DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Karl, my boss Richard went to a Dusty Springfield convention they had in L.A. sometime ago, kinda similar to Beatlefest. He said it was pretty neat as there was stuff for sale, discussion groups, videos viewed etc. His regret not getting a Dusty Doll!!!
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
This question is for, Karl, i guess.
Karl, I have just read a Dusty biography and am trying to get a handle on what she was actually like.
Things are briefly mentioned in the book, but not expanded upon, and I wondered if you could shed some light on her please?
Karl, I have just read a Dusty biography and am trying to get a handle on what she was actually like.
Things are briefly mentioned in the book, but not expanded upon, and I wondered if you could shed some light on her please?
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Hey Gray,
Interesting, what things weren't expanded on? I read some stuff that she was a very shy a private person off stage, but her on stage persona was lively and vibrant. I guess our resident #1 Dusty fan Karl could tell us.
Interesting, what things weren't expanded on? I read some stuff that she was a very shy a private person off stage, but her on stage persona was lively and vibrant. I guess our resident #1 Dusty fan Karl could tell us.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Gray I disliked every book written about Dusty as I felt some things should never have been told and Dusty would have been mortified. What book did you read by the way?
I first met Dusty after her concert when I was 19. Meeting her in her dressing room I was stunned at how lovely she was, much better than any picture or record sleeve - she was rather shy but friendly and not at all showbiz.
A late friend of mine flew over from Cape Town for my 40th, his ambition was to meet Dusty but he never did - however his flight home from London was delayed 24 hours so the passengers were put up in hotels. He called Pat (Dusty's secretary) and explained the situation, Dusty was in town so she said to leave things with her and see what she could do. A short while later his phone rang and a voice said "Hello This Is Dusty" and she spoke for about half an hour about everything and asked about his family etc: He later called me as high as a kite, I doubt he needed a plane to get home after that! Anyway, I thought that was very kind of Dusty to call a complete stranger and chat, I later called Pat to pass on my thanks to Dusty for making his trip so special.
Dusty was often hailed as being difficult in the recording studio, she wasn't - she merely wanted certain sounds from British musicians who at that time were unused to playing that way so she would imitate the sounds she wanted (she did not read music) or play the records she'd brought back from the States to let them understand what she wanted. Dusty also had a perfect ear so she knew when they were playing off-key etc. Dusty also said that if fans came round after her show and said they could not hear properly she would have the sound systen re-set for the next show saying they pay good money to come and see me.
I last met Dusty after her opening night at Drury Lane, the atmosphere was electric and Dusty was apprehensive as she'd been in America so long and wondered what the reaction would be. She had no need to worry as the audience went crazy when she made her entrance. By the time she got to All I See Is You she was in tears of joy with the audience reaction. Later backstage, that was a miracle as none of us had a stage pass but Pat somehow managed to get us in. I handed Dusty one of her latest albums to sign and she pondered awhile and I knew I was getting more than the usual Love Dusty. She wrote "Dear Karl It's Good To See You Again" - she remembered my name!
I also read when Dusty was having her treatment for cancer, she noticed Jenny Pittman in the hospital, she walked up to her and put her hand on her shoulder and told her she'd be fine. Jenny was amazed that Dusty even knew who she was and was very moved by that.
So there in a nutshell is Dusty, she wasn't a saint but she was a very nice human being and because of her music I made good friends all over the world - she knew that! I have much to be grateful to her for.
I first met Dusty after her concert when I was 19. Meeting her in her dressing room I was stunned at how lovely she was, much better than any picture or record sleeve - she was rather shy but friendly and not at all showbiz.
A late friend of mine flew over from Cape Town for my 40th, his ambition was to meet Dusty but he never did - however his flight home from London was delayed 24 hours so the passengers were put up in hotels. He called Pat (Dusty's secretary) and explained the situation, Dusty was in town so she said to leave things with her and see what she could do. A short while later his phone rang and a voice said "Hello This Is Dusty" and she spoke for about half an hour about everything and asked about his family etc: He later called me as high as a kite, I doubt he needed a plane to get home after that! Anyway, I thought that was very kind of Dusty to call a complete stranger and chat, I later called Pat to pass on my thanks to Dusty for making his trip so special.
Dusty was often hailed as being difficult in the recording studio, she wasn't - she merely wanted certain sounds from British musicians who at that time were unused to playing that way so she would imitate the sounds she wanted (she did not read music) or play the records she'd brought back from the States to let them understand what she wanted. Dusty also had a perfect ear so she knew when they were playing off-key etc. Dusty also said that if fans came round after her show and said they could not hear properly she would have the sound systen re-set for the next show saying they pay good money to come and see me.
