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Louisa Jane White

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Louisa Jane White
Birth nameLesley Whitehouse
Also known asLesley Louise Sanderson
Bornc. 1953
England
GenresPop, psychedelic pop, rock, r&b
InstrumentVoice
LabelsDansan Records, Decca, MCA, Philips, Pye

Louisa Jane White is an English singer and composer who started performing while still in school during the 1960s. She later had success in the 1970s and competed in overseas music competitions as well as Eurovision selection. She recorded for the Philips, MCA and the President subsidiary Dansan Records Label.

Background

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Originally from Tipton, she studied music at school but didn't like the subject.[1] She started singing at the age of six in senior's clubs. Later at the age of thirteen, while still a pupil at Wellington High School for Girls, she got her chance in a weekly 45 minute slot to sing with Terry Heath's resident group, The Van-Dels.[2] Known as then as Lesley Whitehouse, she was among the Van-Dels line up which consisted of Pat Horton on rhythm guitar, Bruce Holcroft on drums, Clive Roberts on bass, and lead guitarist / singer Les Darrell.[3]

During the late 1960s, she was backed by a band called Savage Rose.[4][5] In the early 70s, one of the songs she covered was Jim Webb's composition, "Jerusalem".[6]

At some stage she was in a girl group with Linda Rothwell and Polly Brown They were managed by Morris King who managed The Walker Brothers.[7] Interestingly, both Brown and White would record Van McCoy songs. Brown recorded "One Girl Too Late" in 1975, and White with "Don't Pity Me" in 1977.[8][9][10] Both songs were produced by produced by Gerry Shury and Ron Roker.[8][10]

As a composer, she had composed songs for Donald Peers, and Patrick Mower and a couple of soundtracks. One of them was for Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World.[11]

Career

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1960s

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In 1968, she had come into contact with pianist, arranger, publisher and producer Tommy Sanderson who signed her up. He didn't get around to recording her until January, 1969. They were looking for the right material. Also, Sanderson and co. wanted Arthur Greenslade to handle the arrangements. Greenslade was in Hollywood working on a movie. He eventually came back on a Monday, took care of the rehearsals on a Wednesday and recorded her with an ensemble of about 21. It was done in two takes. The result was her debut disc of "Caledonia Mission" which was released on Philips.[1]

Also in 1969, Al Grossman was in London, and he heard Louisa Jane White who was 16 at the time. He was impressed with what he heard, so he signed her up. From that, Horace Ott had come over from the United States on May 23, and was set to record her for the American Market.[12][13] Also that year, a single she recorded, "When the Battle is Over" bw "Blue Ribbons" was released on Philips 1810.[14] It was produced by Des Champ.[15][16] Peter Jones of Record Mirror gave it a good review, noting the bluesy rhythmic aspect of it and the power of her performance.[14]

1970s

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In 1970, she released "How Does It Feel" bw "Truth in My Tears" on Philips BF 1834.[17] In February, 1971, her single "Jerusalem" had been released. The gospel leanings and her vocal ability were noted in the good review that Record Mirror gave.[18]

In 1972 she was in Poland, representing the UK at the Sopot Song Festival which ran from August 23 to 26. She was a festival winner, coming second with "That's Beautiful", a Les Reed composition. Also on the second day where the judges were marking the performances instead of the songs, she was in the first three. Later she toured Poland, Germany, and Hungary. [19][20]

In 1973, her album Louisa Jane White was released on MCA MUPS 483.[21] Also that year in July, she had been part of the Holiday Startime Summer Season show that also included Mike Yarwood, Basil Brush, Johnny Hart, Robert Young and the Jo Cook Dancers.[22][23] Also that year, the film, Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World was released. It was about a lovable English sheep dog, who as a result of sinister experiments at a NATO facility grows into a giant. He escapes and goes on an interesting and sometimes hair-raising adventure. In addition to composing the film's theme song, white also sang it.[11][24]

