DUSTY: The Classic Biography

Fully revised and updated this is a must have for soul fans covering Dusty's status as a 60s mod queen to influential LGBT heroine. Dusty Springfield was one of our greatest pop singers from releasing 60s hits like 'I Only Want to be With You', 'Son of a Preacher Man' and 'You Don't Have to Say You Love Me' to collaborating with The Pet Shop Boys and beyond, she was a musical pioneer and the very essence of authentic white soul. 20 years after her death she continues to fascinate and inspire. Featuring a new introduction and photographs, this latest edition of the classic biography explores Dusty's life and legacy, from a troubled home counties childhood, struggles with addiction and mental health to becoming a member of the US Rock 'n' Roll and UK Music Halls of Fame. 'In building the image of The Lady, she took tips from male drag queens on which mascara lasted longer and how to apply the heavy eye-shadow. 'Basically I'm a drag queen myself' she admitted later. Yet it was this glitzy image that established her on the upmarket cabaret circus. For her 1967 Talk of the Town in London, she earned £2,500 a week...' Her evening gowns became her trademark and even Prime Minister Harold Wilson named her as his favourite singer. Dusty was adept at moving from one end of the pop spectrum to the other from a laid back The Look of Love for the soundtrack to spoof Bond movie Casino Royale and her pursuit of looking at film roles 'but most of the parts offered were 'crummy? requiring her to play a 'brainless pop singer.' Her press interviews were becoming more introspective and wistful and her most thoughtful interview was given in 1967 to Penny Valentine at Disc. At this point she introduced her infamous teddy bear mascot Einstein, which served as her secure alter ego, a manifestation of the shy, self-protected Mary O'Brien. 'I'm just groping and wandering. All I know is that I have a distinctive voice I don't particularly like listening to.' Packed with musical names from the past and eight pages of colour and black and white photos. 304pp.
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