“A Valuable Recording From Norman King”
Notation by Sidney Cox on tape box
Sidney Cox “corresponded” with Salvationists and other friends from all over the world. Much of this correspondence was in the form of exchanging audio tapes – the old reel-to-reel style popular at that time. They referred to their hobby as “taping.”
In the late 1960s, Sidney was particularly active “taping” with a group of Salvationists in their homeland of England. Sidney and Violet returned to England one time in their life – in 1960 and developed and renewed many relationships with family and Salvationists friends. See the tapes exchanged with “Cousin” John Spencer for more background on this.
I believe John Spencer introduced Sidney to Norman King and vice versa. King was an English Salvationist from South Croydon (London) and as you will learn, quite a historian of Salvation Army music. I believe that from Spencer, King learned more intimately of the renowned musical accomplishments of Sidney, and I think he developed a keen interest in the music of Sidney Cox. A 1974 tape box contained the following information about Norman King:
Mr. W. Norman King
46 Purley Oaks Road
Sanderstead
South Croydon
CR2 0NR
Telephone 01-668-2292
This tape contains a wide array of Salvationist music that King dubbed together from many other of his private recordings. Many of the selections, band and vocal renditions, were of compositions by Sidney Cox. It was undoubtedly a thrill for Sidney to hear his music being so widely used in England. However, even though it was not a Sidney Cox composition, I must say to all music lovers, please especially listen to the final choral number, “Grant Us Thy Peace.” It is one of the most beautiful and moving pieces that I have ever heard.
I would estimate that Norman King prepared this tape in late 1969 or 1970.
J. Douglas Cox, grandson of Sidney and Violet Cox. February 2009.
Norman King Reel 1, Side 1
Norman King Reel 1, Side 2
Norman King Reel 2, Side 1
Norman King Reel 2, Side 2
