Lucy O'BrienDusty: The Classic Biography

Originally published in the UK in 1988 (revised, updated and reissued after Dusty's death in 1999), Lucy O'Brien's DUSTY is one of, if not THE first biography about the late music icon. It also stands as perhaps the most definitive.Several other books have been published since. Some are worthy reads, but not necessarily a traditional bio (fans looking to dig deeper on a more academic level will enjoy QUEEN OF THE POSTMODS by Annie Randall), while others have been exploitive trash (David Bret's new bio being the latest- I haven't read it yet, but there are factual errors ON THE BACK COVER, not to mention his books are usually sensationalistic, derivative garbage). The most notorious of the latter is the 2000 book DANCING WITH DEMONS. Allegedly "authorised", in this book Dusty is reduced to an uncaring/unbalanced/insecure/lesbian/alcoholic/neurotic/drug-addicted mess, fast and loose with chronology and details, lacking in research (with a noticeable void of interviews with almost ANY of Dusty's contemporaries or collaborators in the music field) with only token print given to why Dusty Springfield was (and is) so revered in the first place. (And this was authored by two "friends"!)O'Brien's book is MUCH more balanced. She has done her homework, with extensive interviews, thorough coverage of events in both Dusty's life and her career. A BRAND NEW ME, one of Dusty's watershed recording moments (working with Philly giants Gamble & Huff and Thom Bell), is basically given the brushoff in DANCING WITH DEMONS, but gets adequate recognition here. This is true in several instances- O'Brien has worked to create a cohesive portrait, not only of the woman, but also of her noteworthy accomplishments.1973's CAMEO, an admirable if flawed effort, gets derisively dismissed in DANCING WITH DEMONS. However, DUSTY discusses the album- and the struggles behind recording it- in greater detail, including the all-too-important interviews and quotes with the parties involved.O'Brien doesnt sugarcoat the dark side of Dusty's life- the book discusses the alcohol, the drugs, the sexual orientation, even the self mutilation- but it's done in a less gratuitous, more objective manner. A good example is the story behind Dusty's never-completed album, 1974's LONGING. The little that DEMONS does discuss are the salacious details of that are actually covered in this book. But in this book, you also get the backstory of what happened between producer Brooks Arthur and the brass at ABC/Dunhill.It's not perfect- the narrative meanders at times and can be occasionally stodgy. The revised version also contains quotes from- and discussions about- individuals now deceased that indicate they're still with us (which actually happens quite often in revised and re-released bios).Overall though, this is a great read, and one that does justice to its subject, warts and all.If you haven't read anything yet about the great Dusty Springfield (or if you've read something less-than-satisfying), this is the perfect book with which to start off.

I have just finished this biography of Dusty Springfield OBE. I felt the biography better explained Dusty's life without focusing too much on the down side. The book begins to explain Dusty couldn't come out of the closet as a lesbian in the 1960s when she was a huge star.Sadly the 1970s seem to forget her. Dusty peaked to stardom in her twenties. Her descent and time in Los Angeles, California was disastrous and self destructive. I wished Dusty had fated better. Her life was in shambles with drinking and drugs.O'Brien paints an objective and fair account of her life. She doesn't reveal too much about her relationships with women. By now 15 years after her death, Dusty or Mary O'Brien was a lesbian.But in the 1960s, it would have ruined her career to admit her lesbianism. After reading three biographies, I now realize how tormented and conflicted she was about it.Today, it would be no big deal. Dusty would have been fine and accepted by her fans. The press was not sympathetic to her plight. The British press can be more brutal than American tabloids.If she had lived today, she would have been awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Sadly, we lost her too soon.

This biography was fantastic.Through a great deal of research and interviews with friends and collaborators, much information is revealed about the times and culture in which Dusty Springfield created her music.The insight into this ‘ahead of her time’ singer/musician is eye opening. I have always loved Ms Springfield’s music, though, after reading this biography I am a FAN. She was definitely much more than just a singer from the 1960s ... by far.Dusty Springfield has been known for her struggles throughout the years, and, this biography, (written with an underlying respect), is so much more than a book of gossip. It shows a complete, creative, gifted and at times flawed human being.I thank Lucy O’Brien for writing this much needed biography of one of the ‘Greats’.

I couldn’t really get into this bio there are other books about her i enjoy more. Disappointed…

Considering Dusty Springfield was a very private person, this book was very good at covering most of the important info in her life.

Interesting book!

I am pleased with the informative, well written book by Lucy O'Brien, and I will be ordering another book in the near future.

Lucy O'Brien's Dusty biography is a must for Dusty fans.Ms. O'Brien is kind, fair and respectful to this classic legend.

Bought this for my Dad for his birthday. He loves it and has read it cover to cover. Lots of pictures to look at and an interesting read!

Loved reading about one of my early heroines.But,given her catastrophic patterns of self-sabotage,It would have been better to hear more about her unhealthy private life.As a later bio apparently does.

This is a book originally published in 2007 (?) and has been updated and revised. Thank you Lucie O'Brien for your dedication and loyalty to our greatest female pop artist.

Just so interesting. Brilliant.

Really good read