Music trade magazine, Music Week announced in its December 6, 1975, issue that twelve Eurovision selection contestants had made the list to perform 12 songs which would be then judged to see who would then perform in the main event, held in Holland. They included Frank Ifield, Tony Christie, Joey Valentine, Polly Brown, Tammy Jones, Louisa Jane White, and Hazell Dean etc..[25] On Wednesday 25th February 1976, White competed at the A Song for Europe show which was presented by Michael Aspel and held at the Royal Albert Hall. Her entry was "Take The Money And Run", a Roger Saunders & Scott English composition. With 100 points she came 5th. The winning song was "Save Your Kisses For Me" by Brotherhood of Man.[26] "Take the Money and Run" bw "I'm On Your Side" was issued on PYE Pye 45568 in the UK and in Australia on Astor AP-1894 in 1976.[27][28] Years later in 2002, it would appear on the Puppets on a String: The Songs of Eurovision compilation.[29][30]

In 1977, her single, "Don't Stop" by Ron Roker and Gerry Shury was released. It was backed with a Van McCoy composition, Don't Pity Me".[31][10] Two years later, Faith Hope and Charity would have a hit with their version of "Don't Pity Me".[32][33]

1980s

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In 1981, the album, Friends and Neighbours she recorded with Russell Scott and the Brian Dee Quartet was released on Dansan DS 048.[34]

Personal life

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Louisa married Phil Sanderson who was the son of her manager Tommy Sanderson.[7]

Later years

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"Truth In My Tears" would end up on a mod compilation, Le Beat Bespoke 2 that was released on Circle CPWC107 in 2006.[35][36]

Television & film

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Television

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Television appearances
Show Episode Host Role Song or interview Date Notes
Disc A Dawn Ayshea Brough Self May 24, 1972 [37]
Lift Off with Ayshea Episode 65 Ayshea Brough Self October 25, 1972 [38][37]
The Good Old Days "Special 14 Christmas Special 1972" Self December 25, 1972 10:00 AM [39]
Lift Off with Ayshea Episode 84 Ayshea Brough Self June 15, 1973 [40]
Eurovision A Song for Europe 1976 Michael Aspel Self "Take the Money and Run" February 25, 1976 [41][42]
Arrows Episode #1.7 Self April 27, 1976 Directed by Peter Walker[43]

Film

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Film roles
Film title Role Director Year Notes
Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World Singer, title song Joseph McGrath 1973 [44]

Radio

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Radio appearances
Show Director / host Role Venue Date Notes
The Terry Wogan Show Terry Wogan Self BBC Radio 1 Mon 28th Sep 1970, 15:02 [45]
Jimmy Young Self BBC Radio 1 Mon 27th Sep 1971, 10:00 Producer Bryant Marriott
Doddy's Oompah Show Ken Dodd Self BBC Radio 2 Sat 4th Aug 1973, 12:02 Producer Peter Pilbeam[46]

Discography

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Singles
Act Release Catalogue Year Notes
Louisa Jane White "Caledonia Mission" / "Our Day Will Come" Philips BF 1766 1969 [47]
Louisa Jane White " When The Battle Is Over" / "Blue Ribbons" Philips BF 1810 1969
Louisa Jane White "How Does It Feel" / "Truth in My Tears" Philips BF 1834 1970 [48]
Louisa Jane White "Jerusalem" / "Little Girl Lost" MCA MKS 5062 1971 [49]
Louisa Jane White "Children" / Speak the Truth" MCA MKS 5070 1971 [50]
Louisa Jane White "If You Only Need a Friend" / "Take Me Down to The River" MCA MKS 5086 1972 [51][citation needed]
Louisa Jane White "I Thank the Lord for My Friends" / "It's an Ill Wind" MCA MKS 5100 1972 [52][citation needed]
Louisa Jane White "Um Um Um Um Um Um" / "Deep Down In My Heart" MCA MUS 1204 1973 [52][citation needed]
Louisa "What'll I Do" / "Who?" Decca F 13532 1974 [53][citation needed]
Louisa Jane White "Take The Money and Run" / "I'm On Your Side" Pye 7N 45568 1976 [54]
Louisa Jane White "Don't Stop" / "Don't Pity Me" Pye 7N 45661 1977 [55][56]


