~ Lavender and Lace ~

I picture an old lady in lavender and lace a little old bonnet and a smile on her face. The charm and gentility of an era long ago modern young ladies will never know. Those far off gentle times have passed, life today is much too fast. I love my little old lady and hold her close to my heart she will live for ever through a songwriters art.

~ A Vision of Blue ~

A blind boy sat listening a rapturous look on his face as golden notes came echoing from the heart of Grace. His fingers traced her features and held her hand, "You have made my world seem brighter I trust you understand." Yes I do indeed lad I'll sing more songs for you, in memory's eye there is no grey only a vision of blue.

~ A Test of Endurance ~

The early days of theatrical touring was a test of endurance dingy lodgings scratch meals and finances low, the company often begged for a loan to support the show. There were death-trap theatres insanitary dressing rooms fire buckets for wash basins and no hot water. To make matters worse an audience not big enough to fill a bus, but Gracie never once complained or made any fuss. She took it all in good part and mothered the chorus girls with the warmth of her Lancashire heart.

~ Just Like Me ~

Madam Tussaud's waxworks is wonderful to see where the famous and notorious abide in harmony. I remember a lady dressed in black lace with blonde hair blue eyes and a smile upon her face. A hand raised as if in song as life-like as can be, "Ee lass", said Gracie Fields, "Tha'rt just like me."

~ Illness and Recovery ~

In nineteen thirty-nine Gracie was very ill, the shock and devastation is remembered still. At the Chelsea Hospital for Women she lay in a darkened room, and the entire nation felt a sense of gloom. That she was suffering from cervical cancer we were totally unaware, many religious denominations offered a solemn prayer. Sacks of letters lined the corridors the wards were adorned with flowers, daily bulletins were issued during the crucial hours. Gracie made a remarkable recovery we dried our tears, and continued to enjoy her golden voice for another forty years.