Jimmy Kennedy’s book to go under the hammer

The book was written by Jimmy Kennedy, whose song ‘Red Sails In the Sunset’ as been an inspiration for the title for the annual Red Sails festival in the seaside town.

The book tells the story of Irish-born Jimmy, one of the last - and arguably the finest - of the professional Tin Pan Alley songwriters of the pre-Beatles ‘golden age’ of popular song.

The book gives a fascinating insight into the life of a man who rose from small town beginnings to become the lyrical and musical power behind some of the twentieth century’s top popular song entertainers from the days of Variety right up to The Beatles era.

Jimmy had around thirty number one hits and he’s written over 2000 songs in his career.

The Portstewart Community Association will be auctioning five copies of the book to raise funds for the not for profit festival, which runs from the July 22 to July 28.

All of the book include the personalized hand written inscription. “I hope the Beautiful Portstewart Sunsets’ will inspire you.....just as they did my father when he wrote “ Red Sails In The Sunset””

You can email your maximum bid to [email protected] or place bid at the information stall during the festival week.

The five winning bidders will pay £1 more than the sixth highest bid.

The deadline for emails is 11pm Friday 27th July or at the information stall 9pm Saturday 28th July.