Petula Clark

Petula Clark first appeared on the radar screen for Americans in 1964 with her smash hit "Downtown," and she is generally perceived in the states as a product of the '60s Swingin' London era, but her status in Europe is a whole different story. Clark, who has been in the entertainment business for an astounding 60-plus years, made her professional debut in 1942 on British radio when she was only ten years old (that recording, a medley that leads off with "Mighty Like a Rose," is the first track here) and went on to become a child star in Britain, appearing regularly on radio, TV and in movies, seamlessly making the transition to international pop star in the '60s. Her piano accompanist through much of this early career was Joe "Mr. Piano" Henderson, and the pair developed a complete performing act, culminating in a BBC radio series together in 1959. This set from Sepia Records brings together Clark's early radio appearances (most with Henderson aboard) along with her songs for various TV and film soundtracks, several selections from the 1959 radio series, and a handful of Henderson solo tracks, resulting in a fascinating history of Clark's early years. Listeners looking for later hits like "Downtown" obviously should look elsewhere, but for proof that nothing comes out of nowhere no matter how things might appear, this collection makes for a revelatory experience. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide