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Nick Croft from Elmswell near Stowmarket, son of Dad’s Army writer David, releases first album at 70-years-old




A Suffolk 70-year-old has released a debut album, continuing his famous family’s creative legacy and proving it is never too late to realise your dreams.

Nick Croft, of Elmswell, near Stowmarket, has released Beyond Why?, described by the singer-songwriter as English-Americana. The album is set to be released digitally on February 9 and on vinyl on March 22, with single Love is too Small a Word, already out on streaming platform SoundCloud.

The tracks were recorded at Peter Gabriel’s studio just outside Bath and produced by Cameron Jenkins, who has done the same for acts such as The Charlatans, The Verve and Lana Del Rey.

Nick Croft's album, Beyond Why?, is coming out digitally in February and on vinyl in March
Nick Croft's album, Beyond Why?, is coming out digitally in February and on vinyl in March

Nick said: “I have been playing these songs for a while to friends and family and have been writing songs all my life but not as a career.

“My brother John raised some money and we hooked up with some fantastic musicians and it is now going out there for the public to hear – it really does feel great.”

The album, Nick says, was heavily influenced by his love of growing up with American music of the 70s and was recorded the ‘old-fashioned way’ on to tape – which he feels gives it something different.

The singer songwriter Nick Croft
The singer songwriter Nick Croft

He said: “Using that style has definitely brought something to the album, using analogue and the old machines was a lovely experience – giving it a very live feel.”

Nick is the son of British comedy writing legend David Croft, famed for hit shows such as ’Allo ’Allo, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Are You Being Served? and Dad’s Army, which was filmed in and around Thetford and brought the Croft family to the area.

Nick said: “All my life I have been quite happy to be known as David Croft’s son – it is such a legacy – my sister and I still manage the catalogue of shows and I have such fond memories of those days.

“The actors – Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Paul Shane and the rest – would come round and we would just know them as people rather than stars.

Nick is the son of British comedy writing legend David Croft, famed for shows such as Dad's Army and 'Allo 'Allo!
Nick is the son of British comedy writing legend David Croft, famed for shows such as Dad's Army and 'Allo 'Allo!

“They would share a bottle of wine with Mum and Dad and I would hear the guffaws from the living room.

“Dad made sure we understood the power of humour, truthfulness in what we did and kindness and I hope all of those things are also shown in the album.”

Beyond Why? is digitally released on February 9 and on vinyl on March 22.