Author and guitarist David Todd has released Songs That Stay With You: From the 50's, 60's & 70's, a songbook of 70 well-loved songs arranged for guitar, now available now on Amazon. The collection matters because it fills a practical gap for guitarists who want to lead group singing without fumbling through complex arrangements or searching for capo positions mid-song.
Todd assembled the book over several years as his own working songbook, containing the songs he actually reaches for when he picks up a guitar, whether playing alone, with friends, or leading a group. The selection prioritizes songs most people know a verse or two of and that are simple enough to carry a room. This approach makes the book particularly valuable for informal musicians and community leaders who need reliable material that works in real-world settings.
The repertoire spans The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the Everly Brothers to Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley, with pub and folk favorites like "Dirty Old Town" and "Wild Rover" mixed in. Each song is written out with chords placed above the lyrics, right where the player would strum or pick them, and Todd notes capo fret positions and keys at the top of each entry where relevant. A handful of songs also include playing notes for fingerpicking patterns, strumming styles, and instrumental breaks, giving players additional guidance without overwhelming them.
One reader noted, "This book reads like it was built by someone who has led a lot of singalongs. Chords sit above the lyrics, capo positions and keys are noted at the top of each song, which makes it easy to open and start playing." The implication is that the book functions as a practical tool rather than a reference volume to be shelved. Todd designed it for solo players, small groups, and anyone leading a singalong, including at venues such as nursing homes and care homes, where familiar songs tend to bring people together. In an era when communal music-making is often sidelined, this songbook offers a straightforward way to revive shared musical experiences across generations.
