(1898-1979)

Original name GRACE STANSFIELD, born the 9th of January 1898 above a fish and chip shop on Molesworth Street, Rochdale, Lancashire, England. She sang in music halls from childhood, and made her professional debut in pantomime in 1914.

Gracie Fields gained fame playing the role of Sally Perkins in a touring revue called Mr. Tower of London (1918-25).She appeared frequently in the U.S. after 1930, especially during World War 11, when she played benefit performances for British war relief organisations.

She was seen in several motion pictures, both British and American. Her recordings of songs and sketches, mostly comic or sentimental dialect pieces about her native Lancashire.

She became tremendously popular in Great Britain with an act composed of low-comedy songs, such as "The Biggest Aspidistra in the World," and sentimental ballads, such as "My Blue Heaven." She won a unique place in the affections of British audiences and she first sang her theme tune, "Sally", in 1931.

Gracie Fields made nine command performances between 1928 and 1964. In 1938 she was created Commander of the Order of the British Empire and was created a dame in 1978. She retired to the isle of Capri but made frequent visits back to England and her home town of Rochdale . Her autobiography, Sing as We Go, was published in 1960. She died on the island of Capri on September. 27, 1979.