I DON’T usually respond to other people’s letters. I think everyone is entitled to an opinion.

However, VJ Connor’s letter (HAS, Feb 22) calling Cilla Black an appalling singer and describing her efforts as “adenoidal bawling” had my blood boiling.

Calling The Beatles infantile was almost too much for me to digest.

To my mind, Cilla was one of the best female singers of the 1960s.

She sold millions of records, had two number ones and at least a dozen Top Ten hits.

In addition, she had her own TV show and, later on, in the 1990s she successfully reinvented herself as the presenter and host of popular series such as Blind Date and Surprise, Surprise.

Calling her “appalling” is like saying Brazil cannot play football.

Although I usually enjoy Mr Connor’s letters, I believe the facts in this case disproves his argument.

Cilla was a successful singer and The Beatles were the best group in the world back in the swinging Sixties – the best decade for music ever.

Mick Peacock, Coxhoe.

I FEEL a reply is required to VJ Connor’s letter about Cilla Black.

I am sorry he found Cilla so tuneless and all that came out of Liverpool so infantile but, as someone who was brought up in the same era, I am looking forward to Cilla’s life story on TV and I would think many others are.

She had a varied life with all the ups and downs, but still smiled through it.

Finally, without the Mersey Beat, I wonder how music would have evolved?

Martin Flanagan, Catterick.