Louisa Jane White is an English singer and composer who started performing while still in school during the 1960s. She later had success in the 1970s and competed in overseas music competitions as well as Eurovision selection. She recorded for the Philips, MCA and the President subsidiary Dansan Records Label.
Louisa Jane White | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Lesley Whitehouse |
| Also known as | Lesley Louise Sanderson |
| Born | c. 1953 England |
| Genres | Pop, psychedelic pop, rock, r&b |
| Instrument | Voice |
| Labels | Dansan Records, Decca, MCA, Philips, Pye |
Background
editOriginally from Tipton, she studied music at school but didn't like the subject.[1] She started singing at the age of six in senior's clubs. Later at the age of thirteen, while still a pupil at Wellington High School for Girls, she got her chance in a weekly 45 minute slot to sing with Terry Heath's resident group, The Van-Dels.[2] Known as then as Lesley Whitehouse, she was among the Van-Dels line up which consisted of Pat Horton on rhythm guitar, Bruce Holcroft on drums, Clive Roberts on bass, and lead guitarist / singer Les Darrell.[3]
During the late 1960s, she was backed by a band called Savage Rose.[4][5] In the early 70s, one of the songs she covered was Jim Webb's composition, "Jerusalem".[6]
At some stage she was in a girl group with Linda Rothwell and Polly Brown They were managed by Morris King who managed The Walker Brothers.[7] Interestingly, both Brown and White would record Van McCoy songs. Brown recorded "One Girl Too Late" in 1975, and White with "Don't Pity Me" in 1977.[8][9][10] Both songs were produced by produced by Gerry Shury and Ron Roker.[8][10]
As a composer, she had composed songs for Donald Peers, and Patrick Mower and a couple of soundtracks. One of them was for Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World.[11]
Career
edit1960s
editIn 1968, she had come into contact with pianist, arranger, publisher and producer Tommy Sanderson who signed her up. He didn't get around to recording her until January, 1969. They were looking for the right material. Also, Sanderson and co. wanted Arthur Greenslade to handle the arrangements. Greenslade was in Hollywood working on a movie. He eventually came back on a Monday, took care of the rehearsals on a Wednesday and recorded her with an ensemble of about 21. It was done in two takes. The result was her debut disc of "Caledonia Mission" which was released on Philips.[1]
Also in 1969, Al Grossman was in London, and he heard Louisa Jane White who was 16 at the time. He was impressed with what he heard, so he signed her up. From that, Horace Ott had come over from the United States on May 23, and was set to record her for the American Market.[12][13] Also that year, a single she recorded, "When the Battle is Over" bw "Blue Ribbons" was released on Philips 1810.[14] It was produced by Des Champ.[15][16] Peter Jones of Record Mirror gave it a good review, noting the bluesy rhythmic aspect of it and the power of her performance.[14]
1970s
editIn 1970, she released "How Does It Feel" bw "Truth in My Tears" on Philips BF 1834.[17] In February, 1971, her single "Jerusalem" had been released. The gospel leanings and her vocal ability were noted in the good review that Record Mirror gave.[18]
In 1972 she was in Poland, representing the UK at the Sopot Song Festival which ran from August 23 to 26. She was a festival winner, coming second with "That's Beautiful", a Les Reed composition. Also on the second day where the judges were marking the performances instead of the songs, she was in the first three. Later she toured Poland, Germany, and Hungary. [19][20]
