Cliff Richard songwriter dies

British guitarist Ian Samwell, who wrote hits for Sir Cliff Richard and was the band America’s producer, has died in California at the age of 66.

Samwell’s career began as a guitarist with Sir Cliff, and The Drifters. In 1958, he wrote Move It, which reached number two in the UK charts.

He then began writing songs full time for Sir Cliff, including a follow-up hit, High Class Baby.

He was a record producer in the early 1960s, becoming involved in the British Mod scene.

In 1971, Samwell produced the first album from the band America, which included the hits A Horse With No Name, I Need You, and Sandman. He moved to Sacramento in 1980.

In 1991, he had a heart transplant after being diagnosed with an enlarged heart, his long-time friend, Jeff Hughson, said. Samwell’s friends raised nearly 100,000 for the operation.

He died on Thursday at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Sacramento, hospital officials said. Hughson said the cause of death was heart failure.

Samwell is survived by his sons Ralph Samwell and Tyson Haynes, both from London. The family is to hold a private service in Sacramento.