Petula Clark... This first name and surname go so well together. They express very well the drive, the vigor and vivid eagerness of this tiny lady. This name is not a pen-name, but her real name; she only had to make her name famous, and this is to say the least. By becoming well-known she proved to French people that English women do not necessarily wear glasses and have straight hair.
An adorable face with blond hair, a radiant smile, nice eyes, a natural warmth, those are qualities that describe this English woman, who has had, for the past few years, an international career.
Let me say, as a respectable Frenchman myself, that Petula Clark's father was FRENCH.* A French father and an English mother. Petula is really the result of what one can call the "Cordial Agreement." This double descent/origin will influence her way of doing things. Maybe it is her Gallic blood that gives her drive, vigor, boldness, and stanima to work very hard. As for her English side, it is surely when she sings French, that we appreciate all its charm. Nothing is more perceptive to our ears then this accent which brings a particular flavor and charm to each of her French songs.
*Note: Leslie Clark was neither French nor of French descent! Her mother, Doris, was of Welch descent.
An adorable face with blond hair, a radiant smile, nice eyes, a natural warmth, those are qualities that describe this English woman, who has had, for the past few years, an international career.
Let me say, as a respectable Frenchman myself, that Petula Clark's father was FRENCH.* A French father and an English mother. Petula is really the result of what one can call the "Cordial Agreement." This double descent/origin will influence her way of doing things. Maybe it is her Gallic blood that gives her drive, vigor, boldness, and stanima to work very hard. As for her English side, it is surely when she sings French, that we appreciate all its charm. Nothing is more perceptive to our ears then this accent which brings a particular flavor and charm to each of her French songs.
*Note: Leslie Clark was neither French nor of French descent! Her mother, Doris, was of Welch descent.
Petula was first a well known entertainer in the UK as a singer and actress. She made some 30 movies in the UK and she was one of those child stars, to whom one can foresee a great future. In her case it became true. Petula has sold, up to now, six million records; she is one of the best selling singer on the hit parade today. She has performed everywhere in the world, and this is only the beginning.
The first time she sang at the Paris Olympia at "Musicorama" she had a really bad cold and a sore throat. Fortunately, she sang in English and most of the audience didn't notice her hoarse voice. million records; she is one of the best selling singer on the hit parade today. She has performed everywhere in the world, and this is only the beginning.
Some time later she moved to France, mostly because of a Frenchman, Claude Wolff, who became her husband and artistic manager. She learned French and now speaks it very well with a delightful accent. She just performed at the Olympia as headliner this time. All the critics were unanimous at saying that Petula had become a great singer and that all of Paris sang with her "A London".... Queen of rock and twist, she can also sing ballads and romantic songs. Serge Gainsbourg wrote specially for her "Vilaine Fille, Mauvais Garçon." She has performed everywhere in the world, and this is only the beginning.
Her professional life takes her from France to England, to Germany, Belgium and the USA. She is one of the few European singer who has recorded in the US. Petula has a very private life
The first time she sang at the Paris Olympia at "Musicorama" she had a really bad cold and a sore throat. Fortunately, she sang in English and most of the audience didn't notice her hoarse voice. million records; she is one of the best selling singer on the hit parade today. She has performed everywhere in the world, and this is only the beginning.
Some time later she moved to France, mostly because of a Frenchman, Claude Wolff, who became her husband and artistic manager. She learned French and now speaks it very well with a delightful accent. She just performed at the Olympia as headliner this time. All the critics were unanimous at saying that Petula had become a great singer and that all of Paris sang with her "A London".... Queen of rock and twist, she can also sing ballads and romantic songs. Serge Gainsbourg wrote specially for her "Vilaine Fille, Mauvais Garçon." She has performed everywhere in the world, and this is only the beginning.
Her professional life takes her from France to England, to Germany, Belgium and the USA. She is one of the few European singer who has recorded in the US. Petula has a very private life
in her quiet and cosy apartment on Montparnasse Boulevard; this is where she spends as much time as possible when she is not working. In this quiet environment she becomes a mother, looking after her adorable 11 month old daughter Barbara. Now, it's no surprise to anyone, next spring Barbara will either have a brother or sister, which will slowdown, for a while.
Petula's career.
In the meantime, Petula continues to work hard. After her engagement at the Olympia she flew to Belgium for a concert tour, then she will go to her summer home in Vallauris, in the South of France, for a well deserved rest. Petula has contracts waiting for her in Lebanon, San Francisco, Los Angeles. But success is very demanding; Petula knows that she always wants to succeed and wants to attain her goal. No matter what, Petula has always kept her young girl smile, a smile that says that what is happening is unbelievable.
Finally, Petula has known how to seperate her show business life and her family life, which she succeeded in doing quite well, and in the end, we do not know for which one her fans appreciate her the most.
Translation by Daniel Bédard
Petula's career.
In the meantime, Petula continues to work hard. After her engagement at the Olympia she flew to Belgium for a concert tour, then she will go to her summer home in Vallauris, in the South of France, for a well deserved rest. Petula has contracts waiting for her in Lebanon, San Francisco, Los Angeles. But success is very demanding; Petula knows that she always wants to succeed and wants to attain her goal. No matter what, Petula has always kept her young girl smile, a smile that says that what is happening is unbelievable.
Finally, Petula has known how to seperate her show business life and her family life, which she succeeded in doing quite well, and in the end, we do not know for which one her fans appreciate her the most.
Translation by Daniel Bédard