Wood was keen on musical experimentation and was an early proponent of combining rock and roll and pop music with other styles , such as classical music , or the big band sound , and introduced classically styled string and brass sections into the pop record . In early 1972 , Wood 's composition " Songs of Praise " was shortlisted by the BBC as one of six possible choices for the UK entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1972 . When performed by the New Seekers on the Cliff Richard vehicle '' It 's Cliff Richard ! '' , the song finished in last place with 3,842 votes . The group included the track on their album '' We 'd Like To Teach The World To Sing '' . Wood recorded his own version of " Songs of Praise " , releasing it on the B-side of his 1973 single , " Dear Elaine "
Eurovision Song Contest 1972
Eurovision Song Contest 1972
Roy Wood