I last met Dusty after her opening night at Drury Lane, the atmosphere was electric and Dusty was apprehensive as she'd been in America so long and wondered what the reaction would be. She had no need to worry as the audience went crazy when she made her entrance. By the time she got to All I See Is You she was in tears of joy with the audience reaction. Later backstage, that was a miracle as none of us had a stage pass but Pat somehow managed to get us in. I handed Dusty one of her latest albums to sign and she pondered awhile and I knew I was getting more than the usual Love Dusty. She wrote "Dear Karl It's Good To See You Again" - she remembered my name!
I also read when Dusty was having her treatment for cancer, she noticed Jenny Pittman in the hospital, she walked up to her and put her hand on her shoulder and told her she'd be fine. Jenny was amazed that Dusty even knew who she was and was very moved by that.
So there in a nutshell is Dusty, she wasn't a saint but she was a very nice human being and because of her music I made good friends all over the world - she knew that! I have much to be grateful to her for.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Karl
Firstly, many thanks for your prompt response!
Much appreciated, I really enjoyed your comments, especially your story of your Cape Town friend.
Could I be a real pain and ask you to give a date to your reminisces?
What year were you 19 (and then your 40th)?
What year was the Drury Lane concert?
The book I am reading is 'A Girl Called Dusty' by Sharon Davies (pub. 2008).
I am finding it a very frustrating read, the author has obviously done her work regarding Dusty Springfield's timeline, but I aren't getting to know Dusty as a person.
There are several instances of events are mentioned that might give a deeper understanding of her character, but I do not feel they are fully explained.
Eman, the first facet of her character that leaps out of the text are tantrums and demands that you could easily account to simply being a 'diva'.
But, as Karl said, I think Dusty was an extremely driven person, very focussed and creative in terms of her 'product'. She expected the people she worked with to be able to 'hit their marks'.
But I get the impression Dusty was not afraid to step on people's toes to get what she wanted (especially early in her career) and possibly upset some people?
What is clear is Dusty was instrumental in introducing Motown and Atlantic records into the mainstream in the UK, something we should all be grateful for!
There are many other things I would like to talk about, including whether Karl (or anyone) knows if she was bipolar, but won't rumble on for fear of boring everyone!
But, I have to say, Karl, that one of the things that is mentioned more than once in this book is Dusty's terrible memory!
As she was constantly forgetting lyrics etc.
So, for Dusty to of remembered your name is certainly a precious memory you are entitled to have.
You must of made a very positive impression on her.
Firstly, many thanks for your prompt response!
Much appreciated, I really enjoyed your comments, especially your story of your Cape Town friend.
Could I be a real pain and ask you to give a date to your reminisces?
What year were you 19 (and then your 40th)?
What year was the Drury Lane concert?
The book I am reading is 'A Girl Called Dusty' by Sharon Davies (pub. 2008).
I am finding it a very frustrating read, the author has obviously done her work regarding Dusty Springfield's timeline, but I aren't getting to know Dusty as a person.
There are several instances of events are mentioned that might give a deeper understanding of her character, but I do not feel they are fully explained.
Eman, the first facet of her character that leaps out of the text are tantrums and demands that you could easily account to simply being a 'diva'.
But, as Karl said, I think Dusty was an extremely driven person, very focussed and creative in terms of her 'product'. She expected the people she worked with to be able to 'hit their marks'.
But I get the impression Dusty was not afraid to step on people's toes to get what she wanted (especially early in her career) and possibly upset some people?
What is clear is Dusty was instrumental in introducing Motown and Atlantic records into the mainstream in the UK, something we should all be grateful for!
There are many other things I would like to talk about, including whether Karl (or anyone) knows if she was bipolar, but won't rumble on for fear of boring everyone!
But, I have to say, Karl, that one of the things that is mentioned more than once in this book is Dusty's terrible memory!
As she was constantly forgetting lyrics etc.
So, for Dusty to of remembered your name is certainly a precious memory you are entitled to have.
You must of made a very positive impression on her.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Gray I first met Dusty in 1968, her current hit was I Close My Eyes & Count To Ten.
Drury Lane was 1979 and my 40th was 1989
It seems Dusty was bi-polar.
Dusty was a professional, also she paid more than the going rate to her musicians.
