|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZFIELDS, Gracie(b Grace Stansfield, 9 Jan. 1898, Rochdale, England; d 27 Sep. '79, Capri) UK singer, comedienne. Won singing contest age seven; pro debut at twelve. Toured in revues; played Sally Perkins in West End hit Mr Tower Of London '18, ran for seven years. First records '28; first of 15 films Sally In Our Alley '31 incl. 'Sally', her most famous song. Said to be world's highest-paid entertainer '39 when she had surgery for cancer. Beloved by 'ordinary people' in dark pre- war days of Depression for broad Lancashire accent, quick informal humour; then married Italian comedian/film dir. Monty Banks '40 in USA; on return to UK he was threatened with wartime internment; they went to USA, taking their money with them and the UK public seemed to turn against her. Own US radio shows '42--4; forgiven '46 by London Palladium audience; big hit '48 with 'Now Is The Hour' (no. 4 USA); US radio show again early '50s; hit with film title song 'Around The World' '57, also 'Little Donkey' '59. Spent most of the rest of her life in semi-retirement in Capri; last London stage appearance at her tenth Royal Command Performance '78. Remembered for comedy specialities 'Walter, Walter', 'I Took My Harp To A Party', 'The Biggest Aspidistra In The World'; inspirational 'Sing As We Go', 'Wish Me Luck'; sacred 'Ave Maria'. |