1966 Aberfan disaster. Coal slag heap slid onto a school after days of persistent rain.
144 adults and children died and Dave Cousins of the Strawbs wrote this song in memory of the disaster. You have to feel somewhat moved by the words.
'True' events inspired this song, but the truth was filtered through the gossip mongering in Kenneth Anger's scurrilous book 'Hollywood Babylon'.* Although Marie Prevost (Nick spelled the name differently) did die a sad alcohol related death alone in her appartment, and was discovered after her daschund's barking was overheard, it seems that there was little evidence that the dog had thought 'Even little doggies have gotta eat.'
* - Both volumes are very entertaining reads, but mostly to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Based on the bar room murder of William "Billy" Lyons by Lee Shelton in 1895.
The song has many variations and is also variously known as "Stagger Lee", "Stack-O-Lee and Stagolee.