Grandad (song)

"Grandad" is a song written by Herbie Flowers and Kenny Pickett, and recorded by Clive Dunn.

While starring in the long-running BBC situation comedy Dad's Army, Dunn met bassist Herbie Flowers (later of Sky) at a party and on learning he was a songwriter challenged him to write a song for him. Flowers wrote "Grandad" with Creation vocalist Kenny Pickett.[1]

The song was released as a single in November 1970,[2] and, aided by promotion such as appearing on children's shows such as Basil Brush and DJ Tony Blackburn claiming it as his favourite record, in January 1971 reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks,[3][4] during which time Dunn celebrated his 51st birthday, and went on to spend a total of 27 weeks on the chart.[3] Dunn never had another hit single, but he did release an album that featured "Grandad" and its B-side "I Play the Spoons", titled Permission to Sing Sir!

From 1979 to 1984, Dunn starred as Charlie "Grandad" Quick in a children's television show titled Grandad,[5] although the series did not use the song as the theme tune.