Gracie Fields

Dame Gracie Fields, original name GRACE STANSFIELD (b. Jan. 9, 1898, Rochdale, Lancashire, Eng.--d. Sept. 27, 1979, Capri, Italy),

In music halls from childhood, Gracie gained fame playing the role of Sally Perkins in a touring revue called Mr. Tower of London (1918-25). She became tremendously popular in Great Britain with an act composed of low-comedy songs, such as "The Biggest Aspidistra in the World," and sentimental ballads, such as "My Blue Heaven." She had nine command performances between 1928 and 1964. Records and work in radio, film, and television spread her name throughout the world. She was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1979.

Some of her hits:

  • I Took my harp to a party
  • Lassie from Lancashire
  • Sally, Sally
  • The biggest Aspidastra in the world
  • I like a nice cup o'tea in the morning
  • Walter, Walter, lead me to the alter
  • There's a lovely lake in London