Died On This Date (May 19, 2011) Kathy Kirby / English Pop Star Of The ’60s
themusicsover Kathy Kirby
October 20, 1938 – Mary 19, 2011
Kathy Kirby was a popular English singer during the 1960’s who, during her peak years, was the highest-paid female entertainer. Her hits included “Secret Love,” “Let Me Go, Lover,” and “I Belong.” Part of her attraction has been also attributed to her “blond bombshell” image which she modeled after Marilyn Monroe. Known as the “Golden Girl of Pop,” Kirby appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and flirted with a Hollywood film career. She continued to release albums and make television appearances well into the ’70s, but eventually her star faded, and she fell on to financial hard times while struggling with mental illness. She was briefly committed to a psychiatric hospital and spent most of her later years living in seclusion, barely surviving on state funds and small royalty checks. By the early 2000’s, Kirby’s music was re-discovered by the gay community who embraced her as an icon. There were hints of a comeback, but nothing much ever materialized. On May 19, 2011, Kathy Kirby passed away following a brief illness. She was 72.
What You Should Own
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