<Commemorative Page 2>

REMEMBERING DUSTY . . .

[21] Words fail me. I'm numbed by Ms Springfield's death. Each and every note she sang held special meaning for me. She made me realize that you didn't have to wildly emote to strongly suggest deeper emotions. It could be done in more skillful, subtle ways. And suggest them she did! Throughout her eventful life she seemed fragile yet strong. Strongly in control but occassionally out of control. Still, she's left us with a grand body of work, which thankfully has been given its recognition as the genius it is. But still it's such a loss, my favourite singer - male or female, period. "I think I'm goin' back . . ."

Nico Barrett
Canada

[22] I was really saddened and shocked by the news of Dusty's death. She is irreplacable - the best female singer to come out of Britain in the modern pop era. Not just a voice but her immaculate choice of songs every time - she picked the best material to suit her voice, and her comeback in the late '80s was not only overdue but totally brilliant! "I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten" is my favourite, but there are so many others . . .

Peter Austin

[23] This is such a difficult thing to do - how do you pay tribute to an entertainer who has basically defined the essence of "soul" - not as in the musical genre, but the very essence of a place where one goes to capture something REAL. Dusty was the epitome of REAL. It is overwhelming to fathom the vast eclectic array of music that she has supplied us with. I have been heartened over the past few years to witness the resurgence of Dusty's music, especially the hidden gems that only avid Dustyphiles are aware of. Since the very first time I heard "I Only Want To Be With You" in the sixth grade on that infamous February afternoon I was tuned in to hear about the arrival of "that British group", Dusty Springfield has been my retreat for getting the best variety of truly emotional music. And yes, that hair, those eyes, those pivoting hand gestures - need I say more? Dusty brought me through my high school years and then quietly disappeared from the "scene" . . . well, obviously not from the throngs of fans who craved more from her. At this time, I can only say - "Thank you, Mary O'Brien for becoming 'Dusty' . . . the thirty-five years of hearing your moving voice have been most precious, and I personally vow to keep your legend alive. When I think of going to that place to get REAL music and 'soul', 'All I See Is You.' Rest . . ."

Ron Wohlgemuth
Old Tappan, New Jersey, USA

[24] We were very saddened to hear of Dusty's passing. Dusty had a wonderful voice and will be missed by many across the world. Her unique vocal style and quality is admired by many, not least the gay community. She will always be a gay icon, and this I feel says it all. The community of the world has lost a tremendous talent. We were shown the wonderful voice of Dusty with the collaboration with The Pet Shop Boys, and she was introduced to a younger generation who were not witnesses to her career in the '60s, and for that we thank you Dusty. May you rest in peace.

Martin and David
Kingston, Surrey, UK

[25] To Dusty - in admiration and appreciation. We wish you light and peace and heavenly rest. PP & MTE.

Paul Peters
Saudi Arabia

[26] I've loved her singing from the very beginning, starting with "I Only Want To Be With You", back in the mid-'60s, when we all were a lot younger. Dusty in Memphis has been my favorite album since I first bought it as an album, then as an 8-track tape, and eventually as a CD. As the decades followed one another, I patiently waited for each new and precious album to be released, and inevitably they would contain gems. And each song became a precious gift to those of us who loved and admired her and her work from afar. Not long ago, we lost Laura Nyro. And now Dusty. I am profoundly saddened and a bit numb. Ironically, I was listening to a mini-disk of her recordings that I'd made a couple of years ago from albums no longer available, when a good friend of mine called yesterday to tell me that she'd died. He knew that Dusty was my favorite singer, and her plaintive vocals helped ease the pain of many a lost love and romantic disappointment over the years. Fortunately, we have the music to confort us. Goodbye Dusty.

Gregory Earl Sanchez
Denver, Colorado, USA

[27] I am so sad that Dusty is no longer with us. I have been a fan since her first hit and appearance on Top of the Pops. Last night we played, as a tribute, her compilation Dusty, and once again went down memory lane. It doesn't matter how many times you play her hits, they are just as fresh as the first time - so full of melody, heart and soul. She will never be equaled and will always be remembered by millions, and I'm sure her music will live on through successive generations as they learn to appreciate a truly great diva. God bless you and may you rest in peace.

Brenda Partridge
London

[28] So long, Dusty . . . Thanks for the memories!

Carl Morrissey
Newfoundland, Canada

[29] A sad loss to the music industry and all who were teenagers in the '60s and '70s. A magic lady with a magic voice. Rest in peace.

Rob and Karen Walters
Tasmania, Australia

[30] In memory of Dusty, whose picture I glued to the inside of my school desk as a London teenager of the '60s. And to the happy memories her songs and unique voice bring back to mind. Rest in peace.

Sean Peet
Shanghai, China

[31] I may only be 22 years old, but I am aware that this world has lost a treasure - the next world probably don't know what hit them! I am moved at dear Dusty's passing. Like the rest of us, I love her amazing and unique voice; she sung me to sleep many times and I have vacuumed while dancing to her hit songs and singing into the vacuum pipe plenty of times too. We understand the greatness of your talent, Dusty. We haved loved your music, learnt the words to your songs, danced, sang, rejoiced, all to your wonderful music and unmistakable voice. I love you Dusty, and I and millions more around the whole world will never forget you. I will play your records to my children and I know they will love you as much as I. Thank you so much for the gift you gave to us. You lived to warm the hearts and lives of whole continents, and for that you will be remembered in history forever. I love you. Thank you. Goodbye Dusty.

Anthony Merlin-Tiserant
New Zealand

[32] Dusty was the greatest female vocalist of this century, better than Diana Ross, better than any of the flavor-of-the-months like Celine Dion or Mariah Carey. She was and always will be the true icon of the '60s pop female vocalist. The fact that she was behind bringing the Motown sound to England, shows how cool she was. How truly sad that she died only a few weeks before her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why did they have to wait so long to have her?

Michael
USA

[33] There's NO voice that was as great as this woman's. from the first time I heard THAT voice I was hooked and she was ALWAYS there. I sat at work today and listened to the track "Goin' Back" and I cried. The voice will always be there though, and for that this world is a far better place.

Sean
Melbourne, Australia
(originally from Edinburgh, Scotland)

[34] The music world has lost one of it's best. And I have lost one of my favorites. A very sad day. Rest in peace Dusty.

Donna
Midwest USA

[35] Dusty, you have done nothing to deserve this. You are a legend and the world is worse off for "Losing You." Here's wishin' and hopin' that you're now in private. A devoted fan.

Derek Wales
Surrey, England

[36] I'm a musician in northern Ohio. Late at night in my many years on the road, I made it a habit to surf the AM radio stations. Sometimes I lucked out and a Dusty song would come on. It always made me feel. Her soul would shine through the radio and get me to the next rest stop. I grew up with her music in the '60s. She is one of my inspirations. I miss her. Love and peace to you Dusty.

Jimiller
Cleveland, Ohio, USA

[37] Hopefully the wind will always carry your voice.

Scottie Butterfield
St. Augustine, Florida, USA

[38] Dusty represented the best of all of us in the '70s. Her music was inspirational. The quality of every recording reached a standard of pure excellence. She gave her all. Those of us who appreciated her know the passion she delivered in music.

Cathie Cowie
Washington State, USA

[39] Dusty is dead. She was great . . . How we will miss her.

Raphael McGowan
Wagga Wagga, N.S.W., Australia

[40] Good night, Sweet Lady, good night . . .

Dr. Patricia Juliana Smith
UCLA Department of English

A WOMAN OF REPUTE'S

COMMEMORATIVE SITE

BACK TO PAGE 1 | PAGE 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15