As for her forgetting lyrics, I don't think she was any worse than any other singer. I think the story Lulu tells is grossly exagerrated, i.e. writing the lyrics on her hands and arms. How did she know what lyric she was going to forget at any particular time? I havealso seen Michael Ball do a "Dusty" hand movement perhaps he also had the lyrics on his hand?
I am friendly with three people who knew Dusty well, Madeline Bell, Douggie Reece (her MD and bass player), he and his wife have visited me and I them in Melbourne and also Madeline has been here. Pat Rhodes - Dusty's secretary is also a friend of mine. None of them have even spoken ill of Dusty but we don't make her the topic of converstation although she does pop up from time to timeduring our chats. Douggie flew all the way from Australia for Dusty's funeral, I think that proves the love and respect he has for her and still does.
Drury Lane was 1979 and my 40th was 1989
It seems Dusty was bi-polar.
Dusty was a professional, also she paid more than the going rate to her musicians.
As for her forgetting lyrics, I don't think she was any worse than any other singer. I think the story Lulu tells is grossly exagerrated, i.e. writing the lyrics on her hands and arms. How did she know what lyric she was going to forget at any particular time? I havealso seen Michael Ball do a "Dusty" hand movement perhaps he also had the lyrics on his hand?
I am friendly with three people who knew Dusty well, Madeline Bell, Douggie Reece (her MD and bass player), he and his wife have visited me and I them in Melbourne and also Madeline has been here. Pat Rhodes - Dusty's secretary is also a friend of mine. None of them have even spoken ill of Dusty but we don't make her the topic of converstation although she does pop up from time to timeduring our chats. Douggie flew all the way from Australia for Dusty's funeral, I think that proves the love and respect he has for her and still does.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Gray another thing I just remember was Pat called me the morning Dusty passed way as she wanted me to know before the press release. I told a priest friend of mine in Iowa and he said that shows the regard she had for you, I never thought if it that way but I felt very privileged.
I also visited Dusty's grave in Henley the same year she passed away (1999) as I wanted to do it before the new millenium.
Also, did you know every year there is a Dusty Day?, usually as close to Dusty's birthdy as they can get (April 16th) but this year it was Sunday past. Friends of mine always go, I never do. There are always special guests who perform.
Dusty wasn't a diva but she did expect the best from her musicians.
I have some other stories about how non-diva she was but don't want to print them on here. If we ever meet I will tell you, it concerns her meeting another huge female star who is most definitely a DIVA !!!!
I also visited Dusty's grave in Henley the same year she passed away (1999) as I wanted to do it before the new millenium.
Also, did you know every year there is a Dusty Day?, usually as close to Dusty's birthdy as they can get (April 16th) but this year it was Sunday past. Friends of mine always go, I never do. There are always special guests who perform.
Dusty wasn't a diva but she did expect the best from her musicians.
I have some other stories about how non-diva she was but don't want to print them on here. If we ever meet I will tell you, it concerns her meeting another huge female star who is most definitely a DIVA !!!!
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Karl, these are two brilliant posts - thank you for sharing.
I hope one day we can meet and you will be able to tell me more.
Thanks again.
I hope one day we can meet and you will be able to tell me more.
Thanks again.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Gray I remembered another story as I was doing the dishes.
At Drury Lane I bought two programmes, one for my friend in Boston as I was flying out there several months later.
Dusty did a season at New York's Grand Finale I think the same year. It was a club and the stage was not big so she could see the audience quite well. As she passed my friends table she noticed the Drury Lane programme on their table and did a double-take.
After the show they got backstage to her dressing room and took several brilliant pictures, (all of which I have) they had a great time with her and she gave them some posters which they forgot to take.
The next day they went back to the club for the posters and met a secretary or someone who worked there, she went to find the posters and the phone started to ring, and ring, and ring so they answered it - no prizes for guessing who was on the other end - so they had another chat with her!!!
I was SO envious but pleased for them. I never had a one to one with Dusty but came close. The morning I flew down for Drury Lane her press officer at Philips Records told me that on arrival come straight to the theatre and meet Dusty as she was reheasing. The gods were most unkind to me that day, I flew into Gatwick and took a train into London and we were literally stuck IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE( to quote one of her hits) for a long time. I then got my hotel dumped 'my bag and got the tube to the theatre ,and I missed Dusty, she had gone. I was so disappointed.
Yes the story I want to tell you has to be spoken, typing it out would not have the same effect.!!!
Also I never had my picture taken with Dusty as I was too busy snapping her, at Drury Lane she was sitting down backstage and she was rather small, my two friends were beside her but I concentrated on Dusty and cut their heads off - they never did forgive me for that!!!!!
