Alma Cogan
(1932-1966), SingerSitter in 15 portraits
The only British female to top the charts in the 1950s. Alma Cogan had a total of eighteen chart entries, was known as the 'gal with the giggle in her voice' and was famed for her glamorous style. First charted with Bell Bottom Blues (1954). Other major hits include I Can't Tell a Waltz from a Tango (1954) and Never do a Tango with an Eskimo, which also became a hit in Iceland (December 1955). Once engaged to the composer Lionel Bart who cast Cogan in Oliver!. Her friendship with the Beatles led to Paul McCartney playing on one of her singles. Cogan died aged thirty-four in 1966 after a brief illness.
by Herbert K. Nolan
semi-matte bromide print, November 1953
NPG x24191
Eric Morecambe; Alma Cogan; Ernie Wise
by Planet News
bromide press print, April 1954
NPG x184328
by Fox Photos Ltd
bromide press print, 14 February 1956
NPG x184114
by Derek Allen
modern bromide print from original negative, 1956
NPG x45659
Lionel Bart; Alma Cogan; Tommy Steele
by (Dezider) Dezo Hoffmann
gelatin silver print, 6 June 1960
NPG x198431
Winifred Atwell; Matt Monro; Alma Cogan
by Bob Collins
bromide print, 1962
NPG x136596
published by Michael Reine Music Company Ltd, after Unknown photographer
halftone reproduction, published 1952
NPG D48045
published by Essex Music Ltd, after Unknown photographer
halftone reproduction, published 1955
NPG D48046
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