My name is Maxim. I am from Russia. I am very glad that I had a possibility to write to you this letter. It is simply surprising as modern technologies allow us to communicate to people from the different countries. In my childhood, I constantly listened to the group MUNGO JERRY. It is impossible to describe the delight and positive emotions which arose in me when I listened to this music. Under the influence of this and other groups of that time I have learned to play a guitar and now sometimes take in hands a guitar to play for the pleasure. I want to tell you many thanks for what you did and continue to do. For the invaluable contribution to development fate of music. I wish you new creative successes. Yours faithfully Tabanin Maxim, Arkhangelsk, Russia - (13/10/11)

Hi Ray, Just a quick thank you for putting me on the guest list (Weyfest 2011), and yet another enjoyable concert, good to see some of it on the website, Hilary has done a good job there. The gigs over the last 18 months have been brilliant, hopefully a official live album with the current band would be great. Unfortunately will not be able to make Dunstable on the 15th October, so will catch up with you soon. Kind regards Quintin Drake, Fleet - (14/09/11)

I have just enjoyed reading RAY/MUNGO's biography. I was just surfing the internet looking at things about my childhood. I was born in Ashford. I was looking at the names of famous people who had lived in Ashford and read about GARY NUMAN and then about Ray. Every time I hear "Summertime" on the radio I tell my children I knew that man's Mum. I have said it so often that they now know the song (they are 13 and 18) and before I get chance to say it, they say "yes we know, you knew his Mum". I think I was on saying hello terms rather than really knowing her and I am pretty sure I never met or saw Ray. I presume from the text the family lived on Stanwell Road? I lived on Fairholme Road, one of the roads off it. Anyway, have enjoyed reading the biography this evening with mention of the Links Hotel and St Hilda's Church Hall. Just wanted to share my reminiscing! Janis Bayley (nee Cole) - (01/09/11)

Hi Ray I hope that you don’t mind my e-mailing you, I found your address on your MUNGO JERRY website. I’ve been a huge fan of yours since the early 1970's, and would bother my parents to let me do jobs around the place to raise money to buy your singles, which I still own, either 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT' or 'LONG LEGGED WOMAN DRESSED IN BLACK' would have been among the first half a dozen records I bought with my own money. I brought our kids along to Monmouth while we were on holiday in Wales to see you, it’s the first time I’ve been able to catch you in concert and we were not disappointed. Thanks so much for a great night out, not to mention all the pleasure I’ve had from your records from even before I was old enough to be allowed to handle them! I wondered if it might be possible to ask you for an autograph please? I was hoping that I may have been able to catch you after the show last week, but the five-year-old was being a bit fractious and I needed to get him back to the tent! Thanks for reading this, and again for the great music. With all best wishes Mike Burgess, Northampton - (16/08/11)

Dear Raymond, Just wanted you to know how that ;IN THE SUMMERTIME' is one of the most uplifting songs I can recall. I was not feeling well tonight and lamenting being a "single old dog" at 51 and one of my "old dog friends" (he will be 51 on Sept 2) sent me the you tube link to 'IN THE SUMMERTIME'. Wow! I was singing, moving, and squealing with delight. Wouldn't it be great if we could broadcast that song around the entire earth simultaneously and see a whole planet dancing and smiling?! Thank you MUNGO JERRY for the happy and unforgettable mark you made on my music memory. Teri in Montana - (16/08/11) P.S - I realise there is no way of knowing if you are really MUNGO JERRY. Anybody could have this e-mail. But being a trusting soul, I will believe.

Hi, What great news! - (MJ @ Mr.Kyps) - Please excuse my ignorance but I just wasn't aware that you are still rocking n'groovin' around! This is a jolly moment and opportunity for me to see you'all playing live! Let me introduce myself first, my name is Greg Gosztyla, born in Poland and then moving around in Europe. When I was in Holland, I bought your 'THE BEST OF' compilation, firstly by knowing the name of MUNGO JERRY, and knowing the only one song title (we all know which one) and by the cover on the record. I thought, they look good so they must sound good too. I wasn't disappointed. I was dancing and enjoying every tune! That's pure rock n' roll! Well, in groov(ish) style, that's it. And I loved it from the first bite. And from now on....blah blah blah....I believe that you are receiving many of this kind of letters/e-mails. In brief now, I live in London now but I just found out that you will be playing tommorow (15/07/11) in Poole so I've decided to go there to see you guys! yep, that's right. I've your tour dates and you're not coming anywhere near me so I have to come to you then. This is going to be a great night. It will be even better if you could add me and my friend on a guest list, I know that you had only 100 tickets and they have been probably given away by now but maybe you can find 2 more to spare? And please don't start before 8.30pm. I have a long journey awaiting... See you at Mr Kyps! Best wishes Greg Gosztyla, London - (15/07/11)

One of the greatest songs ('IN THE SUMMERTIME') ever!! It brings back memories to some of the best times of my life. THANK YOU RAY!!, and thank GOD for You Tube. Best regards, Bob Duggan - (15/07/11)

