.jpg?c=0,136,1000,667&crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
Folk, rock, trip-hop, punk, novelty songs and even symphonies. One way or another, Sunderland has inspired or created some memorable music; even if it wasn’t always memorable for the best of reasons. Here are nine of them, in no particular order.
5. 'You're Not Alone' - Sunderland singer knocked Gary Barlow from the top of the charts
Electronic band Olive, fronted by Sunderland singer and former Ivy House barmaid Ruth Anne-Boyle, were the toast of Britain when this trip-hop classic knocked Gary Barlow's lamentable 'Love Won't Wait' from the number one spot. | User (UGC) Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Six symphonies by William Herschel
Although best known as the genius who was probably history's greatest astronomer, William Herschel was also a composer who produced six symphonies while living in Sunderland in the 1760s. We've no idea how any of them go, but never tire of reminding people of the fact. | User (UGC) Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. 'Dougy Giro' - a surprisingly moving song from the Toy Dolls
The Toy Dolls are probably best remembered for their unabashed silliness. So you may be surprised to hear this moving depiction of a homeless man who was a familiar sight in Sunderland's bus station in the 1980s. The video was filmed at Penshaw Monument. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. 'Sunderland All the Way' - ludicrously over-confident song about our beloved football team
Recorded by comedian Bobby Knoxall, seen left with BBC presenter Jeff Brown. There was no escaping it on Wearside in 1973. Sunderland won the FA Cup as predicted in the lyrics. But the line: 'If you go to Roker Park you will see the skill; Of all the players playing when they crush the teams ten-nil' remains unfulfilled. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo