Let's Talk Dusty!

by **daydreamer** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 6:42 pm

I heard today that there is a new Dusty biography coming out, possibly by next April. It's being written by journalist Karen Bartlett, who I'm told has already spoken with many of Dusty's friends and colleagues. Don't know much more as yet and I can't find any links online except for:-

London Times feature writer Karen Bartlett's DUSTY SPRINGFIELD: LOST ICON, an in-depth account of the life of Dusty Springfield, with significant new material ...

and...

http://www.karenbartlett.co.uk/pages/5-about/content

I

by **Clive** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 7:24 pm

thanks Carole, sounds interesting.

Karen Bartlett seems like a serious journalist. With her political interests I reckon she could write well about Dusty's South Africa experience.

by **trek007** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 8:26 pm

She seems like a serious journalist.

Could do without VW 's in put tho!

by **donellac** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:08 pm

Wow this sounds really interesting! :yes:

Looking forward to reading this book. :dig:

by **daydreamer** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 10:42 pm

Trek, from what I hear, VW doesn't want to contribute [:)]

by **dusty nut** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 7:28 am

Thanks for the info Carole. I will look forward to adding yet another book to my collection.
Hopefully it will be a respectful, honest account of Dustys life. [bow]

by **darren2722** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 7:42 am

Thanks Carole. :thumbsup:

Like the proposed Screen Biographies- I guess Time Will Tell. :pensive:

by **humboldt** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 3:10 pm

Could be interesting but surely there is nothing left to know about Dusty :?:

by **daydreamer** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 3:20 pm

I said the same thing, but apparently this book is going to be written more as a story than a biography, so we shall see [:)]

by **donellac** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 6:30 pm

It gets to be more and more intriguing!

We shall have to wait to see what comes of this. [whistle]

by **Dotty86** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 11:38 pm

Thanks for the info. Sounds interesting...

by **Corinna** » Fri Nov 01, 2013 5:43 pm

Hopefully, there will be new information, John. I've encouraged a person to talk to the journalist, and will be very interested in the outcome!

by **dustyfan92** » Fri Nov 22, 2013 9:12 pm

I will be interested in getting the book as long as it is written in a classy, respectful, and honest way.

by **st louis blues** » Thu Dec 19, 2013 5:08 am

I’ve always felt Dusty deserved a really good in depth biography. She certainly led an interesting life. What I felt has been lacking in most all of the books about her is there is very little mention of her family background. It’s like her childhood and the family history have been lost. Her parents had to have played a role in her love of music. I would hope that if Tom will not, and I don’t see it happening, fill in blanks about the family history then perhaps some cousins could. Her mom had a lot of siblings and I would think someone would know about the family and perhaps shed light on the O’brien family.

Several years ago a biography of John Lennon came out with contributions from aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a Beatle fanatic I was fascinated to read about John’s background and the fact that he had music in his paternal line. I think there is much about Dusty we don’t know. I just hope if it comes out it’s respectful and devoid of tabloid stories. I’ve read that Norma does not talk about Dusty because she respects her memory. I’ve wondered if she felt betrayed by the tone of DWD and perhaps that contributes to her reluctance. However, it would be nice to read about the Dusty of the 60’s and how she coped with all that fame. I wish Pat and Doug Reece would contribute as well as they were probably very involved with Dusty as friend, too.

by **daydreamer** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 10:05 pm

I just came across some more information regarding this new book and it implies it will be "the definitive" biography. I hope that it is, I hope that the right people have been spoken to and I hope that there's no guess work or supposition. Fingers crossed....

https://www.politicos.co.uk/books/dusty-hardback

: book cover_Dusty.jpg (93.01 KiB) Viewed 18280 times

by **trek007** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 10:34 pm

Fingers crossed indeed that this book does her the justice she deserves.

Thanks for the update Carole

by **dustyfan92** » Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:48 am

Thank you for the update Carole. I really hope this book will be respectful to Dusty's memory and will do her some justice unlike the garbage that has been written about her.

by **darren2722** » Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:36 am

Thanks Carole. :yes:

Well, the cover is looking good(no pun intended) and 384 pages is nearly double/more than double than some of the other Biographies, so I hope it's not filler. :pensive:

Also hope, as promised there are some new details about Dusty's childhood, and the new interviews bring out some more facts not heard before. Five more months isn't too long to wait for what promises to be the Biography we have all been waiting for. [beg]

by **dusty nut** » Thu Jan 09, 2014 9:32 am

Thanks for the link Carole. I look forward to adding it to my collection. I am just wishin' and hopin'
that it does her justice. [beg]

by **Corinna** » Thu Jan 09, 2014 5:14 pm

Someone told me that no intrusive questions were asked, so I'm hopeful this will be an interesting book with some new first hand stories.

by **donellac** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 12:05 am

I wonder what that means Cor.

