Profile: Lawrie Kurn - Number 1 Collector!

In 1952, the New Musical Express newspaper decided to publish a weekly chart of record sales, and on 14 November Al Martino became the first person to have a number one single with the song Here In My Heart.

 

I had been collecting records since the late 60s and in 1990 I decided to see if I could get hold of a copy of every number one from the first one to the current one. I wasn't bothered whether they were on album, CD, or single, I just wanted to have them all.

 

After three years of searching, I finally achieved this when I purchased a 1950s box set and there on the 1954 record was the last one I needed, Winifred Atwell's Let's Have Another Party.

 

In 2000, my in-laws moved house and on clearing out their loft, they discovered some old 78s. They asked me if I was interested in them, and I sorted out the ones that had reached the top of the chart. I then thought it would be nice to have all of the number ones on the original format, i.e. 78, 7 inch single, etc. This has meant me going to boot sales, charity shops, record fairs and asking friends and relatives. On 21 October 2006, I achieved this goal when I managed to get the two remaining 78s that I needed to complete the set.

 

I first joined Thameside Hospital radio (as it was then known) in 1984, as part of the Sunday night ward liaison team. I left in 1986 on good terms. In 2002, the station celebrated its 25th anniversary, and I was invited to a party at which I asked if members were still required. I rejoined in October 2002 and now present the number one themed show on Thursday evenings between 7 PM and 8 PM.

 

All the songs I play have been top of the charts and are attached to a theme, which can be anything from animal names, comedy and charity songs, record labels, etc.