Dennis, the woman who writes such pop songs as Toxic and Can't Get You Out Of My Head. I can't quite disentangle the writing from the performing of music, which is why I find it fascinating - especially Dennis who seems very un-poppy, even a little serious and intellectual, yet writes perfectly catchy pop songs. Anyway, Margo - wonderful.
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