New song launched in memory of Duncan Edwards

And now the footballing icon is being remembered by a new song dedicated in his memory.

Wolverhampton musician Ryan Evans took to the stage at the Sadler’s Brewhouse and Bar, in Lye, Stourbridge, to perform 21 Candles – a song about the life of Duncan Edwards.

The Dudley-born footballer was part of the famous Manchester United Busby Babes side before his career was career was tragically cut short following the Munich air disaster in 1958.

Ryan, a singer-songwriter, wrote the track alongside Ian Dowdeswell about the footballer.

Ryan, aged 25, said: “When I first got involved I didn’t know anything about Duncan – I knew he played for Manchester United and England, and was a legend.

Having learned of his history from Jim Cadman, chairman of the Duncan Edwards Tribute he was hit by inspiration.

“All of a sudden it dropped out of the sky and we did 21 Candles – one for every year of his life and everyone has got around it and I’m so happy.”

And the singer-songwriter, who has singed with Wolverhampton’s Strawberry Moon Records label, said it was a “positive” song.

He said: “You will have tingles down your spine when you listen to it, but it’s positive.

“It’s not a football song, either – it’s about anyone who has got a dream, they can achieve it.

“The message we have tried to get across is anyone who has got a dream, you can achieve it and that’s what we try to get across.

“You can achieve your dream and that’s what Duncan did.”

The song was premiered for the first time at Sadler’s Brewhouse and Bar – a place chosen because of its “wonderful Black Country traditions” on Monday.

Mr Cadman said: “We are dedicated to keeping the legend of Duncan Edwards alive.

“We held an event at the Copthorne Hotel and Ryan was there.

“He said he was very touched by what I said and wanted to introduce him to a younger audience.

“We’ve worked together for the past few months and we filmed the video at the Black Country Living Museum.”