S.O.D. "Come Dancing" by the Kinks

5/24/2015     Featuring the brothers Ray and Dave Davies, one of the most popular British rock bands to date.  Both brothers are still active today embarking on separate solo careers.  Ray Davies wrote this song in memory of his older sister Rene who had a weak heart due to a bout with rheumatic fever as a child.  It's quite the story of 31 y/o Rene visiting Ray on his 13th birthday at their parents house in Fortis Green, London.  She surprised him with the gift of a Spanish guitar, something that Ray had asked his parents for.  

     His sister loved to dance and that night at a local dance Palais called the Lyceum Ballroom while dancing, she had a fatal heart attack and died in a stranger's arms.  Ray enjoyed script writing as well and used the song title as the basis for a musical.  The play premiered on September 13, 2008 at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.  He had written the original version in 1997 and also wrote the music for the play.  

     "Come Dancing" charted well in many countries but only peaking at number 12 in their native UK.  The original four members of The Kinks were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Lead guitarist Dave Davies has been ranked at #91 on Rolling Stones list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.