"Downtown" was a massive worldwide hit in 1965 - literally a chart-topping hit on six continents. It's also the song that introduced American audiences to Petula Clark, who was already a well-established recording artist in her native U.K., as well as on the European continent. She had first been a child star in the U.K. in the 1940s, first on radio and then film. Beginning in the late '40s, she began her recording career, and through the 1950s she had a number of hit records, first at home, and by the end of the decade in France. Her French language career was truly remarkable, and American fans should really seek out her French recordings. They are a delight. This was all before "Downtown," which launched a whole new career for her in the U.S. Much of this work was in collaboration with her then-producer Tony Hatch, who had composed "Downtown" and also wrote or co-wrote many of her hits. One of the songs Hatch and Clark co-wrote, "You're the One," became a major American hit by the Vogues in 1965 (though Clark's original version charted in Australia and the U.K., as well as France - French language there, of course). By 1968, she had placed 15 hits on the American Top 40 and won two Grammy Awards. By the late '60s, she returned to film, starring in two major musical productions, "Finian's Rainbow" with Fred Astaire, and a musical adaptation of "Goodbye Mr. Chips" opposite Peter O'Toole. Clark continued recording into the 1970s, although the big hits had mostly dried up by then. Her concert and club performances, though, drew rave reviews, and she continued to have a presence on American TV, guesting on numerous variety and talk shows. Since then, she has enjoyed a distinguished stage career, in London's West End, as well as in the U.S. on Broadway and in touring productions, and she has continued to record and perform to the present day at nearly 90 years of age. Her recording of "Luminescent" as the featured vocalist with the John Williams Syndicate was released earlier this year (February 2022): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-e5yYsBYYAdw.html . She has an extensive discography in multiple languages, amounting to literally hundreds of songs. A suggestion of other songs to try can be only a sampling - there's just so much to choose from. Of her major American hits besides "Downtown," try "I Know A Place" (1965 - #3), "My Love" (late 1965 release; 1966 chart peak at #1), "A Sign of the Times" (1966 - #11), "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love" (1966 - #9), "This Is My Song" (1967 - #3), and "Don't Sleep in the Subway" (1967 - #5). Her album selections and B-sides also are well worth seeking out and often are as rewarding to listen to as the hits. Try 1965's "Heart," which Clark co-wrote, or her 1966 version of a rarely recorded Carole King/Gerry Goffin song, "Wasn't It You" (apparently the first recorded version of that song). Of her French language recordings, try "Chariot" - a tune that American audiences will recognize as "I Will Follow Him," the hit by Little Peggy March, but Clark's French hit came first (followed by other foreign language recordings for audiences across Europe). Also, try "Cœur Blessé" (known in the U.S. as "Torture," an earlier Top 20 American hit for Kris Jensen) and "Ceux Qui Ont Un Cœur" - better known in the U.S. and U.K. as "Anyone Who Had a Heart" in hit versions by Dionne Warwick and Cilla Black. Of her post-60s recordings, seek out "The World Song" (1971), which was featured in the recent Apple TV series, "For All Mankind." And for something completely contemporary sounding, try "Cut Copy Me" (2012), which received glowing reviews on its release and the release of its associated album, "Lost in You."
Petula Clark is a sensational singer from England. She started out as an actress on the BBC. Don't Sleep in the Subway I Couldn't Live Without Your Love My Love I Know a Place Her voice is so clean and crisp. Loved her forever. Glad you loved her. Did you cut your hair Amber? Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
Petula Clark was an absolute dream. She set a standard for sheer coolness back in the 60's. So glad you two did this reaction! I forgot how truly wonderful she was!
This is from the 60’s when Petula was part of the British Invasion. She has a string of huge hits including Colour My World, Don’t Sleep in the Subway, The Other Man’s Grass, Kiss Me Goodbye, I couldn’t live without your love. Another great artist for Female Friday would be Helen Reddy’s I am Woman
I had this 45. I was maybe 5. My grandpa used to tease me that it was Uptown not downtown. He teased all of us grandchildren. He was a special man. He died when I was 9 and I still remember him like he was here yesterday. Great dad to my mom and a great dad to my dad who needed that. Know this has nothing to do with the song but in a way songs always have to do with what they remind you of. Right?
She starred as a child actress then became very ill with TB her treatment was paid for by other actors luckily she made a full recovery. Downtown is a sixty’s . She also started in a Hollywood film with Fred Astaire I think it was one of his last film rolls . She lives in France and I think is 90 now
Petula Clark had been acting and singing in England since childhood with much success when she suddenly crossed over to the USA (at age 32) in 1964 with this worldwide #1 hit, joining the Beatles and Stones and numerous other British acts having success in the USA. This song got numerous Grammy nominations (including Record of the Year) and she actually beat out The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Bobby Vinton, and The Righteous Brothers for "Best Rock and Roll Recording." She had several more hits through the '60s.
