James Morrison tops 21st century playlist

A SONG by former Rugby schoolboy and Brit Award winning James Morrison is the most played of the past 13 years, a poll has revealed.

Broken Strings, which also features Nelly Furtado, is number one in the coveted People’s Chart of Most Played Songs of the 21st Century By West Midlands Artists.

James beat the likes of superstar Robbie Williams, ELO and Thin Lizzy to earn top spot in the alternative chart compiled by PPL which collects royalties on behalf of singers and songwriters.

His debut single from 2006 You Give Me Something and the follow up Wonderful World were fifth and fourth respectively.

Take That star Robbie made up the top five with Angels at number two and Rock DJ at three.

"I’m really happy," said James, a former pupil at Northlands School and Boughton Leigh primary.

"To be included among so many fantastic British artists and friends is an honour, and knowing so many people back home are listening to music you’ve created means the world."

James was born at St Cross in 1984 as the middle of three children and lived at addresses on Oxford Street, Market Street and Rounds Gardens with his mum and before moving the Northampton.

In an interview with The Observer back in 2006 when what was his debut single was getting airplay on Radio One he recalled days out at Barby Woods and Coombe Abbey, but he also spoke of a turbulent childhood.

"We didn't have a lot of money when I was younger so there were all the troubles that come with single parent families, but I still have good memories of Rugby," he added.

James was back in his hometown in 2010 for the funeral of his dad Paul Catchpole - the inspiration for the song Up on his most recent album The Awakening which was released the following year and went to number one. His last gig was in Lithuania in August.

The Most Played Songs by West Midlands Artists of the 21st Century:

1 Broken Strings – James Morrison ft Nelly Furtado

2 Angels – Robbie Williams

3 Rock DJ – Robbie Williams

4 Wonderful World – James Morrison

5 You Give Me Something – James Morrison

6 Let Me Entertain You – Robbie Williams

7 Red Red Wine – UB40

8 Mr Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra

9 The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy

10 Feel – Robbie Williams

11 She’s The One – Robbie Williams

12 Millennium – Robbie Williams

13 I Won’t Let You Go – James Morrison

14 Superstar – Jamelia

15 Candy – Robbie Williams

16 Brimful of Asha (The Norman Cook Remix) – Cornershop

17 Piece Of My Heart – Beverley Knight

18 Strong – Robbie Williams

19 Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses – (Slash)

20 Rio – Duran Duran

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