Elaine Murtagh

Elaine Murtagh (born Elaine Patricia Murtagh; 1940 – 18 January 2026) was an Irish singer, songwriter and a member of The Avons, a pop vocal group popular in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Background

Murtagh was born in County Cork, Ireland in 1940.

Career

Murtagh was a member of The Avons with her sister-in-law, Valerie Murtagh.[1] Towards the end of her singing career she moved into songwriting; the best known of her songs is "Dance On!", a hit record for both The Shadows in 1962 and Kathy Kirby in 1963, which she wrote with Valerie and Ray Adams. She also wrote "In Summer", a number 5 hit for Billy Fury in 1963, as well as songs recorded by Petula Clark and Tom Jones.[2]

She formed the Elaine Avon Artiste Management & Agency in 1984; it specialised in providing performers for luxury cruise lines.[3]

Death

Murtagh died in hospital on 18 January 2026.[3]

References

  1. ^ Jon Kutner (26 May 2010). 1000 UK Number One Hits. p. 210. ISBN 9780857123602. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  2. ^ "Elaine Murtagh". discogs. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  3. ^ a b "In Loving Memory of Elaine Adams (aka Elaine Avon) Elaine Adams (aka Elaine Avon) passed away on Sunday January 18, 2026, in the early hours of the morning in the hospital. Elaine and Valerie… | Cindy Thompson Entertainment Agency, Ltd". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
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