Ian Ralph Samwell (born in Lambeth, South London, January 19, 1937, died March 13, 2003, in Sacramento, California, USA) was an English musician, songwriter and producer.

In 1958 Ian "Sammy" Samwell wrote the first rock 'n roll hit song ever created in England, "Move It". The song became the first hit for Cliff Richard. It had been released on the B-side of a single, but it set Cliff (now Sir Cliff) on the path to being a major star. Ian passed away in 2003, but Cliff has recorded his song again in 2006, and this time Ian's guitar part is being played by Brian May of Queen.

Samwell also wrote the first hit for the legendary mod outfit the Small Faces, 'What'cha gonna do about it'.

Samwell went on to work with many artists, but he is best known in the United States for having discovered the band America and producing its self-titled debut album. The album spawned the major hits "A Horse With No Name" and "I Need You" and the classic rock staple "Sandman". Samwell is also credited with crafting the acoustic flavor of that album and persuading Dewey Bunnell to change the name of his signature song from "Desert Song" to "A Horse With No Name".

External links

• www.iansamwell.com - Official Site