Petula Clark made her first on-air appearance in 1942, aged nine, singing on a BBC radio show that broadcast messages the troops.
Across the longest career of any British entertainer, she evolved from child star to music legend. After a string of hit records in the UK, she moved to France, for love, where she was voted the country’s favourite female vocalist, before then becoming the ‘First Lady of the British Invasion’ with her Billboard No1 Downtown. She has hosted numerous TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic, and starred in Hollywood classics alongside the likes of Fred Astaire and Peter O’Toole. By the 70s she was a Vegas superstar, and in the 80s and 90s she was performing on Broadway and in the West End. More recently she stunned audiences in London as the flower seller in an acclaimed production of Mary Poppins.
In her riveting memoir, Petula confides in us with showbiz gems, from watching Frank Sinatra pull out a gun at an exclusive LA club, to attending Liza Minelli's wedding to David Gest as one of thirteen maids of honour, all dressed in black. And beyond the glitz an glamour, she talks about the personal challenges and triumphs that have defined her life.
A true one-off in our times, Petula reflects on a career that has spanned continents, music styles, genres and eras. From the innocence of her early days to the seasoned grace of her current performances, her story is a testament to resilience, passion and the enduring power of music. Discover the real woman behind the legendary icon, who continues to inspire new generations with her timeless voice and indomitable spirit.
