Category: Petula Clark

The One and Only Miss Petula Clark!

Arthur Godfrey at 105

DogRat regular Jan, who is a devoted fan of Arthur Godfrey, points out that August 31 would have been his 105th birthday. In recognition of this, here is Godfrey in a 1951 appearance on “What’s My Line.”

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I have found a connection between Arthur Godfrey and Petula Clark, in the person of Rod McKuen, Pet’s longtime friend and sometimes colllaborator. McKuen appeared on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts around 1956.

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Alizée — French Family Entertainment

Petula Clark always sounds a bit amused that the French called her “sexy Pet.” But, then, what do the French know about what’s sexy?

If you’ve never heard of Alizée, you might be in for a bit of shock, because this is what passes for family entertainment in France. But I’ve never watched So You Think You Can Dance, so what do I know? Maybe it would be considered mainstream in America too.

Here is French superstar Alizée, five years ago, age eighteen. Computer gamer types will recognize this from the World of Warcraft. It was the basis for the Night Elf Dance.

Petula Catch-Up

Let’s get caught up a bit with some of Petula Clark’s doings.

  • Petula’s interviews on radio and TV tend to be diplomatic about personal matters, but in print she can be quite frank and open about herself. What she reveals at this link is one such example.
  • Coming up on September 13 on PBS is “The 60’s Live!” Petula’s appearance can’t be truly live, as she will be performing in Manila that day.
  • On September 22 Pet will be back in New York, for the delayed appearance with Harry Belafonte at the Paley Center at the Museum of Television and Radio. Click here for more background about that.

For complete up-to-date information, check the American site PetulaClark.net, and in the UK, the Petula Blog.

Petula Clark, International Star

XUXA’s stardom in Latin America failed to translate into American success. Of K3 and Free Souffriau in Belgium, I would suspect that Free has a better chance at finding an audience here in the states, or at least in the UK. English-speaking performers don’t necessarily have an advantage, otherwise Cilla Black would have been a much bigger name than she is in the U.S.

The point I’ve been leading up to is that Petula Clark’s career is unique. From child star on radio, to movie star, to adult French singing sensation, to 60’s Pop icon, to TV specials, to adult contemporary performer, to Broadway, and on and on, Petula Clark stands alone. No other entertainer, not even Madonna (in whom I have no interest) has reinvented herself so many times. And Petula has done it with apparent ease and without false fronts.

Here is Petula Clark’s recent appearance on Paul O’Grady’s BBC TV show. It features the hot, new Disney boy band, the Jonas Brothers. I love how the kids have to sit behind the old ladies.

[MYPLAYLIST=2]

Tech note: YouTube has the image shape wrong, so I downloaded the files and I’m giving this playlist a try. You’ll notice that you have to click outside of the player to change focus back to the page.

Special Guest Post — Petula in Croydon

David Moncur is back home in Scotland, having seen Petula Clark perform live in London on 5 June. Thanks for the report and photos, Dave!

Petula Clark, Croydon, London, 5 June 2008Petula Clark, Croydon, London, 5 June 2008
Petula Clark, Croydon, London, 5 June 2008Petula Clark, Croydon, London, 5 June 2008

Not long back from London, having spent longer there than I anticipated.

The concert was fantastic. Petula was better than I have ever seen her. There are some new songs in the programme…..

From the new album….. “It’s Ok” and “Heaven’s Door” recorded by my friend David Hadzis in Geneva. There is also a beautiful version of “These were the days of our lives”, (Queen). “Memphis”, is amazing, and “Come along with me” is fantastic……

It was also nice to hear “People get Ready” from 1970 back in the concert. I swear it sounded just like the record.

She just keeps on getting better.

I wouldn’t worry about calling her Pet by the way. I’m sure she doesn’t mind it at all from fans…. after all, if you listen to the song “My name is Petula” she does sing…

“Well I been round and round this great big world
And I haven’t heard it said right yet,
So if you’re gonna call me,
And I’d really would like you to call me,
But if you’re gonna call me
Why don’t you call me Pet,
Just Pet!”

Well… she asked for it.

You can hear excerpts from “It’s ok”, and “Heaven’s Door”, on this page.

Hope you’re well

Dave