Dear MUNGO people, Despite a dreadful downpour, a real lack of audience numbers and the fact that they had to move to the Acoustic Stage from the Main Stage, MUNGO JERRY put on a blinding gig that raised the spirits of the small but appreciative crowd that stayed on to see them yesterday evening. RAY DORSET may not be the best singer in the world and he may not even be the best guitarist - but what a brilliant performer! He put everything into the gig, like a true professional and completely won the crowd over, which was an amazing achievement given the circumstances. I've never seen them live before but would love to see them again, sometime in the future. Please pass on our thanks to Ray and the boys. I would have to have a set list for the evening, as they played some songs I have not heard before. Keep on Keepin' On. Des O'Byrne - (13/06/11) Hi Des, Great review! I've passed it on to Ray, and the others who run the various websites. I will post the review on our site. Any pics? Cheers Alan - MUNGOMANIA! Alan, Thanks for that. I personally do not have any photographs but will ask around and see if anyone I know who was there, took any. If I find some, I'll forward them. I'm still buzzing from the gig and it has gone into my top 10 gigs of all time. It was truely a case of: "Cometh the hour, cometh the man" and after a day of torrential rain and huge disappointment for the organisers of The Lazy Bishops Festival, it was what we all needed to forget our troubles and bop our blues away. Brilliant! All my favouritre gigs have been at small venues: PETER GABRIEL at The Ockenden Venture, Haslemere, ERIC CLAPTON at The Civic Hall, Guildford and Woking Leisure Centre, ELBOW at The Cataclan Club, Paris and a recent gig I put on at Grayshott Village Hall, which had THE STRAWBS (Acoustic), headlining for us. Forget stadium gigs and bigger venues, it's the small venues, with smaller audiences that truely reflect how big a star and how accomplished a performer is, in my opinon. I was amazed to hear about the guy in the audience who had been to more than 300 MUNGO JERRY gigs. Fair play to him! Any chance of getting a set list together? There was a particular song that really resonated with me and I tried to write the title down but like everything else my paper and pen were wet through and wouldn't write. Regards, Des O'Byrne, Grayshott Folk Club CLICK HERE FOR 'GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB' CLICK HERE FOR 'GRAYSHOTT.COM'

Hi Ray, Thank you a lot for your awesome job in Vienna, thank you for your patience, thank you for your positive energy, thank you for your smile on stage, thank you, thank you, thank you! It was a pleasure to recognize that you had the kids in less than 3 minutes. For me, I would have preferred a show with much more of your own songs. By the way, didn’t you do 'BABY JUMP' in the first season (March 2011) of the show? Have a sunny, relaxing and a wonderful time with your family. Sorry for my bad English (I left school almost 40 years ago) - My English is shit! I’m looking forward to see you in July. We are really prvileged in Vienna. Best wishes to you, your family and all persons you love. Sincerely, Silvia Aigner - (28/05/11)

Hi Ray My son who will be 21 in June has just discovered MUNGO JERRY! He asked me if I’d ever heard of the band. I introduced him to my record collection and he was impressed with his old man! Needless to say our house is rocking again! Long may you run! David Papworth - (26/05/11)

Hi David, Many thanks, and a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR SON. Cheers, Ray - (26/05/11)

I'm a little young for your time but I do listen to the sounds of the time, the music today is not worth listening to. Groups like MUNGO JERRY set the bar that todays musicians cannot match. God bless and more continued success for you. A friend Jeff Lewis - (28/04/11)

Hello Mungomania, JOE RUSH recently told me to check out the photos of his band THE JAYRIDERS on your website. I’m impressed - your site is a fascinating archive with recent updates of the on-going story of MUNGO JERRY. It’s a story in which I played a small role back in 1976, a very exciting part of my life. My connection to the band began in about 1971 when I was in the COUNTRY JUG band with JOE RUSH, playing Zonk stick, jug and electric bass. COUNTRY JUG - 1971 L-R;JEFF'WINKLE'WILKS, CHARLIE ESNER, JAMES MATTHEWS, JOE RUSH Ray liked our sound and produced a single for us at Decca - 'I'M SORRY' - so were we, as it flopped and Decca Records lost interest in the band afterwards. PAUL KING and COLIN EARL used to support us sometimes on our gigs, which was great fun as they would get up on stage and jam with us. Although COUNTRY JUG was good it was rather short lived, we did play some great gigs including Weeley 1971 and the Reading Festival in 1972, as well as headlining down at the good old Marquee Club in Wardour Street until sadly, it came to an end. It was a few years later that Ray asked me to rehearsals for a new line-up and so I got to play at Dingwalls in Camden Town. Looking back, the best part was playing 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' live at The International Pop Proms for Granada TV, a lifetime achievement for me. ROY ORBISON was also booked and I can remember Ray trying to talk to him but he was so reclusive he just disappeared into his dressing room. MUNGO JERRY - 1976 L-R;COLIN EARL, RAY DORSET, JOE RUSH, JAMES MATTHEWS I’ve lost touch with everyone now except good old JOE RUSH, who rang me a couple of weeks ago from France. I also played with him at his daughter’s wedding, where of course we bashed out a few MUNGO numbers. As for me, I’m still gigging… well, it gets into the bloodstream. I’m now the main singer for THE JOHNNY JUMP BAND – a great crew. We’re based in Norwich, England. People sometimes come up and say, you sound a bit like MUNGO JERRY, so I say, "funny you should say that"! If you’re in town come over and see us, or check out our videos at: CHECK OUT THEIR VIDEOS THE JOHNNY JUMP BAND AND FOR BAND INFO, GIGS & MUSIC REVERBNATION Don’t forget to say hello All the Best James Matthews - (22/02/11)

JJ found this review of a MUNGO JERRY gig in the 70's... MUNGO JERRY, Twickenham, St Mary’s College, 14 November 1975. MUNGO’s chart days were over by this time, but they put on a mighty non-stop party from start to finish. RAY DORSET’s banter and encouraging everyone to sing along throughout made for an infectious time, with one high spot after another – 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' (which started out as "HP sauce is a mighty fine sauce" and a reminder that it was apparently a table favourite of HAROLD WILSON, Prime Minister at the time), 'LONG LEGGED WOMAN DRESSED IN BLACK', 'BABY JUMP', 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT' (featuring an extended harmonica break by PAUL KING, who had left the band some time previously but still came back as a guest from time to time), a rather risqué sing-a-long 'LITTLE BIT OF LOVE', and for an encore 'LADY ROSE'. Line-up – RAY DORSET (vocals, guitar, harmonica, kazoo), COLIN EARL (piano), PAUL KING (harmonica), CHRIS WARNES (bass), PETE SULLIVAN (drums), JOE RUSH (washboard) - ************

