The 57th Eurovision Song Contest is being held tomorrow in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Much has been said concerning the pros and cons of holding such a competition and it certainly has been the subject of much controversy over the years … but it is still very much with us and attracting as much attention as ever.
There is a very definite 1951 connection with the Eurovsion.
The United Kingdom has won the contest 5 times and one of those times was in 1976 when Brotherhood of Man sang ‘Save Your Kisses for Me’ which went on to become an international hit. Nicky Stevens, a member of the group which is still going strong, was indeed born in 1951.
Ireland have won no less than a record number 7 times, including 1970 when Dana (pictured left) sang a charming song called ‘ All Kinds of Everything‘. Dana was also born in … 1951.
Dave Benton (born 1951) won the contest for Estonia in 2001 with a song called ‘Everybody‘. He performed alongside budding Estonian rock singer Tanal Padar and boyband 2XL.
At the time of winning he did not actually speak Estonian.
Anne-Karine Strøm (born 1951) represented Norway three times. Sadly despite her efforts she finished in last place twice including 1974 when a group called ABBA won. The winner takes it all!
These YouTube links will take you to their Eurovision performances:
Brotherhood of Man Dana Dave Benton Anne-Karine Strom
