Springfield, Dusty (1939–1999)
Springfield, Dusty (1939–1999)
British-born pop singer. Born Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien in Hampstead, England, April 16, 1939; died of breast cancer, Mar 2, 1999, in Henley-on-Thames, England; sister of Tom O'Brien (musician); never married.
Began performing in an all-girl trio called The Lana Sisters (1958); joined brother and a friend to form a group called The Springfields (1960), their release of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles" becoming an international bestseller; released 1st record as a solo performer, "I Only Want to Be with You" (1963), and followed it with a string of successful, folk-rock singles that included "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself," "Stay Awhile," "Little by Little," "Wishin' and Hopin'," and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me"; had her own BBC tv show; signed with Atlantic Records, resulting in album some consider her best, Dusty in Memphis (1968); saw career slip (1970s–80s), but returned to charts (late 1980s) through recording of "Do I Deserve This?" with the Pet Shop Boys; seemed destined for rediscovery. Named Best Female Vocalist in Britain's New Musical Express (1964–67, 1969); inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998); just weeks before death, was awarded the Order of the British Empire.
See also Lucy O'Brien, Dusty (Rev. ed. Sidgewick & Jackson, 1999); and Women in World History.