Airdate – Nov 13, 2022
When it comes to being discovered or being recognized in the United States, many English performers can give thanks to the Beatles.
Such was the case for a lass from Epsom, England who became a “new” sensation internationally at the age of 32 in 1964 …
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The British Invasion, which was spearheaded by the Beatles, paved the way for the recognition and acceptance of other English entertainers – both at home and abroad.
In 1964 a veteran English pop entertainer released a record that became a smash hit in England and throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Its success was followed by several other charted singles worldwide.
This entertainer, who was born in 1932, began performing on radio in the UK in 1942. By the time she was eighteen she had her own TV show on the BBC.
The TV was called “Pet’s Place” and it was only the beginning for the multi-talented Petula Clark.
Her monster hit “Downtown” took North America by storm. From 1965 through 1969 she appeared on numerous TV shows throughout the U.S. including multiple appearances on Shindig, Hullabaloo, The Dean Martin Show and The Andy Williams Show. During that four year period, she appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show thirteen times!
Petula Clark’s movie career included starring roles in “Finian’s Rainbow” and “Goodbye Mr. Chips.” She also graced the London stage in the mid 90’s, appearing as femme fatale ‘Norma Desmond’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s upscale musical adaption of “Sunset Boulevard.”
On Tuesday November 15, Petula Clark celebrates her 90th birthday.
Her accomplishments are many and include being the first British female artist of the rock era to have a #1 record in the United States….with “Downtown” topping the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1965.
With several charted singles to follow, she sure found her place. In fact, via song, she told us that “I Know A Place,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
YouTube video of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mczuM105fLk
“Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.