Thursday, August 6, 2015

Cilla Black's New York Times obit omits mention of her only American hit song




Cilla Black, Top Pop Star in Swinging Sixties Britain, Dies at 72. (The New York Times, 8/4/2015)
Known for her big, belting, smoke-edged voice, Ms. Black recorded more than a dozen albums and several dozen singles, including the hits “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David (didn't chart in U.S.); “It’s for You,” by Mr. Lennon and Mr. McCartney (peaked at #76, 3 weeks on Hot 100); “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” by Phil Spector, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (didn't chart); and “Alfie,” by Mr. Bacharach and Mr. David.  Ms. Black sang that song to promote the British release of “Alfie,” the 1966 film starring Michael Caine (peaked at #95, 3 weeks); Cher sang it on the soundtrack of the American release (#32, 6 weeks), and Dionne Warwick had a hit with it in the United States (#15, 17 weeks).

"You're My World" spent 7 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #26 for 2 weeks.   The single received a lot of radio airplay when it was first released and temporarily shined a bright light on Cilla, mainly because of her Beatles connection.

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