How do you define an intrusive question? Or indeed a revealing answer?

by **Corinna** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 10:15 am

I've been told that the questions asked by Karen Bartlett were not prying or probing on the personal vein, that's all I know. I, too, hope for a good book! [:)]

by **Cecelia** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:24 pm

Book is not available on Amazon yet. It said printing would start in June of this year. I signed up to be notified when it becomes available.

by **daydreamer** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 10:38 pm

I had an email from Karen Bartlett today (someone else had told her to contact me) and amongst the things she said was that the book was going to be published in April. So not June by her reckoning.

by **pat.dunham** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 10:51 pm

That's nice , if it is April just in time for my birthday, what better prezzie.

by **countrycake** » Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:49 am

Karen Bartlett's biography has now appeared on Amazon UK with a publication date of 10 June 2014.

by **Corinna** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:07 pm

Hello all, I have a message from Karen Barlett, saying the following:

"The book is nearing completion but I particularly want to hear from anyone with any last information. My email is kbart60386@aol.com."

Feel free to contact her directly!

by **daydreamer** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 4:44 pm

I'm really hoping that Karen has employed a good proof reader who knows their Dusty facts. Hard to know what's meant by "last minute information" without knowing what's already in there though.

by **donellac** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 6:55 pm

Yes Carole, I had that thought too!

by **Dotty86** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 11:17 pm

Looking forward to this. Let's pray it's decent [beg]

by **allherfaces** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 5:50 pm

Thought I'd share this from Karen:
"Re the request on the board, I'd heard that someone was trying to get in touch with me via someone else, and I realised that maybe I should make it easier for people to contact me! So there's nothing specifically I was looking for, just wanted to people to know how to reach me....

Everyone on LTD has been really helpful and nice and you've got an amazing resource!"

Also, when we have another not-raffle, she will donate a couple of autographed books. Plus she hopes to offer some discount in the price of copies to LTDers.

by **boztiggs** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 7:04 pm

How kind of her! Im looking forward to reading it

Neil [:)]

by **pat.dunham** » Sun May 11, 2014 1:28 pm

See Karen Bartlett book on Dusty reduced to £16.00 ($23.80) on Amazon (UK .COM). available for pre-order, still 10 June.

by **dusty nut** » Sun May 11, 2014 1:31 pm

What a lovely offer from Karen. Looking forward to her book. [:)]

by **allherfaces** » Sun May 11, 2014 7:24 pm

Thanks for the tip. Also available from amazon in the US. Done!

by **Brian** » Sun May 11, 2014 9:46 pm

: intimate portrait.bmp (231.17 KiB) Viewed 13243 times

Still available on pre-order from Amazon.co.uk for £16 (£4 off)

Brian

by **Dotty86** » Sun May 11, 2014 10:22 pm

Looking forward to this. Love the cover [:D]

by **dig123** » Sun May 11, 2014 10:44 pm

Thanks for the reminder. Put my order in. I've been reading the books I have a second time! Hope it's not delayed!

by **allherfaces** » Mon May 12, 2014 11:21 am

Wiring to hear from Karen's publisher with details about special promo/s for LTDers. Watch this space.

by **pat.dunham** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:11 am

Looks like publication date put back again! Amazon says 17th June-presume this is correct.

by **allherfaces** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:30 pm

amazon.com is not even listing a date now [V]

by **dig123** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:15 pm

That stinks! I'm so looking forward to reading this. I've read every book I can get my hands on.....................even "that book"....! All interesting stuff. There will never be another Dusty!

by **Tom Lovett** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:33 pm

My Amazon Pre Order now states delivery 23rd - 27th June 2014

Here's hoping

Tom

by **allherfaces** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:52 pm

Special offer for Let's Talk Dusty for Karen Bartlett's book on Dusty due to be released on June 17:. Go to http://www.therobsonpress.com/promotions and enter the code DUSTY.

by **Corinna** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:14 pm

Wow, thanks for organising this for us, Nancy! You're a star! :star:

Why don't you make a new post about it, so it doesn't drown here? Also, people who might not check this thread will be able to see this special offer.

by **donellac** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:26 pm

Simon has also posted this on Facebook!

by **Corinna** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:14 pm

I've ordered my copy! [:D]

by **st louis blues** » Sun Jun 15, 2014 4:42 am

I just ordered mine as well. What happened with Amazon? I know the last time I checked the release date was pushed back to June 27. Now it says the book is out of print. I wonder about fans that had heard about the new book but are not aware of LTD. I was just thinking how difficult it could be for someone going to Amazon and not being able to order it. Do you think this turn of events will cause the book not to sell as well as it might have? Why does it seem like being a fan of hers can be so difficult when it comes to product. However, I find it ironic that I had no trouble ordering from Amazon that piece of trash, I wish I had never bought it, by a certain French author that I dare not mention. [:(!]

by **allherfaces** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 2:14 pm

I ordered mine too, although it kills me to pay 8.50 GBP IN POSTAGE. I couldn't wait to see if amazon US got its act together, although I still have an order in there, too.

by **dig123** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 4:44 pm

I still have my order in at Amazon too!. I'll give them a few more days. I hate paying the extra postage AND waiting the extra days for the book to arrive!

by **pat.dunham** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 2:10 pm

Just a warning re book from Amazon UK. The book showing at present is an abridged large print version-

I nearly ordered it. In UK Waterstones is offering it at same price £16 plus free p&p 5 day delivery. :bravo:

by **darren2722** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 2:21 pm

Thanks for the warning Pat. :thumbsup:

by **dusty nut** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:33 pm

Just ordered mine £12.98 Amazon. [:D]

Can't wait. :thumbsup:

by **donellac** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 9:32 pm

I am kinda confused by this. Pat, are you saying the book being offered by amazon is a different version to the one offered by the publisher or by Waterstones?

I notice the size of the book and the number of pages and in all of the outlets the book is the same size and has 352 pages. My feeling is that there is only one version of the book. I could be wrong though!

by **pat.dunham** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 9:56 pm

Sorry to confuse. When you go to order, at Amazon, following the search, it says abridged, large print, audio box -set. Now this maybe the only edition they have at the moment. I had not ordered earlier as I had another outlet that sells books a lot cheaper, but they did not know if or when they would have the book. Thus I ordered through Waterstone's to make sure I would get the right copy. The price and delivery are the same as Amazon and I have received confirmation ,so we will see.

by **LilCajunGirl** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 10:05 pm

Amazon USA has it. $24.00 roughly.

by **jennifer49** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 10:31 pm

I accepted your advice Pat and cancelled my original order with Amazon which was still saying was not yet in stock, and, same as Lynn, reordered at £12.98 which is in stock and will be delivered by Saturday, hopefully, which makes me think something is different about my original order, so thankyou for that.

Jennifer

by **donellac** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:29 am

Hmm yes!

Curiouser and curiouser! :what?:

by **donellac** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 10:46 am

For clarification, I have emailed Robson Press to ask about the Amazon listing.

Their response says: 'This multiple listing is actually owing to an Amazon fault which I have now notified them of.'

I think we can now take it that there is only one version of the book!

I am also told that the ebook is coming out in a few days.

by **pat.dunham** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 11:06 am

Thanks Donella for making contact over this. I was going to e-mail myself today. I have just checked Amazon and all is in order now. Sorry I hit the panic button folks but it was so confusing and I didn't want people to be disappointed. We have all waited a long time, let us hope it was all worth while.

by **pat.dunham** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 7:47 pm

Just received my copy. Looks very promising at first glance. Snaps from Sue C. Must get back to it. Enjoy everyone.

by **Cecelia** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 11:10 pm

I am waiting for my copy from Amazon (US). They contacted me and said there would be a delay. So I am not really sure when I will get a copy. Wondering if I should get it somewhere else.

by **dusty nut** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 10:29 am

Woohoo! Just had a notification from Amazon, book on it's way should be hear within the week. :party:

I'm so excited - can you tell? :lol:

by **Carole R.** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 10:41 am

Will be using one of my Amazon Birthday vouchers for this. :thumbsup:

Carole xx

by **karen** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 10:57 am

Have mine too , lovely pictures not seen , looking forward to the read too.. [:D]

by **darren2722** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 1:23 pm

Happy reading All. [8D]

