"Tower of Strength" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard and performed by Gene McDaniels. The record was produced by Snuff Garrett and featured the Johnny Mann Singers and Earl Palmer on drums.Gene McDaniels, "Tower of Strength" Single Release, 45cat.com, Retrieved May 1, 2014 It appeared on his 1961 album, Tower of Strength.Gene McDaniels, Tower of Strength, Discogs.com, Retrieved May 1, 2014
Chart performance The song reached No. 5 on both the US Billboard pop and R&B charts in 1961.Gene McDaniels, "Tower of Strength" Chart Positions, Music.vf, Retrieved May 1, 2014 It reached No.3 in Australia.
Other versions Frankie Vaughan – as a single that peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1961.Frankie Vaughan, "A Hundred Pounds of Clay" Chart Position, Music.vf, Retrieved May 1, 2014 It was his second No. 1 single in the UK. Paul Raven (later famous as 'Gary Glitter') – as a single in 1961.Paul Raven, "A Hundred Pounds of Clay" single release, 45cat.com, Retrieved May 1, 2014 Gloria Lynne released an answer song entitled "You Don't Have to Be a Tower of Strength" in 1961. Adriano Celentano sung an Italian version entitled "Stai lontana da me" ("Stay away from me") and won the 1st Cantagiro contest in 1962. He recorded a Spanish version, too, with the title "Torre poderosa". Sue Richards had a moderate hit with her recording in 1975. Narvel Felts – as a single that went to No. 26 on the Canadian country chart and No. 33 on the country chart in 1979.Narvel Felts, "A Hundred Pounds of Clay" Chart Position, Music.vf, Retrieved May 1, 2014
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