At Drury Lane I bought two programmes, one for my friend in Boston as I was flying out there several months later.
Dusty did a season at New York's Grand Finale I think the same year. It was a club and the stage was not big so she could see the audience quite well. As she passed my friends table she noticed the Drury Lane programme on their table and did a double-take.
After the show they got backstage to her dressing room and took several brilliant pictures, (all of which I have) they had a great time with her and she gave them some posters which they forgot to take.
The next day they went back to the club for the posters and met a secretary or someone who worked there, she went to find the posters and the phone started to ring, and ring, and ring so they answered it - no prizes for guessing who was on the other end - so they had another chat with her!!!
I was SO envious but pleased for them. I never had a one to one with Dusty but came close. The morning I flew down for Drury Lane her press officer at Philips Records told me that on arrival come straight to the theatre and meet Dusty as she was reheasing. The gods were most unkind to me that day, I flew into Gatwick and took a train into London and we were literally stuck IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE( to quote one of her hits) for a long time. I then got my hotel dumped 'my bag and got the tube to the theatre ,and I missed Dusty, she had gone. I was so disappointed.
Yes the story I want to tell you has to be spoken, typing it out would not have the same effect.!!!
Also I never had my picture taken with Dusty as I was too busy snapping her, at Drury Lane she was sitting down backstage and she was rather small, my two friends were beside her but I concentrated on Dusty and cut their heads off - they never did forgive me for that!!!!!
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Enjoyed reading those lovely Dusty memories
"My Tears Will Fall Now That You're Gone,
I Can't Help But Cry, But I Must Go On"
I Can't Help But Cry, But I Must Go On"
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Yes, thanks again, Karl for these memories.
You may recall I am a huge fan of the 'Dusty In Memphis' album, your posts have helped me gain a more rounded picture of the person than the book afforded.
You may recall I am a huge fan of the 'Dusty In Memphis' album, your posts have helped me gain a more rounded picture of the person than the book afforded.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Just noticed that at 11pm on Friday, BBC4 is broadcasting 'Soul at the BBC' - it includes Dusty.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Gary Dusty In Memphis is a great album but many of us think her second album Ev'rything's Coming Up Dusty is the best. I prefer the original 13 track album before it was re-released on cd with bonus tracks, for me that ruined the mood of the album.
It was an album in the true sense of the word as the original vinyl was housed in a stiff cardboard sleeve with a booklet including many pictures of Dusty.
What's your favourite track on Memphis? I have several but I Can't Make It Alone is a knockout.
It was an album in the true sense of the word as the original vinyl was housed in a stiff cardboard sleeve with a booklet including many pictures of Dusty.
What's your favourite track on Memphis? I have several but I Can't Make It Alone is a knockout.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
I will track down 'Everything is Coming Up Dusty', Karl.
On Dusty In Memphis, it has to be 'Breakfast In Bed' that is my favourite.
Simply based on her presentation on the song.
I think she manages to capture the essence of the rather naughty lyrics perfectly.
It is such a shame to think this album was a big flop when first released.
On Dusty In Memphis, it has to be 'Breakfast In Bed' that is my favourite.
Simply based on her presentation on the song.
I think she manages to capture the essence of the rather naughty lyrics perfectly.
It is such a shame to think this album was a big flop when first released.
Re: DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
After reading this biography, it struck me how hard it must be for a person to cope with life once their 'time' in the limelight begins to dull.
I read with interest Bruce Forsyth's comments regarding the youngsters on Britain's Got Talent and whether they are able to handle the pressure that inevitably comes after appearing on the program.
Regarding Dusty Springfield, and the problems she faced in the 70's and 80's, there was only one way to go after being called the premier femail pop singer on the planet (as she was circa 1970).
It must be so hard to face life on 'civvy street' once record contracts dry up.
I have been made redundant twice, and had to retrain and look to new avenues of work on each occassion. It was very, very hard.
I guess the movie 'Sunset Boulevard' might be pretty accurate!
I read with interest Bruce Forsyth's comments regarding the youngsters on Britain's Got Talent and whether they are able to handle the pressure that inevitably comes after appearing on the program.
Regarding Dusty Springfield, and the problems she faced in the 70's and 80's, there was only one way to go after being called the premier femail pop singer on the planet (as she was circa 1970).
It must be so hard to face life on 'civvy street' once record contracts dry up.
I have been made redundant twice, and had to retrain and look to new avenues of work on each occassion. It was very, very hard.
I guess the movie 'Sunset Boulevard' might be pretty accurate!