Book details

Book description

Dusty Springfield made her name in the 60s with a string of top ten hits. Her unique singing style and distinctive bouffant blonde look made her famous throughout the world. Despite a period in the wilderness during the 70s and 80s, she was back at the top in the 90s until her death from cancer in March l999. Born an Irish Catholic in l939, her background set her almost schizophrenically at odds with herself as she realised her sexuality and moved further into the rock world. Both Penny Valentine and Vicki Wickham knew Dusty well, as friend and manager for much of her career. As well as charting her gay relationships, this book also looks candidly at the period of her greatest self-destruction while living in Los Angeles in the 80s. Covering every area of her career with honesty and affection, Dusty is brought vividly to life. Penny Valentine was the most well-known music writer in the 60s. Called by Mick Jagger 'the world's best record reviewer', she appeared regularly on Juke Box Jury and knew Dusty well. She now lectures at Goldsmiths and is a desk editor at the Guardian. Vicki Wickham was Dusty's long-time friend and manager. Producer of the pioneer live music show Ready Steady Go! she has also managed Patti LaBelle and Marc Almond. She now lives in New York. She won the music industry's Woman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in l999.