Product Description

Dusty Springfield is probably the most iconic and inspirational British female singer ever. Since her first hit I Only Want to be with You charted in 1963, Dust has amassed twenty top 40 hits in a career that spanned over thirty years. Hits such as Son of a Preacher Man, Stay Awhile, Some of Your Lovin , Little by Little, You Don t Have to Say You Love Me, All I See is You and her comeback collaboration with The Pet Shop Boys have ensured her place in music s Hall of Fame. In conjunction with Universal music and ITN Archive, this new programme profiles the unique voice and artistry that was Dusty, with highlights and previously unseen performance footage from her career. Along with exclusive interviews and insights from those who really knew Dusty, Just Dusty is the incredible story of a woman who defied convention. She brought Mowtown to the UK, sang soul on a par with Aretha Franklin, refused to play to segregated audiences in South Africa, and harmed her career by standing up for her sexuality. Famous for her beehive, mod-queen looks and crescendo ballads that captured the sixties generation, Dusty Springfield is now reaching a whole new audience. With Just Dusty, we can once again relive the magic of Dusty Springfield - the performer; and appreciate the complexity that made Dusty so special as a person. Featuring live performances, unseen footage and photographs plus contributions from friends and colleagues including Pet Shop Boys, Burt Bacharach, Mari Wilson, Marc Almond, Pat Rhodes, Simon Bell and Frank Allen from the Searchers this is THE definitive Dusty Springfield Story!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10319 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-04-20
• Rating: Exempt
• Formats: Dolby, PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 80 minutes

Synopsis
JUST DUSTY is a candid and informative documentary that reveals the life, loves, successes and tragedies of Britain's leading female pop singer of the 60s and features contributions from the likes of the Pet Shop Boys, Burt Bacharach, Mari Wilson, Marc Almond, Pat Rhodes, Simon Bell and the Searchers' Frank Allen.

Customer Reviews

The Year Of Dusty Springfield
Ten years after her death, Dusty Springfield remains very much in the public consciousness and in the hearts of many around the world. In the press, in several new books, in a collection of poetry, in fan forums and websites, in television programmes, in the annual "Dusty Day" celebration, and in the recent special (and unique) honour given to her at the British Musical Experience, Dusty Springfield is clearly not forgotten. Nor is she likely to be. And now, Odeon Entertainment have produced a seriously good DVD showcasing the story of Dusty Springfield and showing precisely why 'the white queen of soul' continues to be loved and remembered by so many.

Telling the story of Dusty's life through the recollections of those who knew and loved her, this warm reminiscence cannot fail to touch the hearts of music lovers. There is no doubting the singular place Dusty has in the history of British music - the anecdotes offered in this DVD give a deep insight into why Dusty continues to be held in such high esteem by those in the music industry and by the fans. Mike Hurst (of The Springfields) paints a warm picture of Dusty's infectious sense of humour, as does Frank Allen (of The Searchers); while Burt Bacharach speaks of the uniqueness of Dusty's voice and musical ability.

Of course, her skill lay not only in her voice, but in her much under-rated abilities in the production studio. Dusty herself comments on this, noting that she was never credited for her production work because of the belief that to have done so would have diminished her credibility as a singer. Recent documentaries show that rather than diminishing her, this talent for production made her a seminal figure in the music industry, opening up possibilities for other female singers who would follow in her wake.

Watching this DVD, it is hard, also, not to feel a deep sense of warmth for Dusty the woman - who, although not a political figure, refused to play to segregated audiences in South Africa and was much maligned by other entertainers at the time because of this. Such principle can be a rare gem in the world of fame. Similarly, 'Just Dusty' reminds us that the introduction of Motown music into the United Kingdom is due in no small way to the part played by Dusty, particularly with the special edition of 'Ready, Steady Go!' which featured - for the first time - the music of Motown.

The deep joy of watching this DVD is tempered with the final segment, focussing on Dusty's illness and subsequent death. Here, the contributions from Pat Rhodes (Dusty's secretary and friend) and Simon Bell (her friend, carer and fellow singer) are deeply moving and many eyes will mist over in hearing the warmth of what they have to say about a woman who is clearly deeply missed still.

The choice of content for 'Just Dusty' is a delight. As well as telling the story of Dusty's life, a fine selection of live performances and television appearances are included and these will certainly delight fans. The DVD has been beautifully put together, not only in the content itself but also in the presentation of the material, from the selection of images to the clear and coherent menu system used throughout.

'Just Dusty' has something for everyone. Long time fans will find little gems they did not know previously, while those looking to learn about Dusty and the legacy of her music will find much to enthral them. And all will be moved by the story of this singular British singer.

There is no doubt that this is indeed 'the year of Dusty Springfield' - this DVD showcases why that is so and it is highly recommended.

10 year anniversary
this comes out at a great time for new and old fans of the best female singer to ever come from the U.K. Dusty would have been 70 years old this April and has sadly been lost to us for 10 years. this is why it is a great release and has really good interviews with the people who were so influential in her life both personal and professional. it is particularly good to see Simon Bell and Pat Rhodes as they both knew her so well and have always respected and cherished her memory. Dusty was the best and her vocal range and song interpretations are just unsurpassable.
This collection of archives is well worth buying and a must for all her fans.

Dusty shows them how it should be done
Without a doubt Dusty was the greatest female singer we've ever had in Great Britain. This dvd shows just what a fabulous singer she was, how she was years ahead of her contempories. She picked great songs, the production was always first class, but it was THAT voice!
This dvd gives a great insight to what gave us all a 'tingle' in the sixties - and STILL gives us a 'tingle' 45 years later. Forget the imposters - this is the real thing.