Cilla Black, British household darling, former TV presenter and singer died yesterday at age 72 in her Spanish holiday home. The Liverpool-born star’s engaging personality and phenomenal capacity for hard work propelled her to become one of the country’s most successful and well-paid performers. In May 2014, she won The Special Award at the Baftas in recognition of an outstanding contribution to television entertainment of over 50 years.
Cilla Black was born Priscilla Maria Veronica White on 27 May 1943. She changed her name to launch her singing career and her impromptu performances alongside acts including The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers at the Cavern that gave her a taste for fame. A sign on the door of the club stated: “The Cavern Club is sad to announce the passing of its famous cloakroom girl & performer Cilla Black”. Prime Minister David Cameron said, “Cilla Black was a huge talent who made a significant contribution to public life in Britain. My thoughts are with her family.”