Kathy Kirby
(1938-2011), SingerKathy Kirby (Kathleen O'Rourke)
Sitter in 4 portraits
Singer. Convent-educated Kirby first came to prominence aged 16 as the singer with Ambrose and His Orchestra in 1956. After TV appearances on a variety show Kirby scored two top ten hits with the Doris Day cover Secret Love (1963) and Let Me Go Lover (1964).The 'Golden Girl of British Pop', with her strong resemblance to Marilyn Monroe, saw her pop fame peak in 1965. That year she appeared on the Royal Command Performance and came second in Eurovision Song Contest with I Belong being also her last chart hit.
by David Wedgbury
resin print, 1964
NPG x47348
by Baron Studios
half-plate film negative, 30 April 1965
NPG x125401
Sheet music cover for 'Secret Love' by Kathy Kirby
published by Harms-Witmark Limited, after Unknown photographer
halftone reproduction, published 1963
NPG D48459
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