Acclaimed Scottish singer Lulu who rose to fame with her breakthrough hit “Shout,” has revealed that never actually shouts – or even speaks – before 12 noon each day to preserve her voice.
Ahead of her new tour, she told the BBC: “I don’t speak before 12 noon. I can understand why you think I’m lying, But no. I’m very disciplined.
“I try not to come out of my room until 12. It makes it easier. I take care of my instrument. It allows me to sing,” she added in the interview.
Who is Lulu and what was her first single?
Lulu Kennedy-Cairns CBE, formerly known as Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, is a Scottish icon renowned for her career spanning singing, acting, and television presenting.
The 75-year-old was born Lennoxtown, Stirlingshire, while she grew up in Glasgow, where her talent blossomed from a young age.
Lulu’s journey to stardom began when, at the age of 15, she signed with Decca Records under the guidance of Marion Massey.
Lulu’s first single was “Shout,” released in 1964 under the name “Lulu & the Luvvers.” This energetic rendition of the Isley Brothers’ song quickly propelled her into the spotlight, showcasing her powerful and mature voice at the age of fifteen.
“Shout” peaked at number seven in the UK singles chart.
Subsequent chart successes followed, including “Leave a Little Love” and “Try to Understand,” establishing her as a prominent figure in the UK music scene.
Venturing beyond borders, Lulu made history as the first British female singer to perform live behind the Iron Curtain during her tour of Poland with the Hollies in 1966.
This marked the beginning of her international acclaim, which was further solidified by her chart-topping single “To Sir with Love” from the film of the same name in 1967, earning her recognition on the global stage. She also appeared in the film alongside Sidney Poitier.
Lulu’s versatility extended to television, where she hosted several successful series, including her own BBC specials.
Lulu, became the second British act to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969 with “Boom Bang-a-Bang”. Despite her initial reluctance, the song became a sensation, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences across diverse musical genres.
How long has Lulu been performing?
Lulu has been performing for several decades, beginning in the early 60s when she was just a teenager. With her powerful singing voice and charismatic stage presence, she quickly rose to fame in the UK music scene.
During her career Lulu continued to evolve artistically, collaborating with renowned musicians such as Elton John and Paul McCartney. Her foray into the James Bond franchise with the title song for The Man with the Golden Gun further cemented her status as a musical icon.
In the 80s, Lulu experienced a resurgence, with successful ventures in stage productions, television, and radio. Her enduring appeal led to collaborations with emerging artists and recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
As she celebrated her 75th birthday, Lulu showed no signs of slowing down, embarking on new project. Her continued presence in the spotlight serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and career which has spanned over six decades.
Is Lulu married and does she have any children?
Lulu’s first marriage was to Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees when they tied the knot in 1969, during a ceremony in Gerrards Cross.
However, their relationship faced challenges due to their busy careers and Gibb’s struggles with alcoholism, ultimately led to their divorce in 1973. Despite the end of their marriage, Lulu and Maurice remained on good terms.
Meanwhile, Lulu enjoyed an “amazing” relationship with David Bowie, but went on to claim she felt “frightened” by his hedonistic lifestyle. On the Rosebud podcast she said: “I had a relationship with David Bowie, that was kind of amazing really. We recognised something in each other.”
Lulu would later enter her second marriage with renowned hairdresser John Frieda in 1977. Their marriage lasted until 1991, while they had son named Jordan who would later carve his own path in the entertainment industry, working as a film producer and director.
These days, Lulu has said she “puts up walls” and finds it difficult to navigate the world of dating.
She said: “Maybe it’s because I’ve had so much sadness and pain around being married and divorced twice. Maybe a part of me doesn’t want to go there. I think it would take a lot of effort and concentration to have a relationship – it’s got to be a full-time job.”
Asked if she is looking for another husband or boyfriend, she adds: “To be really brutally honest, the thing that’s missing is when you have to go somewhere – it’s nice to have someone to go with you.
When is Lulu on tour?
Lulu’s “Champagne for Lulu!” UK tour for 2024 was announced in November 2023, coinciding with her seventy-fifth birthday and the celebration of the sixth-decade anniversary of her debut hit single, “Shout”.
See Lulu’s full list of eight UK concerts below:
- Saturday 6 April – Glenrothes, Rothes Hall
- Sunday 7 April – Aberdeen, Aberdeen Music Hall
- Tuesday 9 April – Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
- Wednesday 10 April – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
- Friday 12 April – Gateshead, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
- Sunday 14 April – Southampton, Mayflowers Theatre
- Monday 15 April – Birmingham, Symphony Hall
- Wednesday 17 April – London, The London Palladium
