Giggle Box Memorial to Jimmy Stewart

A TRIBUTE TO

Dusty Springfield

of singing fame

Born Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien in 1939, she was best known for her 1960s' hits Son of A Preacher Man, I Only Want To Be With You and You Don't Have To Say You Love Me.

Surrounded by family and close friends, at her home in England, Dusty slipped peacefully and quietly away Tuesday evening, March 2, 1999 after a long struggle with breast cancer. She will be missed immensely by all whose lives have been graced by her presence and her voice.

Dusty, Britain's greatest white soul/pop singer had a turbulent career. Formerly referred to as 'the White Negress', Springfield began as a member of the Lana Sisters and moved with her brother Tom (Dion O'Brien) and Tim Field into the Springfields. During the Merseybeat boom, she boldly went solo. Her debut in late 1963 with 'I Only Want To Be With You' became a classic of 60s pop. Over the next three years Springfield enjoyed a string of hits. But by the end of 1967, she was becoming disillusioned with the showbusiness merry-go-round. Her finest album, Dusty In Memphis, remains a classic. The single 'Son Of A Preacher Man' became a major hit. During the 70s, Dusty disappeared from the charts, and moved to Los Angeles. The comeback propelled by 'It Begins Again' failed when the follow-up, 'Living Without Your Love', was poorly received. In the early 80s she relocated to Toronto and resurfaced in 1982 with the disco-influenced 'White Heat'. The single, 'Just Like Butterflies', helped to put her back in the public eye. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys persuaded her to duet with them on their hit single 'What Have I Done To Deserve This?' in 1987. They then wrote the theme for the film Scandal, which Springfield took into the charts. In 1994 she underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer. This delayed the release and promotion of her long-awaited new album with Columbia Records. In the spring of 1995 it was announced that the cancer was in remission. A Very Fine Lovearrived in the wake of the single 'Wherever Would I Be' She was a diva who is able to cross over into every gender genre. Unfortunately, there was a re-occurence in 1996 and her health deteriorated. Dusty Springfield passed away in her British home on the afternoon of 2 March 1999, just eleven days before she was scheduled for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her voice will be missed.

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