I never lost control

Many happy returns to that marvel of smoky vocals and classy soul the diminutive Lulu - (gulp) 65 years old today!

Suffice to say, I have blogged about the lady many times before so, without further ado, let us wallow in the gorgeousness of her fantabulosa collaboration with David Bowie - The Man Who Sold The World...

Lulu - The Man Who Sold The World

We passed upon the stair, we spoke of was and when
Although I wasn't there, he said I was his friend
Which came as some surprise; I spoke into his eyes
I thought you died alone, a long long time ago

Oh no, not me
I never lost control
You're face to face
With The Man Who Sold The World

I laughed and shook his hand, and made my way back home
I searched for form and land, for years and years I roamed
I gazed a gazely stare at all the millions here
We must have died alone, a long long time ago

Who knows? not me
We never lost control
You're face to face
With the Man who Sold the World

Lulu Kennedy-Cairns, OBE (born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, 3rd November 1948)

You make me wanna shout

Happy 60th birthday yesterday to that "National Treasure"™, Marie MacDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, known to the world as Lulu.

In an amazing five-decade career that began when the lady was a wee bairn of 15, Lulu has made a big impact on both sides of the Atlantic with her original "white soul" voice, her effervescent personality and her sense of humour (often the "foil" for French & Saunders and other comedians).

Probably due to that very ability to take the piss out of herself, and her innate sense of showbiz style, she has carved a niche as a bit of a gay icon. From her early collaborations with David Bowie and Elton John, to her work on behalf of the latter's AIDS Foundation, via some very camp appearances with Take That and on stage at G.A.Y., she has always been seen as our ally. She was married to society hairdresser John Frieda for heaven's sake! And since that marriage broke down, our Lulu has admirably attracted a succession of men many years her junior.

All hail the little Glasgow girl with the big voice!

Lulu - To Sir With Love

Lulu - The Man Who Sold The World

Lulu with Take That - Relight My Fire

Lulu - Shout

Article in the Glasgow Evening Times

Lulu on MySpace