Lulu, the iconic Scottish singer, embodies a career that has gracefully spanned six decades, a testament to her enduring talent and captivating stage presence. As she herself proclaims, she’s still “smashing it onstage,” a vibrant force in the music world. While her extensive discography and diverse collaborations are noteworthy, Lulu remains deeply intertwined with a particular song and film from her teenage years: the 1967 classic, “To Sir, With Love,” starring Sidney Poitier. This film, a poignant exploration of racial dynamics in an East London school through the lens of Poitier’s inspiring teacher character, showcased not only Lulu’s acting debut as a student but also her soulful rendition of the title song in a memorable concluding scene.
Sidney Poitier in "To Sir, With Love"
At just eighteen, Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, known to the world as Lulu, was already a prominent figure in Britain’s Swinging London music scene. Her powerful voice, discovered at the young age of fifteen, propelled her into the spotlight. Guided by Marion Massey, a pioneering female manager and mother of Arista Records CEO David Massey, Lulu achieved a string of chart-topping hits throughout the 1960s in Britain. This success culminated in a U.S. No. 1 hit with “To Sir, With Love,” a song that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, embodying a message of heartfelt appreciation and youthful sincerity. This early triumph set the stage for a career defined by musical versatility and a genuine connection with her audience, a connection built on what could be described as Lulu’s inherent ability to serve with love through her art.
While the late 1960s saw a shift in her chart dominance, Lulu seamlessly transitioned into television, hosting her own variety shows in Britain. These platforms allowed her to showcase a diverse range of artists, including Jimi Hendrix, demonstrating her openness to different musical styles and her role in bringing innovative sounds to a wider audience. Her personal life also garnered attention during this period, including her marriage to Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. The mid-1970s marked another significant chapter in her career, fueled by a collaboration with David Bowie. Under Bowie’s guidance, Lulu recorded a compelling cover of his song “The Man Who Sold the World” in 1974. This rendition soared to No. 3 on the U.K. charts and became a Top 10 hit across Europe, introducing a new generation to Bowie’s songwriting genius and showcasing Lulu’s ability to reinterpret and revitalize a song with her distinctive vocal style. Interestingly, the song, originally released by Bowie in 1970, achieved global recognition in 1993 when covered by Nirvana, demonstrating the song’s enduring appeal and Lulu’s astute choice in covering it.
Lulu performing on stage
Lulu’s musical journey continued to evolve, encompassing a James Bond theme song, “The Man With the Golden Gun,” further expanding her repertoire and solidifying her place in pop culture history. Collaborations with Elton John, Bobby Womack, and a British chart-topper with Take That highlighted her adaptability and enduring appeal across genres and generations. Tina Turner’s cover of one of Lulu’s compositions, “I Don’t Wanna Fight,” underscored her songwriting talent and her influence on other prominent artists. More recently, she lent her voice to the title track of the animated feature “My Old School,” premiered virtually at Sundance, proving her continued relevance and artistic curiosity even after decades in the industry.
Now in her seventies, Lulu’s remarkable life and career are extensively documented in her two autobiographies. In a reflective conversation with Variety, Lulu shared her memories of Sidney Poitier and David Bowie, both figures who profoundly impacted her life and career. Despite the somber occasion of remembering these departed icons, the conversation was far from melancholic. Lulu’s infectious laughter and engaging storytelling painted a picture of a vibrant life filled with extraordinary experiences. Anecdotes of attending a Bowie concert with Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe, and having dinner with Tom Jones, were woven into the conversation, illustrating the remarkable circles she moves in with a casualness that only a true legend possesses. Her ability to connect with people, to serve with love through her warmth and genuine personality, shines through in these stories.
Reflections on Sidney Poitier: Dignity and Gratitude
When asked about her first encounter with Sidney Poitier on the set of “To Sir, With Love,” Lulu recalled being starstruck by his presence. “I was terrified!” she admitted, describing the overwhelming sense of being in the presence of someone truly special. She noted Poitier’s “dignity,” “regal carriage,” and towering height, which added to the initial intimidation for the young singer who had never acted before. The other young actors in the film came from acting schools, further amplifying her feelings of being an outsider stepping into a new world.
However, Poitier’s demeanor and approach to his craft left a lasting impression on Lulu. She observed his thoughtful and deliberate nature, believing that he carefully chose roles that aligned with his values and his desire to portray characters who could “uplift themselves.” His commitment to portraying positive human qualities resonated deeply with her. Lulu emphasized Poitier’s significant role in bringing “To Sir, With Love” to fruition, from script selection to casting, highlighting his dedication to the film’s message and his belief in its potential to impact audiences. The film’s immense commercial success, generating significant returns from a modest budget, underscored the power of the film’s message of overcoming prejudice and promoting understanding – a message served with love and delivered with Poitier’s characteristic grace.
