Vocalist, Songwriter. She became one of Britain's first successful female singer-songwriters of the pop era. Born in Stockton-on-Tees, she moved to London and cut a single titled "I Want a Steady" (1963) under the name Lesley Duncan and The Jokers, before beginning her career as a sessions vocalist with Dusty Springfield among other artists. In 1970, Elton John recorded a song she wrote titled "Love Song," which was featured on his "Tumbleweed Connection" album. The track (a duet with Lesley) became an early hit for him; also having the distinction as being one of his rare songs not composed by the Elton John and Bernie Taupin writing team. She recorded a version for her album "Sing Children Sing" (1971), which was followed by the LP "Earth Mother" (1972). Throughout the 1970s, she recorded additional solo efforts and contributed vocally to a number of artists' albums including the soundtrack to "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1970), Elton John's "Madman Across the Water" (1971), Pink Floyd's classic "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), "Ringo Starr's "Goodnight Vienna" (1974) and The Alan Parsons Project's hit "If I Could Change Your Mind" (1979), which she performed lead vocals. She died following a lengthy bout with cerebrovascular disease.
Vocalist, Songwriter. She became one of Britain's first successful female singer-songwriters of the pop era. Born in Stockton-on-Tees, she moved to London and cut a single titled "I Want a Steady" (1963) under the name Lesley Duncan and The Jokers, before beginning her career as a sessions vocalist with Dusty Springfield among other artists. In 1970, Elton John recorded a song she wrote titled "Love Song," which was featured on his "Tumbleweed Connection" album. The track (a duet with Lesley) became an early hit for him; also having the distinction as being one of his rare songs not composed by the Elton John and Bernie Taupin writing team. She recorded a version for her album "Sing Children Sing" (1971), which was followed by the LP "Earth Mother" (1972). Throughout the 1970s, she recorded additional solo efforts and contributed vocally to a number of artists' albums including the soundtrack to "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1970), Elton John's "Madman Across the Water" (1971), Pink Floyd's classic "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), "Ringo Starr's "Goodnight Vienna" (1974) and The Alan Parsons Project's hit "If I Could Change Your Mind" (1979), which she performed lead vocals. She died following a lengthy bout with cerebrovascular disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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