Skylark (Canadian band)

History

Skylark formed from one of Ronnie Hawkins's backup groups and signed with Capitol Records, releasing a self-titled album in 1972 which spawned three singles. The group, whose alumni include renowned composer/arranger David Foster, disbanded after the lukewarm reception of their second album, 2, and its members achieved mixed success in other projects.

Their biggest single, "Wildflower", was a 1972 #1 hit in Canada on the RPM Adult Contemporary chart; it reached #10 on the Canadian RPM singles chart and then peaked at #9 on Billboard Hot 100 chart the following spring, selling over a million copies. It was written by guitarist Doug Edwards and Dave Richardson, who was a Victoria police officer at the time. "Wildflower" is an early example of the power ballad, featuring a strong, emotional lead vocal, a blend of electric guitar, strings and harp, distinctive "slow dance" percussion, and almost-gospel background vocals.

Donny Gerrard was amongst the Canadian musicians who recorded the 1985 charity single for African famine relief entitled "Tears Are Not Enough". He sang his solo line with Bryan Adams.

Doug Edwards died on November 11, 2016.

Former members

Singles

Track Listing

1. "Brother Eddie" – (Howie Vickers, Joe Fahrni, Robbie King) - 4:31
2. "What Would I Do Without You" - (Ernie Shelby, Phillip Mitchell) - 3:29
3. "A Long Way To Go" - (Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil) - 3:46
4. "Suites For My Lady" - (David Foster, Duris Maxwell) - 2:06
5. "I'll Have To Go Away" - (Kerry Chater, Renée Armand) - 5:07

6. "The Writing's On The Wall" - (Don Troiano) - 3:01
7. "Twenty-Six Years" - (David Foster, Donny Gerrard, Linda Patterson) - 4:55
8. "I'm In Love Again" - (Fats Domino, Dave Bartholomew) - 3:18
9. "Wildflower" - (David Richardson, Doug Edwards) - 4:08
10. "Shall I Fail" - (Carolyn Borsman, Doug Edwards) - 1:27

Personnel