Hello! - Dear Mr.Ray Dorset My name is Eduard. I live in Russia in city Novocherkassk. Our city very small and on it for me a great honor to write to you. I am very much, very much the great admirer of your activity. I realy enraptured your person. You're my favorite musician and the legendary person for me. I the real fan of your creativity. In our city there is a small fan - club of your admirers and I am its chairman. I very want to have as a keep-sake your signature. Please, send me your autograph. Very much it would be desirable that the autograph nominal on my name. This you will make me the happiest man! Please!!! After all very not to be easy during our heavy time the happy man. Very much I hope for you! I wish you successes and health! I invite you to Russia. We love you and very much we think much of your creativity Thank you!From Russia with love. Sincerely yours, Ed. LONG LIVE ROCK!!!!! Eduard Revenko, Novocherkassk, Russia - (09/01/11)

Dear Ray Dorset, I am a huge fan of your career, I love what you did with MUNGO JERRY. I think that you have had an amazing career, one that I wish I could have lived. I think that your story should be in a movie, you have seen everything in music, all the ups and downs and still have survived and succeeded. Thank you for making me a fan. I was wondering if you could please send me your autograph, it would mean so much to me to hear back from you. Thank you so much and I wish you all the best. Thank you very much, Michael Mendes, Scarsdale, Ny 10583. U.S.A - (06/01/11)

Hi Ray, There is not a chance you will remember the awful show at Worthing in Sussex in God knows what year. It was called PHUN CITY, your band was headlining. It pissed down all day and night, my pals and I "slept" under the stage. Next morning I was sitting on a large diesel generator trying to warm up and dry out. You wandered by in all the mud and shit, I spoke to you and said that congratulations were in order as your record 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' had just reached number one. You said you didn't know this and said thanks and wandered off through the wreckage. The place looked like a bomb site, the security people had long given up and the tin fences were wrecked. Some fair and mediocre folk came on stage and played. Some f*****t wandered around starkers carrying a hat "for some diesel so Mungo can play" I gave so did others. He pissed off with the cash of course. The rain eased up then stopped, you and the boys came onto the stage and started. It seemed as if in seconds the whole place lit up. We all danced and sang and fell about in the mud. There was no booze available, the festival organisers were probably back home by now, I had never seen dope so wouldn't know if there was any of that. It didn't matter. The atmosphere changed in seconds from a dreary, washed out, ripped off, thirsty, hungry, soaking wet, tired bunch to a first rate load of geezers with nothing but good times ahead. I still don't know why you played, I would like to think it was because you wanted to. For us in the crowd it was the experience of a life time. Now my friends are spread across the world. Some of us became sucessful others did not. But whenever we meet the first topic of conversation once the hellos are out of the way,and the first bottle of Bollinger has been opened is always, "What about that show at Worthing where MUNGO played. Was that shit-hot or not?" And the answer is yes, it was shit-hot and we all loved it - Crazy days! Andy Norman - (18/12/10)

Hi Andy, MANY, MANY THANKS, lovely email. I remember the festival well, we did play because we wanted to, FREE refused because there was no money left to pay the bands, but we, at that time were only interested in us and everybody else getting off on a good groove and vibe. The spirit of the hippy ethos was still, just about there, and me having digested a lot of articles in the alternative and underground press was at that time in agreement, music for free! I have absolutely no regrets about doing the gig, I would do it again, happy times and good expectations. Have a GREAT CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR, God Bless, Cheers, Ray - (19/12/10)

Hey Ray, Longtime fan, if you ever find yourself in Nashville and need a backup group, the CUMBERLAND JUG BAND is at your service! Saw you walking around NAMM but you were engaged and I'm not the kind of cat who germs up on folks at the show. If you happen to be coming back to NAMM, we are having the 26th Annual TEC Awards there for the first time, it was always at the AES Show previously. I'm on the board of directors so if you're at the show, say howdy and you'll be my guest. We are honoring LINDSAY BUCKINGHAM and there are "rumors" that the "Mac" or what's touring of them now will show up and play. Tried to get my mate BOB WELCH to fly out with me but all my ageing rock star pals get harder and harder to get out of the house with each passing year. Mike Lawson - (30/11/10)

