~ Gracie Delivers A Speech ~

Ladies and gentlemen, lads and lasses I am here to deliver a speech which I don't normally do, words I am trying to express concerns everyone of you. The public have given me all I possess it is not enough for me to say now you can all go to blazes, how some people can act that way really amazes. I will continue to entertain while I have breath in my body and a note in my voice, not under pressure but through my own choice. Boris wished to keep me to himself because he loves me so, when I explained the situation he understood and is willing to let me go. I often refer to my beloved husband and my loving fans no way does one distract from the other. I compromise and carry out duties on both sides of life, as a singer and as a wife. From the depth of my heart I thank you for your support, a warm welcome awaits on the Isle of Capri in the home you helped to build for me.
Bless you.

~ The Funny Side ~

Gracie's brother mixed cocktails in a cut glass vase a shaker she did not possess, no one realised the pouring would make a frightful mess. Tables and chairs were drenched a total disaster, they both saw the funny side and were convulsed with helpless laughter. 

~ Efforts Rewarded ~

Gracie lost her mother in 1953 and her father in 1956. Jenny was 74 and Fred 82, they were proud of all their children for having turned the grey skies blue. Through Jenny's iron will they escaped the monotony of the mill. Gracie bought a house named The Haven very lovely indeed, her mother did not soil her hands there was certainly no need. A maid was employed to attend to the chores keeping everything spick and span, Jenny died a contented woman and Fred died a very happy man.

~ The Old Lady Shows Her Medals ~

In 1955 Gracie won the Silvana award on American television for her performance in a straight play, taking the part in a remarkable way. Barrie's "The Old Lady Shows Her Medals" about a lonely Scotswoman who longed for a son, and became a mother on probation to a soldier orphan that's how the story begun. It was repeated in Britain the following year, Gracie's perception was so moving many viewers shed a tear.

~ The Uncrowned Queen ~

Gracie did not wear a crown yet she was a queen, the most wonderful artiste I have ever seen. Regal and silver haired she walked slowly on the stage, hard to imagine she was over sixty years of age. She turned a cartwheel much to everyone's delight, landing in front of the microphone she judged it just right. No need to rehearse for success to ring whatever Gracie did was a natural thing. She had a tremendous zest for life every hour of the day, she could not have lived any other way.

~ Megatone ~

A restaurant held a birthday party it was Lilian Aza's special day, Gracie and Boris were there keeping everything bright and gay. A friend suggested Gracie recorded a singalong with the diners joining in, she was enthusiastic "All right lad you win." Her songs included Somewhere My Love, The Best Things In life Are Free, Swanee and The Isle of Capri. At seventy-six she sang remarkably well, her lovely top notes as clear as a bell. This recording has become a precious souvenir of a lady the world held most dear.

~ A Treat For Torquay ~

I gazed at the placard as thrilled as can be Gracie Fields was arriving in Torquay. Giving two performances on the stage at sixty-six years of age. I promptly booked seats for my parents and me to enjoy an evening of ecstasy. Another artiste appeared in the show a concert pianist named Clive Lythgoe. I listened to the recital with only half an ear longing for the moment when Gracie would appear. The classical notes died away as he struck the last chord excitement mounted the spirit soared. Our Gracie looked delightful in a blue and silver gown very happy to be visiting this seaside town. She sang "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you, Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me," according to the packed theatre that must surely be. Next came September Song, Scarlet Ribbons, Blow The Wind Southerly, I Never Cried So Much In All My Life and Fonso My Hot Spanish Knight. At the finale she invited the audience to join her in singing 'Walter, Walter, Lead Me To The Altar'. A fan requested 'Sally' she instantly obliged walking off with a smile and a kiss her last performance in Devon an occasion too good to miss. Outside huge crowds surrounded her car so eager for a glimpse of this mega-star. She waved goodbye and disappeared from sight there were no more songs to sing it was very hard to let her go but the memory will always cling.

~ Tommy Keen ~

Tommy is Keen by name and keen by nature and became a friend of Gracie Fields, his home is stacked with mementos and much interest it yields. He is a celebrity in his own right and enjoyed a taste of fame, I was not acquainted, to me he was just a name. Until I found the courage to communicate affection for Gracie so eager to tell, he was delighted I had studied her life so well. We have corresponded on many a long page reviving precious memories of a golden age. 

