By Rita Charleston
For the Times
It was wartime in Britain, and when she was just 8 years old, Petula Clark broke into show business when she began entertaining the troops both on the radio and in concert.
And singing professionally had a nice payoff for a child.
"I was paid with a large tin of toffee, and I thought that was pretty terrific," said Clark, who is definitely earning more than candy these days as she takes center stage at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside on Saturday.
Born in 1932 in Surrey, England, and lovingly referred to as the British "Shirley Temple," Clark became an instant sensation.
She was even asked to sing at a national victory celebration at Trafalgar Square after World War II.
"For me, I think it all began when my dad took me to see a classical play and I was mesmerized by the whole thing," said Clark. "Going home, riding on top of the bus after the show, my dad asked me what I was thinking. I told him I was thinking that I wanted to be an actress.
"I had nothing to do with singing before that. I was all of five years old. My dad always wanted to be in show business but was never allowed to be an actor. Maybe that’s why he didn’t try to discourage me. It was a rather bleak time in England, but little by little, I was told that I could sing very well for my age. Actually, I started singing in Wales, and I do tell a little bit of my story on stage."
And her career flourished. By 1944 she was making her first movie.
Eventually there would be over 30 films in both England and America. All went well until, she said, she hit adolescence which became a difficult time.
"I did all my growing up in public," she said.
But nothing seemed to stop her. Part of the British Invasion of the American pop music charts during the mid-1960s, Clark’s hits helped define a generation.
She was the first female British artist to receive a Grammy Award for Best Rock ‘N’ Roll Recording with her smash hit Downtown in 1964. She claimed another Grammy in 1965 for her second American hit, I Know A Place.
She’s recorded over 1,000 songs, sold over 70 million records, graced the musical stages in Britain and the United States, including The Sound of Music, Someone Like You, Blood Brothers and Sunset Boulevard, appeared in such films as Finian’s Rainbow and Goodbye, Mr. Chips and much, much more.
Amazingly, Clark’s won many awards, including the 2003 Grammy Hall of Fame Award, she believes, because her career started more than 40 years ago and seems to keep on going and going and going.
"And I don’t really know why," she said. "Maybe it’s because, in my opinion, back then the melodies were better, and I think many people prefer the music of the Sixties.
"As for me, I don’t think I’ve changed much. Of course, we all do get older, but I think I’m basically the same person. I’ve seen a lot of things, been to a lot of places. My eyes are open as to what’s happening in the world and around me. One is changed by various experiences, but I do think I haven’t changed that much."
And is retirement in her future?
"No. I actually enjoy all that I do," said Clark. "It’s something of a privilege to be able to go out there and have that experience with an audience. The whole physical experience of singing is wonderful, joyous and actually quite good for you.
"I love the traveling too. Maybe, I’m just a gypsy at heart." ••
For times and ticket information, call 215-572-7650.