You've got me on the go!

In our minds, we're still in Sitges.

The weather's cooled down a little here today, and we've "broken the back" of the urgent jobs in the extensive gardens here at Dolores Delargo Towers, so there's less of a flurry of activity - a chance to have a bit of a breather before the madness of the "real world" begins again tomorrow...

We missed another milestone birthday last week - the 80th of the lovely Leslie Uggams!

A pioneer in the light entertainment world, she faced down the segregationist bigots to land a regular role in 1950s America's most wholesome mainstream variety show Sing Along with Mitch, and in the 60s she even went on to host her own series (the first black entertainer to do so after Nat King Cole). She received an Emmy nomination for her role as "Kizzy" in Roots, and became a regular guest in a number of popular shows such as The Love Boat, Muppet Show and Magnum, P.I. - and more recently made a big-screen return as "Blind Al" in the Deadpool films!

On this Tacky Music Bank Holiday Monday, lets track back and celebrate the lady's song-and-dance heyday, shall we?

Leslie Uggams - Fascinating Rhythm / Slap That Bass medley

Leslie Uggams - Hallelujah, Baby!

Many happy returns, Leslie Marian Uggams (born 25th May 1943)!

I believe in me!

It may be a Bank Holiday, the final bit of the Easter weekend [Buona Pasquetta if you're Italian - a time for picnics; 'tis a bit chilly here for that today], but it is still a Tacky Music Monday...

And, as I have extra cause to celebrate - having the rest of this week off as leave, so not back to work for another seven days - I think it's time for a really joyful number, courtesy of Miss Leslie Uggams (and her extremely energetic safety gays)!

Leslie Uggams - Hallelujah, Baby!

Now, that's the way to do it. Hallelujah, indeed!

No sir, I don't mean maybe

We have sneaked in an extra Monday after having all last week off - a week that opened with Proms in the Park and ended with a sunny weekend in Essex. Now it is miserable and raining again, which rather sets the mood for the impending return to the gloomy office...

Never mind, to cheer things along on this Tacky Music Monday - how about a double-dose of the faboo Miss Leslie Uggams (from her cameo appearance in some lost TV movie titled Sizzle)?

Leslie Uggams - Yes Sir, That's My Baby

Leslie Uggams - Sweet Georgia Brown

Leslie Uggams official website

Tacky Music Triptych

Ah, sunshine and lazy days. I never tire of them - and this bank holiday promises to provide just that! In my idyll on yet another day away from the office (the last one of almost a fortnight off), I haven't forgotten it is a Tacky Music Monday...

Today, joy of joys, we have not one, not two, but three sparkling performances to brighten up our lives (thanks to another glut of birthdays of our favourite showbiz ladies). And because I love you.

First up is the multi-talented Broadway singer and actress Miss Leslie Uggams, who celebrated her 70th birthday on Saturday 25th May - here with her stunning take on the classic Fascinatin' Rhythm.

[Thanks to dear Thombeau and his (sadly now very) Redundant Variety Hour for this one!]

Leslie Uggams - Fascinatin' Rhythm

Next, we couldn't let the late, great Miss Peggy Lee's birthday (yesterday - 26th May) go by without paying due homage - here she is in a wonderfully weird "literal" interpretation of her classic Fever:

Peggy Lee - Fever

Finally, a little closer to home, the National Treasure that is Cilla Black OBE celebrates not only her 50th anniversary in showbiz this year, but also blows out 70 candles on her cake today! Here is the lady herself (from her 70s TV show, dancing with someone who looks like a "Jason King" wannabee) with a completely over-the-top routine for You're So Vain:

Cilla Black - You're So Vain

Divas, all!