Hi Guys, The remainder of this e-mail may seem a bit strange but it is true. I live in Perth Australia, (having done so for 5 3/4 yrs) moving from Weymouth Dorset. After moving here, being in a strange place I decided to do something for myself, so I took up the violin/fiddle inspired by the great JOHNNY VAN DERRICK from the early MUNGO years. My belief being, do something, what do you like? I like JOHNNY VAN DERRICK on MUNGO records, so lets start there. So I started learning the violin/fiddle 3 years ago. My son who is now 12 yrs old had no musical inclination although he can write down a tune on music sheets, (most of which I can play melodiously on the violin), but he can't play an instrument, it is all in his head. However (and this is the biggie) he now wants to learn the guitar, which I have agreed to learn alongside of him, his inspiration was the couple of things on 'Youtube' which unfortunately have been deleted, the main song/tune being 'LOVELY HOLIDAY'. As this song and others have been removed from You Tube, I ask are you aware of any other routes to access this song on video. Here's the guilt trip for you, we have over the last couple of w/e's started looking at guitars, tone, sound, size etc. Unfortunately we have found a couple for him, but he wants to learn 'LOVELY HOLIDAY' Please, if you can help in my/our dilema I am looking forward to the answer. Martyn Storey, Perth, Australia - (19/11/10) Hi Martin, Here is the latest version of the song. Please learn to play for you and your son's delight. Please do not make copies without permission. Regards, Derek Hi Derek, Thank you so very much for the file that you sent me, I promise that I will never abuse any copy process. However, I have a thought, (albeit based on my time in the UK and it's music scene in the 70's 80's). My thought is a suggestion really, (of which I am sure you get many), OK bottom line, I haven't lived in the UK for a number of years, but still remember the Xmas music rush in the 70's and early 80's. Here's a thought (and I honestly don't know what the music in the UK is like at the moment), but can't 'LOVELY HOLIDAY' turn into 'Christmas Holiday' easily, with a few changes, this year is probably too late for the season but there is always next year. If you agree, could you pass this on to Ray for me. Also, SMOKIE appeared out here recently touring Australia and if they can do it? So what are the chances of MUNGO?

Friday the 17th September 2010 was going to be a big day, not least because it was my birthday but especially so because my fiancée had bought tickets for us to see MUNGO JERRY live at Mr Kyps in Poole. Having been MUNGO JERRY fans since their chart success in the early 70's we didn’t quite know what to expect but we pushed to the front of a packed venue and took up our positions in front of the stage. The band entered to thunderous applause, which was whipped up still further as RAY DORSET greeted the fans. Looking lithe and fit Ray teased us by playing riffs from some of the old MJ classics, whilst he told us the story behind the band and their particular musical journey. The theme was clear, MUNGO JERRY were there to have fun whilst entertaining the audience with their showmanship, exceptional musical talent and of course, a couple of classic tracks thrown in for good measure. The show revolved around Ray’s energetic performance centre stage as he led us on a tour of MUNGO JERRY’s own brand of blues. Songs merged seamlessly into each other, with the audience hanging on every riff as notes of recognition emerged from some of the well known classics. There was a brief excursion into the unknown with a number written for ELVIS by Ray but made famous by KELLY MARIE, called 'FEELS LIKE I'M IN LOVE'. Suddenly we were firmly back in the old MUNGO JERRY territory as Ray and the band knocked out the finest version of 'LADY ROSE' I have ever heard. All in all we were treated to a master class in live music entertainment, which ended of course with 'IN THE SUMMERTIME'. Great job guys - definitely a gig to remember and what a fantastic birthday present that turned out to be! Mike and Shane Anstey.

A ten out of ten score may seem a bit high, but I simply couldn't give it anything below. PROSPECTS was absolutely brilliant, from the spot on chemistry and casting of the two main protagonists, to the stereotypical but entertaining villains "Stretch" and "Tubbsy". I was GUTTED that this series got cancelled after one classic series. The stories were great, the acting was superb and more than anything...THE THEME SONG!!! How brilliant a theme. If you never heard it go and hunt it down. "Is it just another day? Or will Prospects find a way? On the crumbling city streets, Working for tomorrow", or something like that? I loved this show so much, that I ran into the criminally unsung BRIAN BOVELL at a cinema in London and held him up (with his girlfriend), while I sung him the whole theme song. I'm sure he hasn't forgotten it and believe me...neither will I! I loved PROSPECTS and I sincerely hope it gets a DVD release. Internet Review (sent in by Derek) - (26/10/10)

Dear Mr RAY DORSET, I am a great admirer of you. I would therefore be very happy if you could send me 1 or 2 handwritten pictures of you. I would be very pleased if you could fulfill my wishes. Many thanks in advance for your kindness, I wish you all the best. Yours sincerely, Srecko Vincelj, Zagreb - (01/10/10)

Hi, RAY DORSET, you're a great man and a great lead singer with MUNGO JERRY! I loved your music! Your song 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' was awesome, I loved it! Also,'BABY JUMP', 'LADY ROSE', are great! You have a great voice! I respect you very much! Good luck & good health - your fan Pat. Could you please autograph a photo? It will be cherished. Thanks Pat. Pat Randle, Palestine, Il, U.S.A - (01/10/10)

Dear RAY DORSET, My name is Robert Brodie, I have a learning difficulty. I really like your music, my favourite song is,'IN THE SUMMERTIME'. I think you have a great sounding voice, your music makes me happy. I have a huge collection of old records and CD's. I listen to them to help me relax. Music is very important to me, I also like going swimming, playing snooker and THE ROLLING STONES. I collect signed photo's of people I admire, I would be grateful if you could send me a signed photo of yourself. Thankyou very much for your time. Robert Brodie, South Shields - (19/08/10)

Hello Mungo, I met you at the Yorkshire pudding stall at Guilfest this July. You were pretty hungry. Good gig. I remember the 60's/70's onwards. Remember I spoke to you about the One Show, very good interview. I would have loved to have had a photo taken, but did not have my camera. I would be grateful if you would please send me a signed one.x Jeannie McMillan, Thornton-Cleveleys - (18/08/10) Hi Jeannie, A signed pic is on it's way to you as requested. Keep on Rockin', Derek Dear Ray/Mungo, Thank you for taking the time to send me your signed photo, which I received very promptly this morning, very unusual, great picture, my son would love the guitar and the bike isn't bad either. I have your website now on my favourites. I still now and again will start singing, 'IN THE SUMMERTIME'! Fab song will last forever! Keep Well - Bye for now xxx Jeannie McMillan - (20/08/10)

