Songwriter Barry Mason who penned Tom Jones’ classic Delilah dies at age 85 

Songwriter who penned Tom Jones’ classic Delilah and wrote for Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart and Barbra Streisand dies at age 85

  • Barry Mason was a multiple gold and platinum-awarded artist along side his  long-time musical partner Les Reed
  • As well as pop ballads, he also wrote sporting hit Marching On Together which became the song of Leeds United
  • Spandau Ballet guitarist Gary Kemp and singer Engelbert Humperdinck are among those to have paid tribute to Mason following the news of his death 


Barry Mason (left), was a multiple gold and platinum-awarded artist, wrote songs for Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart and Tom Jones (right)

The songwriter who penned the Tom Jones classic Delilah has died at the age of 85.

Barry Mason, a multiple gold and platinum-awarded artist, also wrote songs for Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart and Barbra Streisand.

He was awarded an MBE last year for services to music and said Delilah – the unofficial anthem of the Wales rugby team – The Last Waltz and Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) were highlights among his more than 11,000 songs.

Spandau Ballet guitarist Gary Kemp led tributes to Lancashire-born Mason.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘Shocked to hear that my friend and lovely human Barry Mason died yesterday. A great songwriter who won five Ivor Novello Awards.’

‘All my love to his wife Vanessa and his children.’

Singer Engelbert Humperdinck posted a touching letter of memories including Mr Mason being groomsman at his wedding in 1964.

He tweeted: ‘I believe there are more than 90 of your songs in my recording history. Classics that I will treasure forever.

‘I write this in the present as I can’t believe you are gone. And the circle gets smaller and smaller! My sincere heartfelt condolences from my family to yours. Your long-time friend, Engelbert.’

With his long-time musical partner Les Reed, Mason also wrote sporting hit Marching On Together which became the song of Leeds United.

A Leeds United spokesman said: ‘Leeds United Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of Barry Mason, co-writer of the club’s anthem Marching On Together. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’