In 1973, her album Louisa Jane White was released on MCA MUPS 483.[21] Also that year in July, she had been part of the Holiday Startime Summer Season show that also included Mike Yarwood, Basil Brush, Johnny Hart, Robert Young and the Jo Cook Dancers.[22][23] Also that year, the film, Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World was released. It was about a lovable English sheep dog, who as a result of sinister experiments at a NATO facility grows into a giant. He escapes and goes on an interesting and sometimes hair-raising adventure. In addition to composing the film's theme song, White also sang it.[11][24]
Music trade magazine, Music Week announced in its December 6, 1975, issue that twelve Eurovision selection contestants had made the list to perform 12 songs which would be then judged to see who would then perform in the main event, held in Holland. They included Frank Ifield, Tony Christie, Joey Valentine, Polly Brown, Tammy Jones, Louisa Jane White, and Hazell Dean etc..[25] On Wednesday 25th February 1976, White competed at the A Song for Europe show which was presented by Michael Aspel and held at the Royal Albert Hall. Her entry was "Take The Money And Run", a Roger Saunders & Scott English composition. With 100 points she came 5th. The winning song was "Save Your Kisses For Me" by Brotherhood of Man.[26] "Take the Money and Run" bw "I'm On Your Side" was issued on PYE Pye 45568 in the UK and in Australia on Astor AP-1894 in 1976.[27][28] Years later in 2002, it would appear on the Puppets on a String: The Songs of Eurovision compilation.[29][30]
In 1977, her single, "Don't Stop" by Ron Roker and Gerry Shury was released. It was backed with a Van McCoy composition, Don't Pity Me".[31][10] Two years later, Faith Hope and Charity would have a hit with their version of "Don't Pity Me".[32][33]
1980s
editIn 1981, the album, Friends and Neighbours she recorded with Russell Scott and the Brian Dee Quartet was released on Dansan DS 048.[34]
Personal life
editLouisa married Phil Sanderson who was the son of her manager Tommy Sanderson.[7]
Later years
edit"Truth In My Tears" would end up on a mod compilation, Le Beat Bespoke 2 that was released on Circle CPWC107 in 2006.[35][36]
Television & film
editTelevision
edit| Show | Episode | Host | Role | Song or interview | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disc A Dawn | Ayshea Brough | Self | May 24, 1972 | [37] | ||
| Lift Off with Ayshea | Episode 65 | Ayshea Brough | Self | October 25, 1972 | [38][37] | |
| The Good Old Days | "Special 14 Christmas Special 1972" | Self | December 25, 1972 10:00 AM | [39] | ||
| Lift Off with Ayshea | Episode 84 | Ayshea Brough | Self | June 15, 1973 | [40] | |
| Eurovision | A Song for Europe 1976 | Michael Aspel | Self | "Take the Money and Run" | February 25, 1976 | [41][42] |
| Arrows | Episode #1.7 | Self | April 27, 1976 | Directed by Peter Walker[43] |
Film
edit| Film title | Role | Director | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World | Singer, title song | Joseph McGrath | 1973 | [44] |
Radio
edit| Show | Director / host | Role | Venue | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Terry Wogan Show | Terry Wogan | Self | BBC Radio 1 | Mon 28th Sep 1970, 15:02 | [45] |
| Jimmy Young | Self | BBC Radio 1 | Mon 27th Sep 1971, 10:00 | Producer Bryant Marriott | |
| Doddy's Oompah Show | Ken Dodd | Self | BBC Radio 2 | Sat 4th Aug 1973, 12:02 | Producer Peter Pilbeam[46] |
Discography
edit| Act | Release | Catalogue | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisa Jane White | "Caledonia Mission" / "Our Day Will Come" | Philips BF 1766 | 1969 | [47] |
| Louisa Jane White | " When The Battle Is Over" / "Blue Ribbons" | Philips BF 1810 | 1969 | |
| Louisa Jane White | "How Does It Feel" / "Truth in My Tears" | Philips BF 1834 | 1970 | [48] |