I remember listening to this song riding with one of my aunts and uncle they listened to this music they really cool and I was only about 6 or 7 years old and still enjoy these sounds
So glad you reacted to Petula Clark. She was one of the biggest recording artists of the 60s. You should also check out Shirley Bassey's recording of Goldfinger from the James Bond film, it's iconic!
She has been acting since the 1940s, and is still on stage now. She turns 90 this year and is currently appearing on the West End stage in Mary Poppins in London.
I always have loved her songs, and there's another historical tidbit you should know. In the late 60s she had a TV special with Harry Belafonte as guest star. She sparked howls of outrage because she held his arm while they sang together! She knew exactly what she was doing and how people would react, and she didn't care.
Petula Clark was a goddess, and a mega-hit machine throughout the 60s. Others have already said, but it can't be stressed enough: "Don't Sleep In The Subway", "Colour My World", "Kiss Me Goodbye", "I Know A Place", and my most favorite of hers "My Love". I really hope you'll explore more of her wonderful music!
I remember being a pre-teen riding in a car with a bunch of girlfriends (in the 60's) through downtown and when this tune came on the radio you could hear it up and down the block! She rocked. You should listen to Kiss Me Goodbye or Don't Sleep In The Subway. Those were both such great songs. Oh, and I can't forget My Love and A Sign Of The Times. There's a big rabbit-hole for you to explore from this amazingly genuine artist.
I just love Petula Clark. She was real big in the 60s and she's from the UK. My favorite song of hers is "My Love" it's great and I think you'll love it!
I still play this song about once a week when I take my dog to our little downtown. He loves the energy. Used to sing along to this as a kid when it came on the radio.
This song is precious to me. Pet Clark was among the first to awaken us bright eyed and bushy tailed all American kids that there was an entire world of music out there beyond our shores that we were only beginning to be exposed to. I was mad about her then, still am! Bravo!!
Ah mate that is special to hear. I grew up on the outskirts of London in 1964 when ‘Pet’ ruled. I’m 60+ now and this song resonates with me like it seems to with you, bro. Somewhere a place for us …
@@stuartmorgan1770 Well, hello, Friend. I grew up in the mountains of northern New Mexico and will turn 76 this year. It's good to know I had a brother in swinging London back in the 'Sixties and I trust I can call you my brother now! Nice to know you, Sir.
Petula began her career as a child prodigy singing during WW 2 in Great Britain. This was her biggest hit as an adult her other hit was I Know a Place. Don’t Sleep in the Subway is also worth checking out.
Petula was part of 60's. British Music Invasion..she was a lead part female artists from GB..along with Dusty Springfield , and Lulu both whom you reactioned..previously..She was a pretty big star at that time too. I Know A Place, Don't Sleep In the Subway, Sign of the Time..were some her popular hits...She also made some musical movies also that were highly successful...Finnian's Rainbow & Goodbye Mr. Chips
Petula Clark, singer/actress from the UK, this song went to #1 in early 1965. She had a string of big hits worldwide and in the US in the 60s. She was also a popular actress in the UK. Great song from my childhood You might want to check out "My love" and "Love this is my song" for future reactions
This song came out when I was knee high to a grasshopper, but we lived in Chicago and this song resonated with my five much older sisters. We left Chicago when I was six and moved to the middle of nowhere New Mexico. Fast forward 5 years. We were visiting in Chicago and had just left the Greyhound station. I paused in front a big window display because I found it breath taking. For context, retailers used to draw people into stores with amazing window displays that had amazing lights and colors and eye catching objects. I only got five seconds before drawing the ire of my family, but window displays are part of the visual imagery of "Downtown" circa 1960's.
1965! This is the music that was happening along with the British Invasion - Petula has a big voice to go along with the big orchestra sounds so prevalent in the 1960’s! I believe she is still performing today!
Petula was very popular in the 60s! She's a British actress and singer. She's got a lot of hits. Refreshing to listen to her again. Thanks for this reaction! 😉
well you're right about her having a theatrical voice. She starred in the movie version of the Broadway musical "Finian's Rainbow", "The Sound of Music" on London's West End, "Blood Brothers" on Broadway, and on tour with "Sunset Boulevard"
I had this on a 33. Records were so big in my youth, and my grandparents would buy me the records they loved. I still have a record player, and my hubs has a huge collection of albums. I had 250 orginal 45's from the 50's and 60's, but I gave them to my mom when she bought a record jukebox.
