By John Q. Sanchez on February 4, 2008 | Share & Save | Link | Print |
After Scotland’s wee Lena won British TV’s “Opportunity Knocks” for an unprecedented five weeks at age 10, her high-octane singing style made her a superstar throughout the English-speaking world.
Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra counted themselves among her fans, and she sang at the White House for President Gerald Ford. Sadly, Lena’s life was no trip on the good ship Lollipop. From age 13, she suffered from anorexia; depression followed, and so did the end of her singing career.
At age 35, Lena underwent brain surgery in an attempt to finally cure her anorexia. Two weeks later she died of pneumonia. Her life is remembered in six parts on youtube: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
B-Side: Mature Lena sings Neil Sedaka’s stirring “Going Nowhere.”
Jace says:
February 4, 2008 at 18:28This girl has an outstanding voice. What a shame that she had such a troubled life. She was beautiful when she was older and adorable as a child. What a horrible disease, so many young girls and guys have trouble with anorexia. People like Dave Fried are the cause of this disease, well partially anyways. Poor self esteem can truly kill.
bowdownza says:
February 4, 2008 at 21:36I must admit when I first saw the Johnny Carson clip, I thought of lot of cynical jokes but then I watched the clips. That is just the most tragic story. Her singing “Going Nowhere” is just beyond surreal. And all those photos of her wasting away with those big scared blue eyes just breaks my heart.
Also blaming Dave Fried is kind of mean, mostly incorrect, and just ignorant.
Jace says:
February 5, 2008 at 20:49You’re right, because I didn’t mean to say that!! Lol.. I meant they can cure it. Dave Fried is saying things people need to hear about “fat people.” People shouldn’t be fat, but they have to love themselves. I feel like I’m rambling here, but hopefully you get what I mean. My sister in law is bulimic, so I try to stay current on the subject. Also, I’m really sorry for my typo!!
David in San Francisco says:
March 10, 2008 at 23:40Very strong voice. She reminds me of another Scottish singer, Lulu.
John Q Sanchez lives in Brooklyn, New York. He went to art school with
Fausto Fernós in the mid-90s in Chicago where he wrote for local
publications including Babble, edited by Jim Pickett. He's worked at
several high-profile magazines in New York and was an editor for the
web-zine Blair. He's fascinated by oddball divas, bombastic child
stars, and the everyday person capturing their unique performances for
an online audience.
View all entries by John Q. Sanchez
Subscribe for free and sync up the shows on your iPod
Odd news, social trends, and recipes
Make a financial contribution. Your support helps to keep us going.
Say your name, where you’re from and ask a question. Great questions make it on the show.
Found this little gem browsing Gigi's video blog, I thought it was a lot of fun, and you guys might enjoy seeing how we tape one of ours shows. Sadly Gigi announced this week she's moving on [MORE]
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SHOW | SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES Put on your rhinestone covered headphones, we've got a dazzling show for you today! Is it possible to put a million rhinestones int [MORE]
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SHOW If you love drag queens and Project Runway, today is the show for you! We've got New York City's very own Miss Understood of Screaming Queens talking about th [MORE]
This year's Pride Parade was a little wet, and hot! For a high-quality version of the video, subscribe with : RSS | iTunes | YouTube | Blip.tv [MORE]
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SHOW Today we bid a tearful goodbye to Don La Fontaine, the King of Voice overs who lent his voice for over three decades to over five thousand movie trailers. The [MORE]
On the way home from our wild trip to Saugatuck, Michigan we stopped at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. For a high-quality version of the video, subscribe with : RSS | iTunes | YouTube [MORE]
We drove up to Saugatuck, Michigan for Labor Day Weekend with Tracy Tyler to chill and hang out at Marc's cousin's lovely place. We were excited to go see what all the fuss was all about. After [MORE]
DantheMan | September 7, 2008
That’s a great looking photo Marc! Would be fun to see you guys wearing it.
Marc Felion | September 7, 2008
Here we are in front of that costume- That’s a whole lot of pink turkey feathers!
dave73 | September 6, 2008
I personally don’t see what the big deal is with Tracy being at a buffet. In fact, it isn’t any different from anyone else who goes. I find myself having a weakness for...
Robert | September 6, 2008
Robert | September 6, 2008
I have not listened to this cast yet but checked out the photos. I was there last summer and you got all the same shots I did. It was a blast. They did not allow...
Gay Fun ShowPosting tweet...
DantheMan | September 7, 2008
That’s a great looking photo Marc! Would be fun to see you guys wearing it.
Marc Felion | September 7, 2008
Here we are in front of that costume- That’s a whole lot of pink turkey feathers!
dave73 | September 6, 2008
I personally don’t see what the big deal is with Tracy being at a buffet. In fact, it isn’t any different from anyone else who goes. I find myself having a weakness for...
Robert | September 6, 2008
Robert | September 6, 2008
I have not listened to this cast yet but checked out the photos. I was there last summer and you got all the same shots I did. It was a blast. They did not allow...
LATEST
Fausto Fernós says:
February 4, 2008 at 13:51She and Karen Carpenter- those tragic anorexic women have voices like angels!