| Louisa Jane White | "Jerusalem" / "Little Girl Lost" | MCA MKS 5062 | 1971 | [49] |
| Louisa Jane White | "Children" / Speak the Truth" | MCA MKS 5070 | 1971 | [50] |
| Louisa Jane White | "If You Only Need a Friend" / "Take Me Down to The River" | MCA MKS 5086 | 1972 | [51][citation needed] |
| Louisa Jane White | "I Thank the Lord for My Friends" / "It's an Ill Wind" | MCA MKS 5100 | 1972 | [52][citation needed] |
| Louisa Jane White | "Um Um Um Um Um Um" / "Deep Down In My Heart" | MCA MUS 1204 | 1973 | [52][citation needed] |
| Louisa | "What'll I Do" / "Who?" | Decca F 13532 | 1974 | [53][citation needed] |
| Louisa Jane White | "Take The Money and Run" / "I'm On Your Side" | Pye 7N 45568 | 1976 | [54] |
| Louisa Jane White | "Don't Stop" / "Don't Pity Me" | Pye 7N 45661 | 1977 | [55][56] |
| Act | Release | Catalogue | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisa Jane White | Louisa Jane White | MCA MCA MUPS 483 | 1973 | [21] |
| Louisa Jane White, Russell Scott and the Brian Dee Quartet | Friends and Neighbours | Dansan DS 048 | 1981 | [34] |
Appears on
edit| Act | Release | Track(s) | Catalogue | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various artists | Сопот-72 | "All My Love" aka Nim zakwitnie tysiąc róż | Мелодия ГД 0003155-6 | 1972 | Louisa Jane White aka Луиза Джен Вайт[57][58] |
| Various artists | Puppet on a String | CMRCD498 2002 | "Take the Money and Run" | 2002 | [59] |
| Various artists | Le Beat Bespoke 2 | Circle CPWC107 | "Truth In My Tears" | 2006 | [35][36] |
Further reading
edit| Publication | Release date | Article title | Page | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record Mirror | Week ending May 3, 1969 | The stages of becoming a .. POP SINGER by Peter Jones | 9 | link |
| Record Mirror | April 17, 1971 | Fancy five minutes with Miss White? by Valerie Mabbs | 8 | Link |
| The Stage | Thursday 29 June 1972 | Forrester Signs Louisa Jane | 6 | No direct link |
| The Stage | Thursday 16 August 1973 | LOUISA JANE WHITE currently appearing for the Summer Season in HOLIDAY STARTIME ABC THEATRE. BLACKPOOL Thanks to DAVE FORRESTER .. | 16 | No direct link |
| The Stage | Thursday 16 August 1979 | SUMMER 79 STAGE: Multi-Talented Miss White | 15 | No direct link |
| Shropshire Star | Sept 30, 2019 | Singing schoolgirl knocked on door of stardom by Toby Neal | ___ | Link |
| Shropshire Star | Jul 21, 2022 | Van-Dels who smashed it every Saturday night By Toby Neal | ___ | Link |
References
edit- ^ a b Record Mirror, Week ending May 3, 1969 - Page 9 The stages of becoming a .. POP SINGER - PETER JONES
- ^ Shropshire Star, Sept 30, 2019 - Singing schoolgirl knocked on door of stardom by Toby Neal
- ^ Shropshire Star, July 21, 2022 - Van-Dels who smashed it every Saturday night by Toby Neal
- ^ Wolverhampton History & Heritage Website - From California And Montana With Lots 'N Between. Continued, 'N Between Times, Savage Rose
- ^ The Mott Archive, a mott the hoople website - Ian Hunter cover versions:, - SEASON'S SONG, LOUISA JANE WHITE (1973)
- ^ Record Mirror, April 17, 1971 - Page 8 Fancy five minutes with Miss White? BY VALERIE MABBS
- ^ a b It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, July 14, 2014 - Goliath interview
- ^ a b MusicBrainz - Special Delivery ~ Release by Polly Brown
- ^ MusicBrainz - Special Delivery ~ Release group by Polly Brown
- ^ a b c DYNAERO - Louisa Jane White - Don't Stop / Don't Pity Me Album
- ^ a b The Stage, Thursday 16 August 1979 - SUMMER 79 STAGE: Multi-Talented Miss White
- ^ Record World, June 14, 1969 - Page 46 record world Eyeview Europe, London Lowdown by By JEAN GRIFFITHS
- ^ Cash Box, June 7, 1969 - Page 50 CashBox Great Britain
- ^ a b Record Mirror, Week ending September 13, 1969 - Page 9 New Singles by PETER JONES