Petula Clark has been an internationally famous singer since about 1964, although she did get some recognition as much as 10 years before that. She's had numerous hits and won two Grammy awards. Besides "Downtown," these hits include "I Know a Place", "My Love", "A Sign of the Times", "Don't Sleep in the Subway", and "Kiss Me Goodbye". In the United States, Clark was sometimes called "the First Lady of the British Invasion". She's sold more than 68 million records
Petula Clark is one of my favorites. My mom played a lot of her when I was little. This song was in the mid 60's. 1965 in fact. She had many songs. Don't Sleep in the Subway, I Couldn't Live Without Your Love, Sign of the Times and I Know a Place, to name a few. Listen to her. The songs are very up beat.
I always liked this song and it was probably already 20 years old when I first heard it as a kid. At least until the pandemic, Petula was still active and doing performances. She'll be 90 later this year.
My Mom says this was one of my favorite song as a child. I DO remember hearing this a lot in the car, haha. This one and Crystal Gayle's "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue".
"Downtown" came out in 1964. In 1968 Mary Hopkins scored big with "Those Were the Days"........a bittersweet song of reminiscing that has a vaguely Russian style to it.
2017 Petula Clark was one of the headliners at Fairport Convention music festival Banbury near Oxford UK .Still sang her hit songs very well.A top performance.
This song is one of my very FIRST memories of music at all. I was only about 8 months old when it came out. They must have played it on the radio for a long time.
So glad you guys picked Petula Clark. She was my favorite female artist in the 60s. She was part of the British invasion of rock stars who came to America from England in the early 1960s.
Petula Clark is British singer and actress who has had a long career. She had a number of hits and was an actress in Goodbye Mr. Chips and Finian's Rainbow in the 60s among others. This was her signature song but also there is "Don't Sleep in the Subway", "My Love", "I know a Place", "A Sign of the Times".
This was released in 1965, back when going downtown was a big thing. You always got dressed up when you went downtown. It reminds me of the days back in the mid sixties when I would take a bus into town with my mom and sister. I was pretty little but I can still remember the sound of my mom’s high heels clicking on the first floor of Rike’s Dept Store in Dayton, Ohio. Great memories!
As others have pointed out, Petula Clark had an established career in Europe before she scored a number one hit with Downtown. There was a concern at the time that if she shared the American teenage rock and roll charts with the bands of the British invasion she would lose her older European audience so a very clever compromise was worked out. To appeal to teenagers the song had aggressive drumming and to appeal to her older fans there were no electric guitars, just the piano and full orchestration. The compromise worked because her older fans didn't feel she had sold out and at the same time she acquired new fans in the US. She's a very talented lady who has done it all from acting and singing on the stage to selling millions of 45 rpm singles and is an international treasure.
This song always reminds me of my Dad, him and his brother had a holiday in Blackpool in the mid 50s and they saw Petula Clark in the street and were completely star struck. He always used to tell us that story.
This song was released in 1964. I remember being a 4 yr old swinging out in the backyard and singing this song at the top of my lungs because it was always on the radio.
This came out when I was 4 years old in October I think, I remember walking though our town in the dark wet afternoon with my Mother with this playing in the background. Great music never leaves your memory!
I am sure glad that you two enjoy these oldies from all of our decades. Great Music Lives on Forever!!!!! What would a Friday be without an all-Female Friday?
Petula Clark was massive not only in UK but also Europe to USA and other parts of the world. She was a child actress and carried on she also did TV, radio,stage. She did some terrific songs. She had her own TV show in UK which was massive and she sung in other languages too. A British legend.
Petula Clark was the first Female singer from Britain to have a #1 song in the USA with “Downtown”. It happened during the British/Beatle invasion. This song made her an international star. She had one hit after another after this. A great entertainer and her good looks didn’t hurt her any.
British icon. Child actor then singing sensation throughout the sixties. "Don't Sleep in the Subway" "I Couldn't live without your Love" Still going strong at 89 years old. Much love from England 🏴
Smart reaction. Pet Clark was actually a child actor on wartime radio at the start of her career. As a teenager, she was often asked to play characters younger than she actually was because she could change her voice at will and, of course, nobody could see her on radio. She soon transitioned to TV and movies which she combined with a singing career. By the time Downtown revived her fortunes in the mid-60s, she had been recording for almost two decades, frequently in French. Petula has lived mainly in continental Europe for many decades although she retains a London pied-à-terre.
Petula Clark started singing on the BBC Radio as a child during WW2. She recorded Downtown in 1965 when she was 33 years old. Her hits are Don't Sleep in the Subway, My Love, I know a Place. She also acted in movies, Finian's Rainbow with Fred Astaire and Goodbye Mr. Chips with Peter Otoole just to name a few. She has received a CBE award (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) from the Queen. Petula Clark is 89 years old and still married to her husband Claude Wolf, they were married in 1961.
Thanks for sharing this one. Her music helped me through a long period of recovery from a near-fatal stroke I suffered back in 2017. Other good songs from Ms. Clark include "My Love," "I Know a Place," "Don't Sleep in the Subway."