Hi, Always rated Ray, as I mostly listen to rockabilly/rock'n'roll, and that side of things has always been there in his stuff...though with his own unique spin on things! Funny looking back, just how many of the glam/glam related bands of the early 70's had a big chunk of 50's rock'n roll flash in their DNA....great! Another thing I wanted to check is if you know the date that I saw MUNGO JERRY play? It was in the Palace Lido in Douglas, Isle Of Man in either the summer of '75 or '76...can't remember which! (I believe it was the 13th of June, 1976...Al) What stuck with me ever since was that the support band was THIN LIZZY who had the new two-guitar line-up but were dressed like hippies and died on their feet - mainly due to their reluctance to play 'WHISKEY IN THE JAR', their one 'hit' at the time. In contrast, Ray came on and grabbed the place by the scruff of the neck and never let up - one of the best gigs and killer showmanship I ever saw - though people still to this day think I'm making the Lizzy bit up! A live recording of that gig would be the best thing ever! Great to see he's still knockin''em dead all these years later....the guy is a true original! Best wishes, Brian Young, Belfast - (10/08/10)

Hi Ray, I hope you are keeping well. Just to let you know that in Australia before every A-League game, that is the Australian Football League (soccer) that commenced last Thursday, Australia wide and in New Zealand, MUNGO JERRY is played before every game through the Solo drink advertisement, 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT'. You can hear the magic sound of MUNGO JERRY/RAY DORSET. Take Care Bob Gilpin, Australia - (10/08/10)

Hi, Just thought I'd write regarding 'BOOT POWER', which I've been playing a lot lately. It's one of my favourite LP's of all time and I thought I'd give my review of the album. I remember when I bought the album being knocked out by the cover with Ray in Clockwork Orange mode, and on the inside with the lyrics and little sketches of Ray as Dennis The Menace. Anyhow to the music, side 1 - the first track is 'OPEN UP' and the first time I heard it was when I saw MUNGO live at St.George's Hall, Bradford with the 'BOOT POWER' line-up with my two mates who were also big MUNGO fans. And when he said it was going to be the new single, I told all my mates at school, "wait till you hear the new single, it's totally different to the others and is really good rock track". Then a few weeks later, I was just getting ready for school when TONY BLACKBURN announced he was going to play the new MUNGO JERRY single 'OPEN UP', and when he played it I thought "what the hell is that? It's nothing like what they played at the concert". I was the laughing stock at the school! Strangely when they appeared on Top Of The Pops they sang the 'BOOT POWER' version, bizarre! Anyhow the track is fantastic and John Pope's organ really adds to the feel of the song, I'm sure if they had released this version they would have had a top twenty hit. The second track is,'SHE'S GONE', a bluesy track with Ray bemoaning a lost love and contemplating suicide not the usual Mungo style but a great track showing another side of Rays songwriting. Third track is 'LOOKING FOR MY GIRL' and you can see why Ray wanted to add drums to the band, TIM REEVES drumming really adds to the track and I remember playing this in my bedroom, the stereo effects at the end were great. Next came 'SEE YOU AGAIN' with Ray in a Dylan mood with great vocal style on this. And the final track on side one was,'THE DEMON' with Ray now in Nostradamus mode predicting catastrophe of the world ahead and a very atmospheric end to side one. Side Two - starts with one of my favourite Mungo tracks of all time, 'MY GIRL & ME', just a truly fantastic track, with a great little tale of love from Ray and again JON POPE's work on organ really takes the track to another level, it was released as a double A-sided single with '46 & ON' which was a big mistake because this ('MY GIRL & ME') was far and away the better song and most DJ's at the time played '46 & ON' because it was more like the MUNGO sound but this just showed a completely different side To MUNGO JERRY. Track two on side two was 'SWEET MARY JANE' and the first time I heard it, the beginning sounded like the 'Rupert the Bear' theme tune, but a good sing-a-long pop song. Next came my one disappointment with the album, a new version of 'LADY ROSE'. Now 'LADY ROSE', the original, is my favourite song of all time and this felt like they were short of a song for the album and did a quick reworking of the hit. I would have preferred maybe a longer version of 'NO GIRL REACTION' which they were doing in the live shows at the time. Track 4 is,'GOING DOWN THAT OLD DUSTY ROAD' which brings MUNGO back to their foot stomping best followed by 'BRAND NEW CAR' which highlights just what a fantastic rock'n roll singer Ray is, and to finish the album the autobiographical,'46 & ON'. Overall, probably their most consistent album which showed off the many facets to RAY DORSET's songwriting and it was just a pity the line-up only lasted one album. Keith Mann - (09/08/10)

Dear Mr Johnson, I think RAY DORSET is a phenomenal singer and songwriter and I am currently learning guitar, partly inspired by him. His work with MUNGO JERRY is amazing and my favourite songs are,'IN THE SUMMERTIME','BABY JUMP','LADY ROSE','HELLO NADINE'and'MIGHTY MAN'. They have had a great influence on me musically and I look forward to all Mr.Dorset's future projects, I want to send him all my admiration and best wishes. Please may I enquire, is there anwhere I can send, to possibly recieve a signed photo of Ray? (sorted, Derek!) It would mean a lot to my family and I. Any help very much appreciated. Yours sincerely Paula Toner, Limavady, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland - (09/08/10)