Albums
Act Release Catalogue Year Notes
Louisa Jane White Louisa Jane White MCA MCA MUPS 483 1973 [21]
Louisa Jane White, Russell Scott and the Brian Dee Quartet Friends and Neighbours Dansan DS 048 1981 [34]

Appears on

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Compilations etc.
Act Release Track(s) Catalogue Year Notes
Various artists Сопот-72 "All My Love" aka Nim zakwitnie tysiąc róż Мелодия ГД 0003155-6 1972 Louisa Jane White aka Луиза Джен Вайт[57][58]
Various artists Puppet on a String CMRCD498 2002 "Take the Money and Run" 2002 [59]
Various artists Le Beat Bespoke 2 Circle CPWC107 "Truth In My Tears" 2006 [35][36]

Further reading

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Publication Release date Article title Page Link
Record Mirror Week ending May 3, 1969 The stages of becoming a .. POP SINGER by Peter Jones 9 link
Record Mirror April 17, 1971 Fancy five minutes with Miss White? by Valerie Mabbs 8 Link
The Stage Thursday 29 June 1972 Forrester Signs Louisa Jane 6 No direct link
The Stage Thursday 16 August 1973 LOUISA JANE WHITE currently appearing for the Summer Season in HOLIDAY STARTIME ABC THEATRE. BLACKPOOL Thanks to DAVE FORRESTER .. 16 No direct link
The Stage Thursday 16 August 1979 SUMMER 79 STAGE: Multi-Talented Miss White 15 No direct link
Shropshire Star Sept 30, 2019 Singing schoolgirl knocked on door of stardom by Toby Neal ___ Link
Shropshire Star Jul 21, 2022 Van-Dels who smashed it every Saturday night By Toby Neal ___ Link

