Ken Dodd’s career has, in his own words, been the oddest any man ever had. He began that career as a hugely successful comedian, working out which jokes worked for which audiences and crafting an act to suit accordingly. Quite where he started incorporating musical interludes is a matter of debate, but as Ken quickly realised, the change of pace from comedy to music went down well, first with his television audience and then with his live one. Watching record executives also noticed the good response Ken attracted, and Decca offered him his first recording contract in 1960 and were rewarded with a Top Ten hit in Love Is Like A Violin. Two years later he switched to the Columbia label for his very first album, Presenting Ken Dodd, on which Ken linked with the Geoff Love Orchestra. Whilst none of the tracks were ever released as singles, several of the songs became long standing parts of his live repertoire. And, as can be heard throughout each and every track, Ken Dodd was (and still is) a very serious singer, equally adept at uptempo and ballad material.

1. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
2. You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me
3. The Wonder Of You
4. Thank Heaven For Little Girls
5. Beautiful Dreamer
6. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
7. Fools Rush In
8. Romantica
9. True Love
10. My Heart Tells Me
11. The More I See You
12. Green Leaves Of Summer