Authority control databases: Artists
Authority control databases: Artists  |
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The Joystrings | |
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| Origin | England |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1963–1969 |
| Past members |
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| Website | https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk |
The Joystrings (originally credited as The Joy Strings) were a 1960s British Christian music group led by classically trained keyboard player and singer Joy Webb, who was an officer in the Salvation Army.[1]
After appearing on Cliff Michelmore's BBC Tonight television show, they were given a recording contract by EMI Records.[1] In 1964, they became the first Salvation Army pop group to achieve chart success with "It's An Open Secret" and "A Starry Night".[1] The main members through the years were Joy Webb (who wrote the group's first hit), Peter and Sylvia Dalziel, Bill Davidson, and Wycliffe Noble. The group had a number of other singers drawn, at intervals, from cadets at the William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill in London.
They also recorded a version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," using the music of The Animals' "The House of the Rising Sun" - an unusual blending.[2]
In September 2013, 50 years after the Joystrings' formation, group member Sylvia Dalziel wrote about the group in a book published by Shield Books. The book included an introduction by General John Larsson, a tribute from Sir Cliff Richard, a full discography and many photographs never previously published.[3]
Wycliffe Noble died on 1 April 2017, at the age of 91.[4] Joy Webb died on 1 October 2023, at the age of 91.[5]