Nervous O.B.E.

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 32, 20 January 1939, Page 9

Nervous O.B.E.

t ?} _ IRST Jady in the entertainment fand, "Our Gracie’ Fields came into the world above a Rochdale fried fish and chip shop on a dark morning. Father Fred Fields was a ‘Lixncashire mill mechanic, mother a natural singer with some of Gracie’s nightingale notes. First engagements in the pubs, and clubs; then came revue choruses, where she preferred the back row. She was too shy and nervous to take her stand next to the footiights-had to be "kidded" out of her nervousness before she would do a single turn. Even to-day, at £80,000 a year, O.8.E., and life hospital governor, she blushes nervously when singing to friends. in private,