Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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ATWELL, Winifred

(b '14, Tunapuna, Trinidad; d Feb. '83, Sydney, Australia) UK pop pianist. Began playing age four, recitals at six. Degree in chemistry; played piano in spare time, later studying in London, NYC. Making no headway in classical music, moved into pop; variety and cabaret led to first broadcast '47, contract with Decca UK '51. Second single "Jezebel' did well; big hit "Black and White Rag' (written '08 by George Botsford; see Ragtime) established gimmick of tinny "old-time' piano sound: the "other piano' became part of the act. Played London Palladium, Royal Command performance; "Brittania Rag', "Coronation Rag', "Flirtation Rag' and "Let's Have A Party' (knees-up medley) all top 10 '52-3. Concert with LPO at Royal Albert Hall followed; tours of Australia, New Zealand, USA; charted '54 with Rachmaninoff's "18th Variation On A Theme Of Paganini', then had first no. 1 with "Let's Have Another Party'. More hits, tours, classical concerts ('56 with Andre Kostelanetz) made her one of the UK's best-paid stars. She retired to Australia; last performance '80.