Petula Clark

The 1960s' voice of Petula Clark

British singer, actress, and songwriter Petula Clark made an enduring impression on the music business. One of the most adored and recognized performers of the 20th century, Clark is well known for her distinctive voice, endearing nature, and mesmerizing performances.

Childhood and Career

On November 15, 1932, Petula Sally Olwen Clark was born in Epsom, Surrey, England. She began singing at a young age, and at the age of nine, she had her first radio appearance. She performed on stage for the first time in a 1942 production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor." Later, she started appearing frequently on BBC radio programs, which aided in the beginning of her musical career.

In the 1950s, Clark scored a number of UK singles, such as "The Little Shoemaker," "Majorca," and "Sailor." But it wasn't until the 1960s that she found fame on a global scale with her hit song "Downtown," which made her a Grammy Award winner for Best Rock and Roll Recording. She then released a number of successful singles, such as "Don't Sleep in the Subway," "My Love," and "I Know a Place."

Careers in Music and Acting

Clark pursued acting in addition to her music career and had appearances in a number of movies, including "Finian's Rainbow" and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips." She also played the lead roles in the Broadway musicals of "Sunset Boulevard" and "Blood Brothers."

Clark continued to release new music throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond, earning critical acclaim for her versatility and range as an artist. In 2016, she released a new album titled "From Now On," which featured re-recordings of some of her classic hits as well as new material.

Interesting Facts

• Clark was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1998 and was later promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2017.
• She has sold over 68 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling British female artists of all time.
• Clark has also had success in French-speaking countries, releasing several albums in French and even winning the Grand Prix du Disque for her album "Hello Dolly" in 1965.
• She was married to French publicist Claude Wolff from 1961 until his death in 2020. They had three children together.

Petula Clark has made an indelible mark on the music industry and remains an icon to this day. Her music continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world, and her legacy as a versatile and talented artist is secure.