Lulu expressed a sense of gratitude for the opportunity Poitier gave her, acknowledging that “To Sir, With Love” was a pivotal moment in her career. While she might not have fully grasped the film’s cultural significance at the time, she recognized its enduring impact over the years. The fact that many people immediately associate Poitier’s name with the song “To Sir, With Love” speaks volumes about the film’s lasting legacy and the powerful connection they forged. She believes the film made a cultural difference, emphasizing its timeless message of unity, love, and education, preserved “forever” on film. The film’s message, and the song itself, became a part of her identity, a testament to her early role in serving with love through art.
While their contact was sporadic after the film, Lulu cherished the moments of connection they shared. Poitier’s participation in a “This Is Your Life” episode dedicated to Lulu, and his attendance at her son’s meeting and his 75th birthday celebration, demonstrated a lasting bond and mutual respect. These gestures, though infrequent, underscored the profound impact of their early collaboration and the genuine warmth of their relationship.
Remembering David Bowie: A Transformative Collaboration
Shifting the conversation to David Bowie, Lulu recounted their initial meeting and subsequent collaborations with palpable enthusiasm. Their paths crossed when both were touring in Sheffield in 1973, staying at the same hotel. Lulu’s description of Bowie’s striking appearance – “ashen,” with “bright orange hair,” “eye makeup,” and “red plastic boots” – vividly captured his otherworldly persona. Despite the initial culture clash between Lulu’s more traditional variety show background and Bowie’s avant-garde rockstar image, an unexpected musical partnership blossomed.
Bowie, captivated by Lulu’s powerful voice, declared his intention to create a “smash hit single” for her. This bold statement led to Lulu’s iconic cover of “The Man Who Sold the World.” Lulu readily embraced Bowie’s vision, recognizing his artistic genius and her own readiness for a change in musical direction. She acknowledged the seemingly incongruous pairing – “We are the odd couple, there is no doubt about it!” – but trusted Bowie’s instincts and his desire to reshape her image and sound. This collaboration marked a significant turning point in her career, demonstrating her willingness to experiment and serve with love in new and unexpected musical territories.
Sidney Poitier in "To Sir, With Love"
While their planned further collaborations didn’t fully materialize due to Bowie’s diverse interests and perhaps differing lifestyles, the impact of “The Man Who Sold the World” endures. Lulu’s rendition revitalized the song, bringing it to a broader audience and showcasing her vocal prowess in a different musical context. The unreleased track “Dodo” and the unfinished version of “Can You Hear Me” hint at the further potential of their creative partnership, leaving fans to imagine what might have been. Even years later, Bowie’s playful reminder about “Can You Hear Me” during a chance encounter with Lulu, Meg Ryan, and Russell Crowe, underscores the lingering connection and the unfulfilled musical possibilities.
The Guiding Influence of Marion Massey: A Mother Figure in Management
Lulu spoke with deep affection and gratitude about her manager, Marion Massey, describing her as “kind of like a mother.” Massey’s unwavering belief in Lulu’s potential from the age of fifteen played a crucial role in shaping her career trajectory. Massey’s encouragement and guidance instilled in Lulu a sense of confidence and possibility, pushing her to explore acting, television, and various facets of the entertainment industry. Lulu credits Massey’s strong and nurturing presence as instrumental in navigating the complexities of the music business, suggesting that without her guidance, her path might have taken a different, perhaps less positive, turn. Massey’s role extended beyond professional management; she provided a stable and supportive foundation, enabling Lulu to flourish and serve with love through her talents with confidence and security.
An Enduring Passion for Performance
In closing, Lulu reiterated her enduring passion for performing and her hope to continue doing so indefinitely. Her desire to “drop off after a gig” encapsulates her dedication and unwavering commitment to her craft. A recent compliment from Tom Jones, acknowledging the undiminished power of her voice, further validates her continued vitality and relevance in the music world. Lulu’s ongoing stage presence and her willingness to engage with her audience demonstrate a career built on genuine love for music and a desire to serve with love through performance, connecting with people through her artistry and infectious energy. Her story is not just about musical success; it’s about a lifelong dedication to sharing her gift with the world, leaving an enduring legacy of love and music for generations to come.