Hope the text is as good as the pics. [beg]

Getting mine next week. [:D]

by **Brian** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:11 pm

Mine arrived today - at the reduced price of £13.40 (thank you Amazon !)
Will make interesting reading over the next couple of days

Brian

by **trek007** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 5:52 pm

Mine arrived today too.
Only had time to have a look at the pictures...some lovely ones of Dusty on holiday provided by Sue Cameron.

by **allherfaces** » Sat Jun 21, 2014 3:55 am

LTD and LTDers in acknowledgements:

by **darren2722** » Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:47 am

Thanks Maggie, Nancy, Carole and anyone at LTD who helped in the making of this book. [bow]

by **Corinna** » Sat Jun 21, 2014 5:52 pm

Wow! Can't wait to read it!

by **boztiggs** » Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:17 pm

got mine today too, some lovely pics, im going to read it in one sitting tomorrow!!

Neil :thumbsup:

by **trek007** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 9:01 am

I wish I had stuck with just the pictures!

by **daydreamer** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 1:20 pm

I've got it, I've not read it yet. I'm thankful for the photos from Sue Cameron but from what I've read in the Daily Mail pieces, I'm not expecting a light read. Why do these past girlfriends think we need to know all the incredibly painful, personal details of fights? You can tell me all the bad stuff you need to, in the end, for me it'll still be all about the wonderful, delightful Dusty I listened to and watched in my formative years. I wish she would be allowed to rest in peace.

by **Beautiful soul** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 3:58 pm

When I first began reading and coming to know Dusty's story, I feel I grieved for her troubles and have now come through to the other side.

There are two Dusty's for me. The glittering, sparkling vision onstage with the voice of an Angel. And the exceedingly loving, kind, generous, big hearted, funny, animal loving, and very courageous private person her friends and some lucky fans knew. As for the rest, I'm content to let it dissipate and fade into the mists of time.

Nothing I know or may learn hence will change my respect and love for our Dusty. Rest in peace Dusty, you are above all this now. :rose:

by **Cecelia** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:58 pm

Well I got tired of waiting for my copy on back order from Amazon US so I ordered the e book. Now I am reading away on our iPad. I got it immediately and I should have thought of that sooner!

by **Corinna** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 7:49 pm

Oh Cecelia, look what you've done! I've now bought the ebook as well! And the physical book will most likely turn up in the mail tomorrow! :lol:

by **donellac** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 8:18 pm

I have now read most of the new biography.

For me it follows the same format and is a combination of the Lucy O'Brien, Sharon Davis and Wickham/Valentine books. Some people who were very close to Dusty have divulged, probably, much more that they should have about events in their relationship.

I do wonder what Pat, Simon, Madeline, Tarra etc. think of the book and what has been made of their input.

by **Dotty86** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 8:38 pm

Haven't purchased the book yet - really not sure that I want to. Was waiting to hear some of your thoughts on it first (as I value the opinion of LTDers above everyone else!) Nothing I read could ever change my opinion or alter my admiration of Dusty, I just begrudge lining the pockets of those who have sold her down the river. Why, oh why, do these writers think this is what people want to read (regarding personal relationships etc) There was so much more to Dusty and these constant attempts at making her into this tragic icon are just bloody boring now! I personally would like to see something put together by the fans- recollections of her live performances, fan photos, stories of meeting her etc. From what I can gather, Dusty adored her fans and I think it would be a real tribute to her memory.

by **LilCajunGirl** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 8:40 pm

I guess Cameron finally decided to "come out" about Dusty. I wonder how much she got paid?

Maybe one day people will finally see...It's all about THE VOICE!!!

by **boztiggs** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 8:54 pm

I am a bit frustrated that I couldn't get to read it in one sitting as intended, I really had to finish a phillipa Gregory novel ive read four times but is so engrossing I cant put it down. I have read four chapters of this book so far, and im not particularly impressed with the style of writing, so far its everything we have ever known with a few cleverly aimed nuggets, and to be fair, given the title of the book including the word "intimate" then im not expecting anything that's going to thrill me

Neil

by **allherfaces** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:05 am

We've had company all weekend, so I just began the book last night. Hopefully I will be able to finish it tomorrow. I haven't read the new thread on the Daily Mail, because I don't want to know what the book is going to say before it says it, but from what I've been reading around the edges here, it sounds like I"m going to need to brace myself.

by **Cas19** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 5:27 am

The photos are the best part, in the end I read what I wanted to read as I never quite know what or who to believe, and I am so not interested. Its about the music, and my love for the lovely Dusty. They can never take that away from me.

