While the success of female artists was modest as well, there were British women who had big hits in the U.S. They fared better than the solo guys. I wrote about one such woman, Petula Clark, in a prior post. Another British import, who did well, is now considered to be a legendary female vocalist.
Dusty Springfield was a premier performer. She had 18 singles in the USA -- Billboard Top 100, from 1964 through 1970. One of her first singles to chart over here, and one that I remember well from listening to the radio in that exciting era, made it up to #4 on the American charts.
That was a major hit in 1965. Springfield had many more hits, and during her career she explored different styles of music -- from the Motown sound to her Memphis years. One of her most memorable smashes was from the Memphis years. The song was first offered to Aretha Franklin, but Dusty ended up recording it.
Dusty was versatile as a performer. She even performed with the Pet Shop Boys and had yet another top hit in 1988. Unfortunately, Dusty passed away in 1999, a victim of cancer. However, those songs that she recorded have stood the test of time and she is critically acclaimed as one of the top female vocalists of the rock era.
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Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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