Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield (Mary Isabel Catherine Bernadette O’Brien), born on April 16, 1939, made the biggest impression among the female artists of the British invasion. From 1963 to 1970 she scored 18 Billboard Hot 100 singles. Dusty Springfield is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame.

Dusty Springfield sang with soul, earning her the nickname “White Queen of Soul.” Her husky voice communicated a sense of longing, and created music that was evocative. Dusty’s image included her peroxided blonde hair in a beehive style, heavy eyeliner and fake eyelashes, and elegant evening gowns.

Her hits include Son of a Preacher Man, The Look of Love, I Only Want To Be With You, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, Wishin’ and Hopin’, Stay Awhile, and I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself.

After some time away from the music business, Dusty accepted an invitation from the British pop duo Pet Shop Boys in 1987 to sing on their single What Have I Done to Deserve This? and appear on the promotional video. The record rose to Number 2 on both the British and American charts. With BJ Thomas, Dusty recorded the theme song As Long as We Got Each Other for TV’s Growing Pains.

Dusty lost her battle against breast cancer and died at the age of 59 on March 2, 1999.

Below, some of Dusty’s performances.

Son of a Preacher Man

The Look of Love

I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself

I Only Want To Be With You

Stay Awhile