A blue plaque has been mounted at the former West London home of singer Dusty Springfield. The blue plaque replaced the one put up in 2001, which disappeared during renovation work at 38-40 Aubrey Walk in Kensington earlier this year. As he unveiled the plaque, Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees described Dusty Springfield as “probably the greatest female popular singer in the modern pop rock era”.

Dusty Springfield, who died in 1999, lived at the home from 1968 to 1972. Robin Gibb, who is President of the Heritage Foundation, eulogised: “She is probably the greatest female popular singer in the modern pop rock era – since 1963, there’s been no one to match her. This includes the United States as well – they can’t come close to her. Today they just pose at singing. She was the genuine article”. He added: “I don’t think there will ever be anyone that could take the place of Dusty Springfield.”

So often the words “great” and “genius” are used in reference to music artists, but in the case of Dusty Springfield, never have truer words been said by Robin Gibb. She really did have few peers……the only female solo artists that stand shoulder to shoulder with her are Aretha Franklin and Shirley Bassey. They are truly “great” soul / black singers, who actually put Dusty Springfield’s achievements into greater perspective and clarity!! Dusty Springfield was a white English Convent educated middle class girl, who sang like a black woman!!

Dusty’s songs from the 1960s have become standards and classics – “Just don’t know what to do with myself”, “Some of your loving”, “You don’t have to say you love me”, “Going Back” and “Son of a Preacher Man” being the pick of the bunch for me. Most of her success came in the 1960s, and then somewhat inexplicably, bearing in mind her massive talent, she fell from grace and favour like so many 1960s chart acts. After seventeen years in the wilderness, the Pet Shop Boys stepped in, resurrecting her career, persuading her to duet on the fantastic “What have I done to deserve this?”. In one fell swoop, we were all reminded of what we had been missing for the best part of twenty years!! One of my favourite Dusty Springfield tracks came two years later, when she recorded “Nothing has been proven”, the soundtrack to the film about the Profumo Affair, “Scandal”. There was something strangely haunting about the song, that in some way epitomised the artist, who was clearly haunted by demons throughout her life!! They say that there is “no gain without pain”…….well Dusty’s tortured pain was to our gain and advantage. In life and death, Dusty Springfield has enriched all our lives!!

So why not celebrate Dusty Springfield’s place in your heart and rock history for posterity as a souvenir?…………Get your favourite Dusty Springfield vinyl records or compact discs ( singles or albums ), framed and mounted, by clicking on….. http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Alternatively you can buy a Dusty Springfield “Song Souvenir” for a family member, or friend……this would make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration ie a 40th, 50th or 60th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Mother’s or Father’s Day or Valentine’s Day!! THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

MyFirstRecord.co.uk have most of Dusty Springfield’s albums and singles available in their original vinyl record format.  Select from this full list of albums –

1964: A Girl Called Dusty

1965: Ev’rything’s Coming Up Dusty

1967: Where Am I Going?

1968: Dusty… Definitely

1969: Dusty in Memphis

1970: A Brand New Me

1972: See All Her Faces

1973: Cameo

1978: It Begins Again

1979: Living Without Your Love

1982: White Heat

1990: Reputation

1995: A Very Fine Love

Order your favourite Dusty Springfield vinyl album, by clicking on…… http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/framed-albums/

For all other Dusty Springfield merchandise and memorabilia, click on……..http://www.dustyspringfield.org.uk/LTD/LTD/index.html