A Tribute To Dusty Springfield

We remember Dusty Springfield as the woman who created white soul. On Wednesday evening, a number of the greatest contemporary artists in Sweden joined forces in Pride Park to pay homage to Dusty in a celebrated tribute concert.

Marit Bergman, Titiyo, Rebecka Thörnqvist, Tingsek, Anna Maria Espinosa, and Jill Johnson were some of the artists who contributed to the festivities during the opening of Pride Park through their interpretations of Dusty Springfield's classic songs. 

Among the first white female soul artists and the forerunner of of White Soul, Dusty Springfield attained success almost overnight in the 60s and was noted for her clear, wide-ranging sensual voice. In the 80s she was introduced to the new generation through her collaboration with Pet Shop Boys. Hits such as 'Son of a Preacher Man', 'I Only Want To Be With You' and 'In Private' belong to her repertoir. She was celebrated by many, even by competing artists.

Dusty was born Mary Isabel Catherine O'Brien on 16th April 1939. She finished school in 1958 and joined a group called "The Lana Sisters". Two years later she left the group and formed a trio with her brother Dion O'Brian and Reshad Feild. The trio was called "The Springfields".

The trio's last album was recorded in 1963, before the band broke up. Following the band's break-up, Dusty Springfield started her solo career. Her first single was 'I Only Want To Be With You', which made it to number 4 on the UK chart and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her first album was called 'A Girl Called Dusty' where she interpreted her favourite songs.

During her solo career that spanned over four decades, Dusty released  a number of albums. She toured America, Europe and Africa. She also worked to introduce black soul in the UK.

Due to her long career and breaking with the heretonorm, Dusty has become a role model for many. Tonight, Stockholm Pride paid homage to this great soul artist.