Dusty Springfield: 'In The Middle Of Nowhere'

[scenesixty]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book by Laurence Cole on the life personna and career of Ms Dusty Springfield. Laurence is a wordsmith indeed! packed with colleagues rememberances, studio tantrums, perfectionist re-takes ad infinitum.
One chapter is almost entirely devoted to the 'mask' Dusty wore: (i.e): voluminous backcombing-beehive maintainance and jet black liquid liner on her eyes, augmented with false lashes, kohl and eye shadow.
Towering beehives and helmet's of backcombing were not exclusive to Dusty however, Helen Shapiro sported upright coiled beehive backcombing for a while reaching it's 'height' in 1964!
Julie Rogers had a HUGE helmet of a bob in 64/65. Other notable examples were Wanda Jackson, a serious contender for BIG hairdo's. By 1966-this was a look that was already becoming old fashioned-however some girl pop singers had this look from '63-69!

[alan french]

Hi,
I remember seeing Dusty Springfield at The California Ballroom in Dunstable during the 1960's. For the un- itiated, there were two stages at each end of the dance floor. One was for the big band or star. The other was for the smaller band. The small group were playing. People were however going up to the main stage, as Dusty was shortly to go on. She came out in the crowd and waited. I was standing very close to where she was. People were looking up excited. Those who knew me were looking over in my direction with nods and gazes of, 'look who is standing there next to Alan', expressions on their faces. Her name suited her. Her face powder looked deliberately dusty. Her Eyes had been recently toned down on television. But this performance, they were very heavily made up. She was smaller than I thought. The other band had not yet finished their song, so for want of something to do, she started to dance, still right next to me. But I was more inhibited then, than I am now, otherwise, I would have joined in.

She gave a splendid performance when she went on. I was upset, as I was not in her fan club. Because she then met members in a room somewhere.

I liked her. She was good.

I am sorry that she passed away when she did.

Alan French.

[scenesixty]

Yes indeed, I remember her well, everybody did back then; poor woman succumbed to the awful scourge of Breast ca. Best to all!

[Rowdon]

Hi,
I remember seeing Dusty Springfield at The California Ballroom in Dunstable during the 1960's. For the un- itiated, there were two stages at each end of the dance floor. One was for the big band or star. The other was for the smaller band. The small group were playing. People were however going up to the main stage, as Dusty was shortly to go on. She came out in the crowd and waited. I was standing very close to where she was. People were looking up excited. Those who knew me were looking over in my direction with nods and gazes of, 'look who is standing there next to Alan', expressions on their faces. Her name suited her. Her face powder looked deliberately dusty. Her Eyes had been recently toned down on television. But this performance, they were very heavily made up. She was smaller than I thought. The other band had not yet finished their song, so for want of something to do, she started to dance, still right next to me. But I was more inhibited then, than I am now, otherwise, I would have joined in.

She gave a splendid performance when she went on. I was upset, as I was not in her fan club. Because she then met members in a room somewhere.

I liked her. She was good.

I am sorry that she passed away when she did.

Alan French.

Great post. Lucky man. It is a pity she died so young; I'm not saying that her best work was possibly ahead of her, because I really don't think it was, but she deserved a long time of basking in glory, occasional live shows, interviews, seeing her legacy and so on. What I refer to as the "Gerry Marsden Years".

[billy bentley]

"Dusty In Memphis" is one of the greatest long playing records ever made and if you don't have a copy get one pronto. It captures her at the top of her game, surrounded by some of the very best Southern American musicians of the time.

[wadsy]

"Dusty In Memphis" is one of the greatest long playing records ever made and if you don't have a copy get one pronto. It captures her at the top of her game, surrounded by some of the very best Southern American musicians of the time.

Agreed, it's a must!!

[dpgmel]

Anything by Dusty is pretty fine in my book.

[scenesixty]

Agreed, it's a must!!

Crumbs! Just having bought the SUPERB (20) B+W/Colour live performances by Dusty (many from the Sixtie's) 'Once Upon A Time' 1964-69)-I've just realised I've walked past Simon Napier Bell (Songwriter/Producer) many, many times.. He must live very close.. Best to all!

[Mark O]

A link to some pics of Madeline Bell, Kate Setterfield (winner of BBC'S 'One and only') and Jonathan Cohen on keyboard from this year's Dusty tribute day..........

Let's Talk Dusty! The Ultimate Forum for Dusty Springfield Fans • View topic - Dusty Day 2011

[Mr Sloane]

trouble with youtube......

[scenesixty]

A link to some pics of Madeline Bell, Kate Setterfield (winner of BBC'S 'One and only') and Jonathan Cohen on keyboard from this year's Dusty tribute day..........

Let's Talk Dusty! The Ultimate Forum for Dusty Springfield Fans • View topic - Dusty Day 2011

Re: Dust & Madeline

Just bought Madeline's two first albums on CD: 'Bell's A Poppin' + 'Doin' Things' Wow the trax I previewed on this were great!! (Doin Things) Damned expensive to find a copy, but paid around a tenner! THEN boy does the price go UP!!!!.... Best to all.