Casx

by **Tupelo Honey** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 6:06 am

I agree, the photos that Sue Cameron shared are divine :pensive:

by **karen** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 8:01 am

Well I read it quickly as wanted to see if anything new to tell us ...but was disappointed , other than some lovely pictures had to endure all the unpleasant things again.. so ?? [:(]

by **mnmcv1** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 3:11 pm

I'm waiting for my copy. I'll reserve judgment on the text (and the research) until then.

by **dusty nut** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 4:37 pm

Mine has come today and the pictures are lovely. I can't say that I'm looking forward to reading
it in the light of the exposure of Dusty's private life. I too would have much preferred some
things to have been left unsaid, I would hate for my past indiscretions to be made public,
will read it just not yet. I will always love Dusty and nothing could ever change that. :rose:

by **daydreamer** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 7:49 pm

I'm only a couple of chapters in, just not had the time since getting back from holiday. Whatever we think of it, right now it's no.1 on Amazons Bestseller list for Musicians and Composers.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/ ... ef=sr_bs_1

by **boztiggs** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 7:55 pm

im still only on chapter six, so far only a couple of moments where i winced slightly, but its only fair i think to wait till ive read it and have a think about it, time is tight even though im stuck at home, its wimbledon as well, so im only getting snatched time with it

Neil [:)]

by **Egerton** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:41 pm

I've only read about half the book but the most striking thing - apart from the personal photographs supplied by Sue Cameron - are the inaccuracies. I'm surprised the author didn't have it checked by someone with actual knowledge of Dusty and her career. Such glaring errors make one doubt the whole book. It's all a bit salacious but, sad to say, that is what sells books. It's sad, also, that the author felt it appropriate to collaborate with The Daily Mail who - in their typical style - have sensationalised it even more. Dusty - who spent her life protecting her privacy - would have been justifiably appalled ...

by **donellac** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 7:27 am

Egerton, you are right the book is very salacious. It mostly adds, it seems, more of the deeply distressing incidents from the worst times of Dusty's illness.

I'm not sure what you mean by saying the author collaborated with the Daily Mail. I assumed that this was just the first of what will be many reviews of the book!

by **dig123** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 10:42 am

I agree that the photos of Dusty are just lovely! She looks so relaxed on the beach. Haven't finished the book but some things have rubbed me the wrong way. Is this book about Dusty or Sue?

by **pat.dunham** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:44 pm

Just a thought Di, Sue was around a lot with her then. Sadly Helene passed away a couple of years after Dusty
and everyone in UK only visited now and then. Some others may not have wanted to contribute like Peggy Albrecht, who was as I understand a great help and trusted friend. I am not defending Sue, just making an observation.

by **Carole R.** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 9:47 pm

Well, I got my copy today, yes, the pics are lovely and its good to see the previously unseen pics.
I have to say that I'm not looking forward to reading the book.. It seems to have disappointed all those who have and likely will have the same effect on me. [:(]

..I had hoped that this would be an antidote to DWD, but it seems that it could be even worse in regard to the promoting of the negative, and practically ignoring the positive.
Anyway.. I will read the book and instead of reading it hopefully, I guess I will read it despairingly ..
I will get back, once I've read it.

Just one question: Do people who have contributed to, and been interviewed for, this type of book get to see it before publication?

Carole R xx

by **allherfaces** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 10:40 pm

I doubt it.

I've just finished it today and will share my thoughts on it when I have a chance this week.

by **Egerton** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 10:47 pm

Hi Donellac ...

What I meant is that the author - Karen Bartlett - wrote the piece (it wasnt a review) in ' The Daily Mail, a paper which - in my view - is utterly toxic. It's rather sad, given that paper's tone towards gay issues that Bartlett worked with them. But, as I said, she is in the business of selling books and I'm sure she was thrilled to get national media coverage.

by **donellac** » Wed Jun 25, 2014 8:27 am

Hi Egerton, I have just looked back the piece and, of course, you are right. That is why it contains so many quotes from the book.

I think I did not look closely enough (didn't read the by-line) and just assumed that it was a review.