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NewsTranscript
00:00Petula Clarke, the iconic British singer, actress, and songwriter left an indelible
00:05mark on the world of entertainment.
00:06With a captivating voice, infectious pop sound, and a string of timeless hits like Downtown,
00:12Don't Sleep in the Subway, and I Know a Place, Clarke has become a beloved and influential
00:17figure in the music industry.
00:18Join Facts Verse as we present Petula Clarke is 90.
00:22Take a deep breath before you see her today.
00:24Early Years
00:25Petula Clarke, born November 15, 1932 in Epsom, Surrey, is a renowned British singer, actress,
00:32and songwriter.
00:33She began at a young age displaying talents in singing and acting.
00:37Her early life was shaped by a supportive family and a love for performing.
00:41Her father, Leslie Clarke, was a well-known British theatre artist, and her mother, Doris,
00:45was a talented pianist.
00:47From a young age, she showed a natural aptitude for music and performance, and she started
00:51singing on BBC Radio at just 7 years old.
00:54In her early teens, Clarke made her debut in the entertainment industry as a child actress,
01:00starring in various British films and radio productions.
01:03Her breakthrough came in the 1940s when she recorded her first hit single, Put Your Shoes
01:07On Lucy, at the age of 14.
01:09Her early success led to her becoming a popular figure in the British music scene, and she
01:14gained international recognition in the 1960s with hits like Downtown, Don't Sleep in the
01:19Subway, and I Know a Place.
01:21Her distinctive voice, coupled with her ability to deliver emotional and infectious performances,
01:27endeared her to audiences around the world.
01:29Throughout her career, Petula has explored various genres, from pop and rock to jazz
01:34and Broadway musicals.
01:35She has received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a CBE for
01:40her services to music and entertainment.
01:43She has also made a mark in the world of acting, appearing in films, TV shows, and stage productions.
01:48Career Highlights
01:50Clark's music career took off in the 1960s when she released that string of chart-topping
01:54hits, including Downtown, Don't Sleep in the Subway, and I Know a Place.
01:58They became international successes, propelling her to global stardom and earning her a dedicated
02:04fan base.
02:05She found immense success across Europe, the United States, and beyond, earning recognition
02:09and acclaim for her captivating voice and infectious pop sound.
02:13In 1964, she won the Grammy for Best Rock and Roll Recording for her hit song, Downtown,
02:19and in 1965, she won the Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance for I Know a Place.
02:24Clark has showcased her talents in acting, too.
02:27Notable acting highlights include her role in the film Goodbye, Mr. Chips, which earned
02:32her a Golden Globe nomination, and the lead role in the Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard
02:36in 1996.
02:38With her signature voice, charisma, and timeless appeal, Clark has become a cultural icon.
02:43Her songs have become synonymous with the era, and her music continues to resonate with
02:48audiences of all ages.
02:50One of the most remarkable aspects of Clark's career is her longevity.
02:54She has remained active and relevant in the industry for over seven decades, continually
02:59reinventing herself while staying true to her unique style and artistic vision.
03:04The Incident With Harry Belafonte
03:06In 1968, Petula Clark and Harry Belafonte delivered a historic and controversial performance
03:12on an NBC television special.
03:14The duet took place during a racially charged period in America's history, and the controversy
03:19surrounding their performance centered on a seemingly innocent act of physical contact.
03:24As they sang the civil rights anthem, On the Path of Glory, Clark spontaneously touched
03:29Belafonte's arm during a moment of shared connection.
03:32This simple gesture sparked controversy, as it violated unspoken racial boundaries and
03:37cultural norms of the time.
03:39The show's sponsor was Plymouth Motors, and reportedly their head of advertising,
03:43Doyle Lott, tried to get the performance nixed and Belafonte banned from the show.
03:48Fortunately, he was unsuccessful.
03:50The controversy surrounding Clark's touch highlighted the deeply ingrained racial tensions
03:55and societal expectations that existed during the era.
03:59Despite its innocuous nature, the moment became a symbol of unity and defiance against racial
04:04prejudice.
04:05Clark's gesture was seen as an act of breaking racial barriers and expressing solidarity
04:10in a time of intense racial strife.
04:13The performance is also remembered for the powerful message it conveyed.
04:16As two prominent artists from different racial backgrounds came together on a national platform,
04:21their collaboration symbolized a call for unity and equality.
04:25War Blitz Story
04:26Petula told NPR a wild story about performing during World War II.
04:31She talked about how when she was 8 years old and living in London, there was a theater
04:35near her that the BBC would use to record and broadcast messages.
04:40They used it because it was located underground, safer from potential harm.
04:44And that harm was a very real thing, as this was the time of the air raids and the Blitz
04:48of London.
04:49The BBC would often have kids in the theater there to record messages of hope and connection
04:54to their older family members serving abroad.
04:56On one occasion, the bombing on the streets of London, just above the theater, was so
05:00loud and raucous that all of the kids were frozen with fear.
05:04The BBC workers frantically tried to think of something to calm their nerves.
05:08They asked if any of them would like to perform or read some poetry or anything that might
05:12take everyone's mind off the attack above.
05:15According to Clarke, none of the other kids moved a muscle, but she jumped up and volunteered.
05:19Clarke said, quote, I was 8 years old, very small, and they put me on a box so that I
05:24could reach the microphone.
05:26And I sang.
05:27The Proposition from Elvis
05:29Clarke was close friends with star singer Karen Carpenter.
05:32The two became friendly originally after meeting at the premiere for the movie Goodbye Mr.
05:36Chips.
05:38The Carpenters were still an unknown band not on a record label, but they had snagged
05:41a slot performing at the afterparty.
05:43Clarke saw something in them and even went so far as to point them out to Herb Alpert.
05:48Alpert was impressed and later signed the Carpenters to a record deal.
05:51In that process, Clarke got to know Karen with whom she shared a deep bond.
05:55This was in spite of the fact that they didn't get to spend a ton of time together.
05:59Flash forward to a few years later when Clarke and Carpenter were at the top of the music
06:03world.
06:04The two ended up hanging in Elvis Presley's dressing room after one of his shows.
06:08Elvis took the opportunity to proposition the two of them to have a threesome.
06:12But Petula was very protective of Karen, whom she thought of as young and innocent, so she
06:17replied a resounding no for the both of them.
06:20Elvis dropped the idea but then reportedly said to Petula in a playful way, I'm going
06:24to get you one day.
06:25But Clarke has always insisted that that particular prediction never came true.
06:30Clarke's Later Years
06:31In her later years, Petula Clarke continues to be an active and vibrant presence in the
06:36entertainment industry.
06:37While she has scaled back her touring schedule, she has not slowed down in terms of her artistic
06:43pursuits.
06:44She has remained dedicated to her craft, engaging in various projects and collaborations that
06:48showcase her enduring talent and versatility.
06:51One notable aspect of her later years is her exploration of different musical genres and
06:56styles.
06:57She has ventured into the realms of jazz, blues, and even French chanson, expanding
07:01her artistic horizons and captivating audiences with interpretations of beloved classics.
07:07Additionally, she has continued to make occasional appearances on stage, captivating audiences
07:12with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence.
07:15Whether it's an intimate concert setting or larger theatrical productions, she can
07:19command the stage and create a profound connection with her audience.
07:23She has also been involved with charitable work and philanthropy, lending her support
07:27to various causes, including organizations focused on children's health and well-being.
07:32Now it's time to hear from you.
07:33What's your favorite memory of Petula Clarke?
07:35Did you know about the famous incident with Harry Belafonte?
07:38Let us know in the comments section below.
07:57And don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more videos like this!