Hi Alan, I got out the old photo albums earlier, the ones that I have carted around more than 30 house moves and found the pic of Ray that he sent me when I was a kid. I carefully peeled the picture off the album page and found this account written on the back. I think it's rather sweet. Account of my meeting with Ray Dorset 19/12/72 By Hilary Athey (then aged an excitable 13 years and 8 months!). Mungo Jerry Fan Club member 1093. It was Tuesday 19 December 1972. The Evening Echo (Southend local newspaper) was holding a Christmas party for their junior agents at the Cliffs Pavilion. Paul T had told me that MUNGO JERRY would be appearing so I persuaded Steve S to take me as his guest. I finally went with Louise A because Steve thought I was going as his girlfriend. I wore green satin trousers, a white blouse and an enormous badge I had made from a ‘BOOT POWER’ sticker. We went there on the bus and I took my fan club picture to try and get it signed. After many kisses under the mistletoe (mainly from John E) I lost everyone I knew. About 9.30-9.45, MUNGO JERRY came on stage. I pushed my way to the front. I had already given my picture to the DJ and he had said he would get it signed. He told me to go to the stage door to collect it later. They played 'OPEN UP', 'MIGHTY MAN', a mixture of 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' and 'BABY JUMP' and various others. Ray kept looking at me (I thought) so I winked at him and to my delight he winked back. After the encore, they went offstage and I went to the back of the building to the stage door. I was talking to the other girls when Ray came along the corridor. He signed some papers and gave me a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe and then I asked him if I could have my picture back. He went to find it and when he came back down he said the DJ had given it to another girl. Ray promised to send me another signed one. I said goodbye and went to get my coat. While I was waiting, I saw a girl with my photo. She wouldn’t give it back. On the coach on the way home, my friend said she had never seen anyone look so happy. Around 7 January 1973, this photograph arrived, Ray had read my fan club number written on the back of the picture and found out who I was. Kevin C has loaned me 4 MUNGO albums and also 'COLD BLUE EXCURSION' and I am going to buy 'GREATEST HITS' after Easter. If we emigrate to Rhodesia, I am going to see if I can see MUNGO JERRY again before we leave. Publish if you wish, I can only blush and laugh at it now but it was the most important thing in the world to me then. Chuckling over the fond memories - and I still remember the evening very well. It was the first gig I ever went to and to see my heroes was just heaven. Hilary Athey, Southend - (06/08/10)

Hi Ray, Friends who were at Guilfest tell me you rocked, were the highlight of the festival for them. 'Am gutted I missed out - are you playing any other UK gigs? Have been a fan since the 70`s! Best wishes, Debbie Hammacott - (29/07/10)

Hi Mungo, Really enjoyed your set on Saturday and have been telling anyone who will listen how good you were. One of my colleagues who is of an age to remember buying 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' forty years ago was wondering how old you are (64 years old - Al)? Could this imformation please be forwarded? Thanks again for a great show on Saturday, it really was one of the highlights of my weekend! Best wishes Pete Gilmour - (22/07/10)

Well, a crowd of us were at the Polish Club on Saturday night for the MUNGO JERRY night. It was just wonderful, we had a great time and MUNGO JERRY has lost none of it's originality. We were dancing the night away, not one person had a negative comment about the night. We hope that you go on for years to come and can't wait for you to return to Amersham. Most of our crowd were in their 50's, 60's, and now 70's, so here's to the next ten years of enjoying your sound. It was Gill's' birthday and the band sang Happy Birthday to a lovely lady. Love to all the band. Sylvia and Alan Whatley - (07/06/10)

Hi Ray, Years ago I had your 'BABY JUMP' e.p, can you tell me if the song that had the lyrics, "the man behind the piano stopped and stared", was actually called 'THE MAN BEHIND THE PIANO'? I have been a great lover of your music since hearing, #IN THE SUMMERTIME'. Unfortunately, two wives and a few house moves means that I have lost all those little gems from the past otherwise I would only have had to look at the record sleeve. Regards John Towers - (24/02/10)

Hi John, Thanks for the mail, Women! I know the score! In fact it was PAUL KING that wrote the song. The line was taken from a French review of the band, I said that it would make for a good song title and Paul wrote the song. 'THE MAN BEHIND THE PIANO' was in fact BIZZ (TONY BISIKER) our driver/tour manager who discovered that if he wore some kind of stage clothes, played an instrument of some sort, a tambourine in his case, and appeared somewhere on stage at our gigs, then it would be much easier for him to pull! If you know what I mean. Very Best Wishes, Cheers, Ray - (24/02/10)

Hi Derek, I had a chuckle about you saying Ray's music is keeping me young.... I don't think I told you the story how I discovered Ray's music. Several years ago I heard just the first couple lines of 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' on an RV commercial. Loved it, but couldn't find out the name of the song. No-one seemed to know. Then last summer I was in a store, the song came on the radio, so I went to the front and asked the owner what the name was. He told me the name, but couldn't remember who sang it. I came home, went on the internet and found MUNGO JERRY. I absolutely loved the music. In a few weeks I emailed "marcmickey" to thank that person (at the time I didn't know if it was a man or woman) for the video's I enjoyed so much. I was very hesitant to e-mail anyone I didn't know, but decided to take a chance. He e-mailed me right back, now we have a wonderful friendship. Ray's music is all I listen to. So thanks to each of you (Marc too) for my enjoyment! The best to you Norma - (30/01/10)

Dear Ray & co, It was to great to see your last show in Nove Zamky last night. You and your company were fantastic...thanks a lot for that lovely experience. My dream came true! Will you be so kind to let me know names of your bandmates/players of your nice band? I rememebr only Mr.Johnson - guitar player? Give my warm greetings to all of them, please. Love and Peace! Ernie Murin (in the name of all your Slovak fans) - (29/11/09)

