January February: The Best of Barbara Dickson

Product Information

In August the album "Don't Think Twice It's All Right" is released on Columbia Records - it reaches # 32 on the UK album chart. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrateded.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p.228. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, Barbara’s love of music was evident from an early age – she began studying piano at the age of five and by twelve had also taken up the guitar. She developed an interest in folk music whilst at school which led to floor spots singing at her local folk club. After relocating to Edinburgh, she went on to combine a day job in the Civil Service whilst steadily pursuing her first love, music, in local pubs and clubs.

The ‘90’s also saw Barbara beginning to diversify more into acting, with major roles on TV including ‘Taggart’, Kay Mellor’s ‘Band of Gold’ and ‘The Missing Postman’. On stage, ‘The Seven Ages of Woman’ won Barbara the 1997 Liverpool Echo ‘Best Actress in Theatre’ Award and in 2000 she won her second Olivier award for her role as the infamous 1960’s pools winner, Viv Nicholson, in the musical ‘Spend Spend Spend’. Barbara appears as the musical guest in 8 episodes of the BBC's "The Two Ronnies", seen weekly by 20 million viewers. On August 12th, Barbara is among the artists appearing at the 'Music of Sandy Bells' concert at Edinburgh's Queens Hall.

Credits

Barbara receives the Sir Reo Stakis Pride of Scotland lifetime achievement Award at the Tartan Clef Awards in November. Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com . Retrieved 24 February 2022. Her first hit single, ‘Answer Me’, was released early in 1976 and a guest residency on the BBC’s hugely successful ‘The Two Ronnies’ show later that year brought Barbara into the homes of more than 15 million viewers on Saturday evenings. She then plays live in New Zealand, at the Wellington Arts Festival, and makes a promotional visit to Australia.

Throughout her career Barbara has achieved countless accolades including 2 Olivier Awards for her role in Blood Brothers and Spend Spend Spend plus she was awarded an OBE from Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II in 2002. Barbara's first Christmas special, 'Joy To the World', is broadcast by BBC RadioScotland on Christmas Day.Also in September, Barbara moves to Edinburgh, returning to live in Scotland for the first time since 1973. Willy offered Barbara the role of the musician/ singer in his 1974 Beatles’ musical ‘John, Paul, George, Ringo… and Bert’, staged at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre. She was on stage throughout the entire performance singing the songs of The Beatles alongside a cast which included Antony Sher, Bernard Hill and Trevor Eve.

Mary Roos recorded a German version of the single entitled "Wenn Ich Dich Nicht Halten Kann" ("If I Cannot Hold You"). Commenting on the announcement Barbara reflects ‘I played my first headline tour with full band in 1977. Now, in 2024, I’ve decided to make this one my last. A memorable occasion and a suitable celebration is required. Come and join us to make this tour the most special of all.’ In December she is invited to play two weeks of live shows at the Green Room at London's Cafe Royal.Recent collaborations include an array of leading figures from the music scene, including Sam Lee, Rab Noakes and Emily Smith.