References

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  1. ^ a b Record Mirror, Week ending May 3, 1969 - Page 9 The stages of becoming a .. POP SINGER - PETER JONES
  2. ^ Shropshire Star, Sept 30, 2019 - Singing schoolgirl knocked on door of stardom by Toby Neal
  3. ^ Shropshire Star, July 21, 2022 - Van-Dels who smashed it every Saturday night by Toby Neal
  4. ^ Wolverhampton History & Heritage Website - From California And Montana With Lots 'N Between. Continued, 'N Between Times, Savage Rose
  5. ^ The Mott Archive, a mott the hoople website - Ian Hunter cover versions:, - SEASON'S SONG, LOUISA JANE WHITE (1973)
  6. ^ Record Mirror, April 17, 1971 - Page 8 Fancy five minutes with Miss White? BY VALERIE MABBS
  7. ^ a b It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, July 14, 2014 - Goliath interview
  8. ^ a b MusicBrainz - Special Delivery ~ Release by Polly Brown
  9. ^ MusicBrainz - Special Delivery ~ Release group by Polly Brown
  10. ^ a b c DYNAERO - Louisa Jane White - Don't Stop / Don't Pity Me Album
  11. ^ a b The Stage, Thursday 16 August 1979 - SUMMER 79 STAGE: Multi-Talented Miss White
  12. ^ Record World, June 14, 1969 - Page 46 record world Eyeview Europe, London Lowdown by By JEAN GRIFFITHS
  13. ^ Cash Box, June 7, 1969 - Page 50 CashBox Great Britain
  14. ^ a b Record Mirror, Week ending September 13, 1969 - Page 9 New Singles by PETER JONES
  15. ^ cctc2013.ca - Louisa Jane White - When The Battle Is Over Album
  16. ^ Beat Instrumental, October, 1969 - Page 61 THE A&R MEN, DES CHAMP
  17. ^ Popsike - LOUISA JANE WHITE-Truth In My Tears VINYL 7" SOUL/MOD DANCER LISTEN
  18. ^ Record Mirror, February 6, 1971 - Page 17 Mirrorpick
  19. ^ Billboard, September 30, 1972 - Page 10 Talent, New Prize Stirs Problems For Sopot Song Entrants
  20. ^ Shropshire Star, Sept 30, 2019 - Singing schoolgirl knocked on door of stardom by Toby Neal
  21. ^ a b SecondHandSongs - MUPS xxx (United Kingdom)
  22. ^ Blackpool Postcards, 20 September, 2011 - ABC Summer Season Programmes
  23. ^ Blackpool Council - THE CYRIL CRITCHLOW COLLECTION, CYRIL CRITCHLOW COLLECTION ABC POSTERS: DRAWER 7 (Right)
  24. ^ American International Pictures: A Comprehensive Filmography, By Rob Craig · 2019 - ISBN 978-1-4766-6631-0 - Page 126 Digby, Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World
  25. ^ Music Week, December 6, 1975 - Page 1 Eurovision Short List Selected
  26. ^ Songs for Europe - A Song for Europe 1976
  27. ^ Global Dog Productions - 45 Discography for Astor Records - OZ - 1000 series
  28. ^ AUSTRALIAN RECORD LABELS - Page 24 ASTOR RECORDS, 1959-1982, AP-1894
  29. ^ MusicBrainz - Puppets on a String: The Songs of Eurovision
  30. ^ MusicBrainz - Louisa Jane White Discography, Album + Compilation
  31. ^ Hitparade.ch - Louisa Jane White – Don't Stop
  32. ^ Billboard, August 5, 1978 - Page 56 Billboard Hot Soul Singles, Billboard Special Survey For Week Ending 8/5/78
  33. ^ Billboard, August 12, 1978 - Page 60 Billboard Hot Soul Singles, Billboard SPECIAL SURVEY For Week Ending 8/12/78
  34. ^ a b President Records - Album Catalogue, (Dropdown box) President Album Catalogue Vocal & Easy
  35. ^ a b 99.1.com - Various-Mod & 2-Tone, Le Beat Bespoke 2
  36. ^ a b Tony Beesley Mod World - Mojo Talkin' The Soundtrack
  37. ^ a b TV Pop Diaries - 1972
  38. ^ Nostalgic Music TV - LIFT OFF With AYSHEA, LIFT OFF With Ayshea (Series 5)
  39. ^ Traktv - The Good Old Days: Specials, Special 14 Christmas Special 1972
  40. ^ Nostalgic Music TV - LIFT OFF With AYSHEA, LIFT OFF With Ayshea (Series 6)
  41. ^ Eurovision World - A Song for Europe 1976: Louise Jane White - "Take the Money and Run"
  42. ^ Eurovision World - United Kingdom: A Song for Europe 1976, RESULT
  43. ^ British Film Institute - The Arrows[27/04/76 (1976)]
  44. ^ John Willis'screen world by John Wilis - Page 204 DIGBY, THE BIGGEST DOG IN THE WORLD
  45. ^ BBC - *15:02 * The Terry Wogan Show
  46. ^ The Wurzel Archives - Professor Wurzel's WURZELMANIA! Adge Cutler & The Wurzels - 'Live' At The Beeb 1967 - 1974
  47. ^ Gripsweat - Louisa Jane White - Caledonia Mission / Our Day Will Come - Philips BF 1766
  48. ^ Rare record price guide 2006, 2004 - ISBN 0953260143 - Page 1362 LOUISA JANE WHITE
  49. ^ hitparade.ch - Louisa Jane White – Jerusalem
  50. ^ Gripsweat - Louisa Jane White - Children / Speak The Truth ORIG UK MCA DEMO 45!! Psych Folk
  51. ^ Gripsweat - LOUISA JANE WHITE -IF YOU ONLY rare UK 1972 DEMO PROMO / SOUL / DANCER / MINT- !
  52. ^ a b 45Cat - Louisa Jane White - Discography, UK
  53. ^ Rate Your Music - What'll I Do / Who?, Artist Louisa
  54. ^ Amazon - Take the Money and Run
  55. ^ Who Sampled - Don't Pity Me by Louisa Jane White
  56. ^ Gripsweat - Louisa Jane White: Don't Stop PROMO 7" EX SHOP
  57. ^ КАТАЛОГ СОВЕТСКИХ ПЛАСТИНОК - Сопот-72
  58. ^ Gripsweat - SOPOT-1972 Poland England France USSR Songs Louisa Jane White Soviet LP Record
  59. ^ the lyn paul website - Lyn Paul on Disc, Puppet on a String, Various Artists
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Audio

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