I was in 5th grade when I first heard and fell in love with the music and voice of Petula “Pet” Clark. Still one of my favorites. Love her greatest hits album.
Pet is a huge star in theatre and films along with records she'll be 90 this year and like many from the UK still working, this record came out in 1965 but she's known on both sides of the pond
FINALLY! . yes your reaction is Right On! The second British invasion queen from the end of 1964.. She was already in her early 30's here having been a British radio star as a child actress and later singer on the British stage..She had hits in Great Britain and other countries before this one but hit it big in America and the world with this phenomenal song in 64. Still going, almost 90.. Do more! because there is plenty to go! Thank you for the wonderful review.
As a child hearing this song in the 60's I can tell you this was one of the greatest and most relaxing songs I had ever heard even before the Woodstock era in California came on.
Some trivia for you both, she was friends back in time with Karen Carpenter and has appeared definitely in at least 1 documentary about the Carpenters. Also Petula Clark was multi talented and even up till recent years was still active - she has done musical film, stage musicals - such a multi talented individual!
Petula Clark was one of the top female vocalists of the '60s, and probably the #1 female vocalist to come over as part of the British Invasion of the 1960s. Depending on whose chart you're looking at, "Downtown" was the #1 or #2 song (or certainly one of the top 5 songs) of 1965. It was on the charts right alongside such hits as "Eight Days A Week" by the Beatles, "My Girl" by the Temptations, and "Stop! In the Name of Love" by the Supremes. Petula Clark had a long string of hits in the '60s. Her recording career started long before that and extended beyond the '60s, but she remained relatively unknown here in America until the '60s when "Downtown" made such a big splash, and there's no doubt that her biggest hits and the ones she's most beloved for were the ones she released in the latter half of the 1960s, starting with "Downtown" in 1965. It was a huge #1 hit on the top 40 charts. Here are some of her other big hits: "I Know A Place," ""My Love," "A Sign of the Times," ""I Couldn't Live Without Your Love," "Colour My World," "This is My Song," and "Don't Sleep In the Subway." They're all excellent. There are a few dance remixes of "Downtown" that were released in the '80s, '90s and '00s that are pretty fun, too. Petula Clark was HUGE in the '60s. Sometimes referred to as "Pet Clark." Here's a suggestion for Female Friday: Jackie DeShannon with "What the World Needs Now Is Love." Another 1965 timeless classic, and written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach, who wrote some of the biggest pop songs of the 20th century. This was a really good one, and I know the two of you would love it.
This song reminds me of the times riding on an RTD bus with my mom to downtown Los Angeles. By the way, Petrula Clark was great friends with Karen Carpenter. Edit: Miss. Clark released this song in 1964.
Wow this is one the many songs our class would sing . Our teacher gave us the pleasure of time out to sing the hits at the time… it made me a music head.
Petula Clark holds huge space on my iPod. SO, so many hits. I always loved the drums in her songs, too. Her songs were very well produced (some by The Wrecking Crew) which gave her tunes so many layers. This song was out in 1965 & I have a vivid memory of driving south on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago back then (I was 9) & as we were nearing 'downtown' by Oak Street Beach & Michigan Avenue, this song came on the radio. PERFECT timing. I liked the song before after that experience I LOVED the song.
@aussiehorndog- That is incredible. The bird woman inspired one of my favorite songs in Mary Poppins. Tuppence a Bag (Feed the Birds) is amazing. If you want to see a different perspective of this one. Watch the episode of Seinfeld where Jerry and George try to think of the lyrics for this wonderful song.
What I've always loved about this song is that it explains, almost as a throw-away remark in its first lines, the difference between being alone and loneliness: "When you're alone and life is making you lonely". One is a physical condition, the other is a state of mind - and the two don't necessarily occur at the same time. People can be simply by themselves, but it's 'life' that produces the emotional state. My recommendation for further listening from same era as this: Sandie Shaw, Puppet on a String, Long Live Love or even Hand in Glove.
I can't tell you how much I loved this song back in the day! It was dreamy and made me long for the joy and excitement of Downtown. "Don't Sleep in the Subway", "Colour My World" and "I Know a Place"
My late father in law's fave singer and song. Fun fact in 1968 I was at my grandpa's place on Oregon coast (next to a state park). I was 12, my brother 10- we played on the dunes with two sisters the same ages for hours as Petula blasted from their campsite. In 1983 I had fallen in love with a gal I met while I worked for a band (she was a fan), She took me her to meet her family. Rolled in the drive way to say the by then ancient blue Dodge Wagon and A-liner camper I had first seen in that park in Oregon. Yeah that happened.Oh did I mention she is sitting in the next room waiting for me to make her latte and breakfast? 40 years of that.
