BIOGRAPHY
Margo Guryan (1937-2021) grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, and studied piano from childhood through Boston University. She wrote for Frank Loesser's publishing company before Atlantic Records signed her; though her own recordings for the label faltered, she became a prized in-house songwriter, and Billboard called her "one of the most sought-after writing talents in the music business" in 1967. Her song "Sunday Mornin'" became a hit for both Spanky and Our Gang and Oliver, and her songs were also recorded by Cass Elliot, Glen Campbell, and Astrud Gilberto. In 1968 she released her only album, Take a Picture, a light, jazz-tinged pop record for Bell Records that Billboard praised for its "fine sound." Guryan refused to tour behind it and receded from performing, continuing instead as a songwriter, producer, and teacher. The album was rediscovered by indie pop listeners in the 1990s and reissued in 2000.