in 1960, martin and his new bride, margaret (mag) went to south africa for two years and on their return, he determined to make songwriting his primary focus. he spent months working in denmark street and finally, in 1963, he had his first song released on record, with "kiss me now" by tommy quickly. the song was released on 22 november 1963, the same day that president john f. kennedy was assassinated, and light-hearted songs were not the order of the day. in 1964, he entered into a writing partnership with tommy scott. as scott & martin he had success with such acts as the irish trio the bachelors, twinkle, the irish folk band the dubliners, van morrison, and serge gainsbourg.