Ray, Just wanted to say thanks for the great music last week over at The Stables. Both my wife and I thought how great the show was. In particular all the old numbers such as 'TAKE ME BACK', 'HAVE A WHIFF ON ME', 'MIGHTY MAN' were really really good. I would also say that the blues songs you played were also impressive live. Prior to coming I was wondering what you would be like as it is probably ten years since we last saw the band as we were living down in Valbonne for about eight years near JEAN JACQUES BEDROSSIAN, who as you know lives in Cannes, and when we came over to the UK it was always for family visits. I have to say you were incredible. We have been to a lot of live music in the the last few years and I can only say that TINA TURNER can compare voice wise and entertainment wise. You are still up there so keep on rocking and bashing out the blues. Thanks again and hopefully will see you in the not too distant future. By the way I can report the 'costume' is coming on a treat - if ever you need any replacement sideburns and can't be bothered to grow then I know just the the theatrical wig shop ! Bryan Mallyon - (10/11/09)

Dear Mr Dorset, I am writing to thank you. Myself and 3 mates came along to your gig at the Stables last night and to be honest we didn’t really know what to expect. What a fantastic treat it turned out to be – a really professional and outstanding show from start to finish. Without doubt, the best money spent on entertainment in a very long time. Very best regards and have a great Christmas. Steve Whiting - (5/11/09)

Hello Derek and the great RAY DORSET if you're there? I've been a MUNGO fan since I was 14 years old, I'm now 51, in fact MUNGO were the first band I really liked. Unfortunately I lost touch with the band after 'BOOT POWER', then I came across your website and I intend to buy all the albums I haven't got. I have albums 2,3, and 4 'YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN THE ARMY', 'ELECTRONICALLY TESTED' and 'BOOT POWER', and I still have all those great 7" singles in picture covers that they released. But I am amazed to find that none of those early albums are available on CD, especially the magnificent 'ELECTRONICALLY TESTED'. Can you tell me if Ray's album 'COLD BLUE EXCURSION' is available on CD? An album I've wanted for years, but never got around to buying. Also I never got to see the band live...do they still tour? Regards, Lenny Dyland. Liverpool - (13/10/09) Alright Alright Alright...Alright Alright Alright! Hi Lenny, At the moment the early Dawn albums are not available on CD, but the 3 CD-set 'DEFINITIVE COLLECTION' (available from www.mungojerry.com) covers virtually all the songs released during those years and in the correct running order also in most cases.'COLD BLUE EXCURSION' is not readily available to us, but I did notice some copies available on Amazon the other day. Ray is still touring having fun and I have passed your comments onto him and to the www.mungomania.com site also. Keep on Rockin', Derek

Hi, I'm a 46 years old Mexican man and since I was a child, I felt a great attraction for the sixties music, in those years when I was just a child. Years later, I become a guitarist, and has lived loving all of those beautiful songs, especially 'IN THE SUMMERTIME', which reminds me of my childhood nearby my sisters. They really experienced the splendor of the sixties, and that influenced me, and inspired me to play guitar. Thank you MUNGO for that lovely song! I´d like you to answer this letter, that would really make me happy, me and my 20 year old son who loves your music too. Yours sincerely Jaime Vargas Gamez, Mexico City - (20/09/09)

Hi Alan, The last time I saw MUNGO JERRY was a one night concert in Spain last year at a place called Santa Pola, we were over there on holiday near Alicante. Couldn't believe it when I read an advert in the paper about them being there at the same time as us. We sat next to compere Jon Summers and he said that was the best concert he had seen in years,and he has seen them all there Steve Cooper - (10/09/09)

Saw MUNGO at the Processed Pea Folk Club at Etton in East Yorkshire celebrating forty years in existance on 8th September. He was brilliant! Thanks for a great nights entertainment. Best wishes Olga/Phil Coates - (09/09/09)

Hi, I remember a friend and myself going to see MUNGO JERRY at the Birmingham Town Hall in probably 1971...it was on New Year's Eve! They were supported by VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR of all people. Anyway, due to it being New Year's Eve, and people having other things on their itinaries for that particular night, there were only about 20 people there. VAN DER GRAAF played their set whilst my mate was in the bar, were he said he spoke briefly to Ray. MUNGO JERRY didn't play that night...and who can blame them...20 people! I'd love to know if the band remember that night! The first MUNGO JERRY album (with the 3d sleeve) was the first LP I'd ever bought, after buying 'IN THE SUMMERTIME'. What I enjoyed was listening to 12 bar blues...I had no idea where to go to buy the original blues stuff at the time (I was only 15/16). The 2nd album I bought was 'DEEP PURPLE IN ROCK', so you can see in which direction my musical tastes were heading. I continued to buy all the singles up to 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT' and all the albums up to 'YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN THE ARMY'. MUNGO JERRY will always hold a special place in my heart, as the band that really got me interested in music. All the Best John Thatcher - (04/09/09).

