By Danny Clifford
Last night, my wonderful friend and absolute legend, Madeline Bell (who has her 80th birthday next month), performed to an intimate, sold-out crowd at London’s ‘Crazy Coqs’ in Soho. Before the show and sound check, Madeline, her lovely friend, actress Gillian Royale and I had a coffee in Soho. Gillian looked very familiar to me, not to mention, very entertaining as well. I couldn't figure out why she was familiar. Then she told me where I had seen her. She is all over TV, in many places. Also she is currently in an advert that is on UK TV for 'What Three Words' I then knew immediately who she was. What a lovely and interesting lady. Saying that, as all of you who know Madeline (and I know a few of you do), would know, she seems to only surround herself with lovely people.
Later in the evening, after coffee, drinks, and sound check, it was showtime. Madeline was introduced and accompanied by the rather superb Jazz singer and Pianist Ian Shaw. In between songs she answered questions from the audience and some from Ian as well. Her answers and stories gave a real insight into the fascinating life that she has led. This included intricate and often astonishing details about the making and recording of some of the ‘Epic’ songs she worked on. Born in New Jersey, USA, Madeline made her name here in the UK and quickly became one of the most in-demand backing vocalists of all time. In addition to being Dusty Springfield’s backing singer & close friend, she also worked with some of the biggest names in music. In 1968, Madeline sang background and duet vocals on a number of Serge Gainsbourg songs, including "Comic Strip", "Ford Mustang" and "Bloody Jack". In 1969, she contributed backing vocals and tambourine on the Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want". She also provided backing vocals on a number of Donovan recordings, notably his 1969 hit single "Barabajagal", recorded with The Jeff Beck Group. Bell then joined contemporary pop combo Blue Mink, with whom she had a number of Top 20 hits in the UK, including "Melting Pot", "Our World", "Randy", "Banner Man", "Good Morning Freedom", "Sunday", "By the Devil I Was Tempted" and "Stay with Me". Before joining Blue Mink in late 1969 she sang solo, and her cover version of "Picture Me Gone" is still a Northern Soul favorite today, as is "What Am I Supposed to Do", from 1968, a two-minute B-side tune co-written with future Led Zeppelin member John Paul Jones, Bell also sang backup on Joe Cocker's "Bye Bye Blackbird" & the classic, “With a Little Help From My Friends” in 1969, which also featured a guitar solo from another Led Zeppelin member, Jimmy Page. Her version of Paul McCartney's "Step Inside Love" was a hit in the US in 1969. Madeline also sang backing vocals on Elton John's 1972 album, Honky Chateau. Next month is her 80th birthday and surely now, she has well and truly earned her place on that elite list of ‘Music Royalty’. In celebration of her milestone 80th birthday, there will be a concert at Cadogan Hall, Chelsea, London on 18th February 2023 with many special guests, including the Uber talented Kiki Dee. I will be going, get you tickets and see you there.
Here are a few photos of Madeline's intimate (sold out) show last night in Soho.
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