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.