Hi Ray, I would just like to thank you for all the hours of enjoyment you have given me through your music. I can still remember the time when I bought 'LADY ROSE'. It was for my 14th birthday and it was the first time I had bought a single full price, up until then I had bought couple of ex-jukebox records, the first one being CLARENCE CARTER'S 'PATCHES'. The normal price was 50p but 'LADY ROSE' was 65p because it was a maxi-single. And it had the added bonus of being a picture cover at a time when there wasn't too many about. The joy of playing 'LADY ROSE', 'HAVE A WHIFF ON ME', 'MILK COW BLUES' and 'LITTLE LOUIS' over and over again had me totally hooked on your music, specially singing along to 'HAVE A WHIFF ON ME' not totally understanding the lyrics , I was very naive back then. I also remember the first time I saw MUNGO live at St. George's Hall in Bradford (my hometown). It was just after PAUL KING and COLIN EARL left, and was with TIM REEVES and JON POPE. The support act was JERICHO and I don't think they played a song under 10 minutes. Anyhow, the gig was fantastic and being really excited about the new single 'OPEN UP', you played the BOOT POWER version. The next day I excitedly told my schoolmates about the new single coming out, telling them it's a real rock track not like previous singles. I can still remember to this day when TONY BLACKBURN announced on his breakfast show on Radio 1 that he was playing the new MUNGO JERRY single 'OPEN UP' and my utter disbelief with what he played, totally different from what I heard at the concert, and then have the piss taken out of me all day by my schoolmates about MUNGO's new rock single. When I bought the single my disappointment went away with the other 3 tracks on the single, 'GOING BACK HOME', 'I DON'T WANNA GO BACK TO SCHOOL' and 'NO GIRL REACTION', all fantastic tracks. At the gig if I remember rightly, 'NO GIRL REACTION' lasted about 15 minutes. Also when you were on Top Of The Pops, you played the BOOT POWER version which totally confused me but when the BOOT POWER album came out, (what a fantastic album!!) I was able to listen to 'OPEN UP' as I heard it at the concert. After the concert, me and my friend desperately wanted to see you again, which set off a set of events that tested my love of MUNGO JERRY. The first chance to see you again came at the local University and when we turned up at the University we were disappointed to find out it was only for student union members. Then came a chance to see you at Leeds. We went early so we had time to find the venue, spent hours trying to find the place, only to find again it was only for students. Next we read in the NME you were playing at the Mecca In Blackpool. Caught the bus to Blackpool with hardly any money, went to the Mecca, this time it was just for members of the Post Office workers union. Spent a freezing night in a bus shelter on the promenade because we didn't have enough money for digs. Back to Bradford for an all day concert at the local football ground. Saved up for ages for the ticket, waited for hours as I watched THE EQUALS, BLACKFOOT SUE and VINEGAR JOE amongst others. Waited with eager anticipation as they loaded the gear on stage for your set. At last all those months of suffering was finally over. But no, the compere DON FARDON announced that you refused to play because you had only got equal billing with GARY GLITTER, so I went back home really mad because I had wasted all that money and to make matters worse my brother told me he had got in free to see GARY GLITTER at the end, so that was the end of my adventures to see you in concert. I finally did get to see you in 2000 at a charity gig that DEREK WADESON had organised in St.Helens, again you were brilliant, playing tracks from the SNAKEBITE album. Even my wife enjoyed it even though she is not a MUNGO fan. I wanted to come up to you and tell you how much I enjoyed your music, but I bottled it in case I came across as a nutter. Saw you a few times after that in the 60's and 70's shows and even my wife and other people who came to see other bands said that you were by far the best live. There are so many tracks and albums that I love but if I had to pick favourites, 'LADY ROSE', 'MY GIRL & ME', 'MIGHTY MAN', 'GONNA BOP 'TIL I DROP', 'OPEN UP', 'FOLLOW ME DOWN', 'SHADOW OF THE TREES', 'I NEED IT', 'HEARTBREAK AVENUE', 'HELLO IT'S YOU AGAIN' are the first that come to mind. I moved to the Costa Blanca in Spain a couple of years ago and you would go down a storm over here. I am currently listening to COLD BLUE EXCURSION in the car. Sorry the e-mail is so long but just wanted to say thank you again for the many many hours of enjoyment you have given me. Anytime you want to come over a do a one off acoustic set at our villa you are more than welcome!!! I would love to have booked you for my 50th birthday but couldn't unfortunately afford it. Regards Keith Mann, Costa Blanca PS - Also a big thank you to ALAN TAYLOR and DEREK WADESON for all their help in running the fan club.

Dear Ray, My first touch to MUNGO JERRY was in 1970 when I was 12 years old. I stayed with my parents at the German North Sea in my holidays. I heard 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' and 'MIGHTY MAN' every day out of the musical box. A little bit later I got the single for my birthday. It was the first single that I got! After that I became a MUNGO JERRY fan. By that time there were a lot of musicans in the band and they played a very fresh and good new style but I think that everybody of the old MUNGO fans did like the old style with the original members: RAY DORSET, PAUL KING, COLIN EARL and MIKE COLE. In 2010 when 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' has its 40th birthday it will be the right occasion to make a big concert with the old members for the fans who are waiting since 39 years for this moment. Dear Ray, please do it for your old fans worldwide who built the ground for your success. With best regards. Jo from Germany

Hi The Bay Horse Inn in Totnes, Devon has a great music scene and beer (CAMRA South Devon Pub of the Year this year). The landlord is WILL COLES who plays in the house band THE BAY HORSE FLIERS and it is said that he has MUNGO JERRY connections? Given the 50 yr span I suppose there must be a chance of a connection? Any way of finding out? Thanks, James - (15/09/08)

Hi Alan, Will is in the book, he played bass on a gig that I did in the late sixties, Colin was on piano, and RON BERG (SAVOY BROWN/MICK ABRAHAMS BAND) was on drums. The gig was at the London School of Economics. Will got married to my "teenage sweetheart" Gina Fairhead, she went on to work for Apple, THE BEATLES office in London, I put ALAN CLAYSON in touch with her when he was researching for some BEATLES stuff for a book. Will also had a very good Cajun band, he also made our original Good Earth posters, he originated the day-glo physchedelic style that we used, you may have a copy in your archive? Will and Gina organised the Dartmouth Regatta gig that we did a couple of years ago too. Cheers, Ray - (16/09/08)