~ An Ardent Fan ~

Tommy Keen was an ardent fan that Gracie befriended, he has given talks on her life which were always well attended. Relating outstanding events and a dozen records played, Surrey loved 'Our Gracie' admiration will never fade.

~ The Lucky Few ~

Many fans would like to have become a personal friend this Gracie had to smother, not wishing to treat one any different from another. Only a privileged few crossed the border line including Mary Whipp, Hazel Provost, John Taylor and his wife Anne, Tommy Keen was perhaps the most ardent fan. Enjoying Gracie's hospitality at her home in Capri, and receiving letters and photographs frequently. Tommy has sent her records all over the world and collected a vast amount of souvenirs during this past fifty years. He made an appearance on television in a programme on Gracie's life, followed by talks in Surrey where he now lives, well worth the effort for the pleasure it gives.

~ Love's Last Word Is Spoken ~

Tommy do you remember one evening in May when we had supper in a small café. Where friends had gathered and Boris was there, with talk of theatres and mem'rys to share. We were so happy and life was certainly good, and I sang a song as you knew I would. Your favourite Love's Last Word Is Spoken, Cherie, sung in Italian on the Isle of Capri. 

~ For Posterity ~

In the last years of her life Gracie donated to Rochdale Museum the Freedom of Rochdale scroll and casket, theatre programmes and song sheets, in the future Tommy Keen will add to these treats. The vast amount of material he has collected dating from the Second World War, and still hoping to add a lot more.

~ Mediterranean Magic ~

I sense a magic in the air as waiters hurry here and there, serving edibles in the Italian style with a bow and a smile. Gracie had the restaurant built as an interest for Monty sadly he is dead. Boris became involved instead, his talent put to the test tourists received the very best. Gracie's presence filled their hearts with pride the humble and the famous were dining side by side,

~ A Tourist's View ~

Awakening in the morning to Italian skies of blue, having a photograph taken with Gracie and a word with her husband too. Swimming in the pool, basking in the sun, going to the pictures, joining in the fun. Eating in the restaurant, making new friends, life will seem so dull when the holiday ends.

~ A Hundred More ~

Several books were written on Gracie's life some short and some long, I have tried to rhyme it in the likeness of a song. From the beginning to the end over one hundred memories I have penned. A task to make my spirits soar, I wish I could write hundreds more.

~ Achievement ~

Having written one hundred tributes I wished to write hundreds more, memories kept flooding back cascading by the score. Once again I was inspired and achieved the wish I so desired.

~ Success Story ~

Bert Aza's brief biography 'Gracie' was released in 1954 Gracie wrote her autobiography 'Sing As We Go' in 1960. 'Gracie Fields' by Tommy Keen and Muriel Burgess appeared in 1980. Joan Moules biography 'The Life Of Dame Gracie Fields' published in 1983. Perhaps one day 'All In Rhyme' will bring success for me. 

~ The Golden Years ~

Jenny never lost her love for the theatre when she and Fred celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Gracie invited them on stage. She placed an arm around each and they sang 'Just a song at Twilight', so exciting the audience they clapped with all their might. A magical sound to Jenny's ear, it was indeed a golden year. 

~ Typing For Pleasure ~

At her typewriter Gracie sat tapping away, a task she accomplished almost every day. Adding a few hand written words on the end when sending letters to a fan or a friend. Giving the recipients so much pleasure, an effort they will always treasure.

~ Good Sense ~

Gracie Fields was not a goody-goody but a good woman in every sense of the word, echoed by millions who had seen and heard. Should troubles arise she was the first on the scene, but if there was nothing she could do or say, then she simply walked away. Not with a heart full of despair, Gracie firmly believed in prayer.

~ Personality Plus ~

Gracie did not have a normal childhood or teenage years it was all work struggle and strive, but she developed a wonderful personality and was very much alive. Understanding the problems of others offering practical help and advise, many artistes entertained but Gracie was twice as nice.

~ Crowning Glory ~

Gracie had beautiful strong springy hair the style changed frequently and the colour too, but each shade enhanced her lovely eyes of blue. Whether brown, red, blonde, silver grey or pure white, it was her crowning glory and always looked just right.

~ Because I Love You ~

To all the folk who greet me and to those who cheer, your fond recognition I hold most dear. I will always give my best and never let you down, whether in historic cities or in a seaside town. This close attachment I pray will always be, because I love you as much as you love me.