- ^ cctc2013.ca - Louisa Jane White - When The Battle Is Over Album
- ^ Beat Instrumental, October, 1969 - Page 61 THE A&R MEN, DES CHAMP
- ^ Popsike - LOUISA JANE WHITE-Truth In My Tears VINYL 7" SOUL/MOD DANCER LISTEN
- ^ Record Mirror, February 6, 1971 - Page 17 Mirrorpick
- ^ Billboard, September 30, 1972 - Page 10 Talent, New Prize Stirs Problems For Sopot Song Entrants
- ^ Shropshire Star, Sept 30, 2019 - Singing schoolgirl knocked on door of stardom by Toby Neal
- ^ a b SecondHandSongs - MUPS xxx (United Kingdom)
- ^ Blackpool Postcards, 20 September, 2011 - ABC Summer Season Programmes
- ^ Blackpool Council - THE CYRIL CRITCHLOW COLLECTION, CYRIL CRITCHLOW COLLECTION ABC POSTERS: DRAWER 7 (Right)
- ^ American International Pictures: A Comprehensive Filmography, By Rob Craig · 2019 - ISBN 978-1-4766-6631-0 - Page 126 Digby, Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World
- ^ Music Week, December 6, 1975 - Page 1 Eurovision Short List Selected
- ^ Songs for Europe - A Song for Europe 1976
- ^ Global Dog Productions - 45 Discography for Astor Records - OZ - 1000 series
- ^ AUSTRALIAN RECORD LABELS - Page 24 ASTOR RECORDS, 1959-1982, AP-1894
- ^ MusicBrainz - Puppets on a String: The Songs of Eurovision
- ^ MusicBrainz - Louisa Jane White Discography, Album + Compilation
- ^ Hitparade.ch - Louisa Jane White – Don't Stop
- ^ Billboard, August 5, 1978 - Page 56 Billboard Hot Soul Singles, Billboard Special Survey For Week Ending 8/5/78
- ^ Billboard, August 12, 1978 - Page 60 Billboard Hot Soul Singles, Billboard SPECIAL SURVEY For Week Ending 8/12/78
- ^ a b President Records - Album Catalogue, (Dropdown box) President Album Catalogue Vocal & Easy
- ^ a b 99.1.com - Various-Mod & 2-Tone, Le Beat Bespoke 2
- ^ a b Tony Beesley Mod World - Mojo Talkin' The Soundtrack
- ^ a b TV Pop Diaries - 1972
- ^ Nostalgic Music TV - LIFT OFF With AYSHEA, LIFT OFF With Ayshea (Series 5)
- ^ Traktv - The Good Old Days: Specials, Special 14 Christmas Special 1972
- ^ Nostalgic Music TV - LIFT OFF With AYSHEA, LIFT OFF With Ayshea (Series 6)
- ^ Eurovision World - A Song for Europe 1976: Louise Jane White - "Take the Money and Run"
- ^ Eurovision World - United Kingdom: A Song for Europe 1976, RESULT
- ^ British Film Institute - The Arrows[27/04/76 (1976)]
- ^ John Willis'screen world by John Wilis - Page 204 DIGBY, THE BIGGEST DOG IN THE WORLD
- ^ BBC - *15:02 * The Terry Wogan Show
- ^ The Wurzel Archives - Professor Wurzel's WURZELMANIA! Adge Cutler & The Wurzels - 'Live' At The Beeb 1967 - 1974
- ^ Gripsweat - Louisa Jane White - Caledonia Mission / Our Day Will Come - Philips BF 1766
- ^ Rare record price guide 2006, 2004 - ISBN 0953260143 - Page 1362 LOUISA JANE WHITE
- ^ hitparade.ch - Louisa Jane White – Jerusalem
- ^ Gripsweat - Louisa Jane White - Children / Speak The Truth ORIG UK MCA DEMO 45!! Psych Folk
- ^ Gripsweat - LOUISA JANE WHITE -IF YOU ONLY rare UK 1972 DEMO PROMO / SOUL / DANCER / MINT- !
- ^ a b 45Cat - Louisa Jane White - Discography, UK
- ^ Rate Your Music - What'll I Do / Who?, Artist Louisa
- ^ Amazon - Take the Money and Run
- ^ Who Sampled - Don't Pity Me by Louisa Jane White
- ^ Gripsweat - Louisa Jane White: Don't Stop PROMO 7" EX SHOP
- ^ КАТАЛОГ СОВЕТСКИХ ПЛАСТИНОК - Сопот-72
- ^ Gripsweat - SOPOT-1972 Poland England France USSR Songs Louisa Jane White Soviet LP Record
- ^ the lyn paul website - Lyn Paul on Disc, Puppet on a String, Various Artists
External links
edit- 45Cat - Louisa Jane White - Discography, UK
- Discogs - Louisa Jane White
- Rate Your Music - Louisa Jane White
- Imdb - Louisa Jane White
Audio
edit- KentSoul1 channel - Louisa Jane White - Don't Pity Me
- Mike Atkinson channel - Louisa Jane White – It's An Ill Wind (1972
- aloneinaforest1 channel - Louisa Jane White Truth In My Tears