After almost 40 years the man behind some of the greatest pop songs of the 20th Century is to prove he is singer as well as songwriter.

Tony Macaulay comes out of the shadows next month to perform a one-man show in his adopted city of Brighton and Hove.

His songs for artists such as Elvis Presley, Elton John, The Drifters, Gene Pitney and a myriad of middle-of-the-road artists of the early Seventies have sold a staggering 52 million copies.

Never before has he performed on stage, turning down countless requests to sing his songs.

Millionaire Tony, 60, said: "I have always had it in the back of my mind to put a one-man show together. It is something that has not happened but now I am ready and looking forward to it. Surprisingly I am doing it at a time when I am busier than ever.

"I could have easily become a pop singer in the Sixties and Seventies and my career would have probably been over in 18 months. Songwriters have a longer shelf life."

Tony, who has a Penthouse flat on Brighton seafront, has chosen the intimate atmosphere of the Old Market in Hove to perform his one-man show.

It took the persuasive powers of leading Brighton and Hove estate agent Glenn Mishon, a close friend, to persuade Tony to step into the limelight. Glenn, along with Eddie Sharkie, is producing the show.

Tony will be spicing up his act with anecdotes about the famous stars he has written for and met.

He will tell of the time when he spent an evening at Elvis' Graceland home and noticed a plate of hamburgers had disappeared, only to be told Elvis had taken them to bed.

Despite being introduced to Elvis as "Tony", the King always called him "Tommy".

Tony's gig starts at 8pm on November 6. Call 01273 736333 to book tickets.