PP Arnold might not be a household name, but her voice was one that defined one of the most influential eras in popular music, the 1960s. JACK GRIFFITH speaks to the soul songstress about working with Tina Turner and Eric Clapton, and about her current show, showcasing 40 years of graft in the industry
IN A distinguished career dating back to the early 60s, the list of artists with whom PP Arnold has worked and performed reads like a who's who of the 20th century's legendary musicians - the names Mick Jagger, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, and Rod Stewart give just a hint.
She has also enjoyed considerable solo success. In her heyday, she toured with Jimi Hendrix, The Who, David Bowie and The Small Faces.
Not bad, considering it was a chance audition for one of the most prominent musical duos of the time that set her on the road to stardom.
"When I was 17, two friends of mine asked me to go along to an audition for the Ikettes (backing vocalists for the Ike and Tina Turner Revue).
"I was a singer, but I just went along to help my friends get the gig. I didn't go in expecting anything, but we were offered the job on the spot and it all started from there.
"The unexpected rules, both in the music business and in life."
She began touring with the collective, performing sell-out shows to screaming audiences across America.
Mrs Arnold speaks fondly of these early years, when the Revue's rise in showbusiness reached stellar heights.
"They were just really, really incredible times that I couldn't break down for you in a couple of sentences.
"Every night the performances were smoking! The energy levels were so high, and I knew I was part of something special.
"We were all young, passionate and creative, and working with people who had a love of music and were able to take it to their own level; it was a great time to be working in the business."
Her performances while supporting the Rolling Stones with the Revue at a gig in London caught the eye of Mick Jagger, who made her his first female solo signing on the Immediate label.
It was then that she moved to the UK - a place she describes as her 'second home'.
Mrs Arnold toured extensively with her backing band The Nice, and scored hit singles including the classic First Cut is the Deepest, penned by Cat Stevens, and Angel of the Morning.
Immediate folded, but other opportunities quickly presented themselves, and industry admirers clamoured to work with her.
She explains that there is unreleased material from this period that she hopes to make available.
"I worked on an album with Barry Gibb which never got released - there was a lot of politics with the Bee Gees. There is also some work I did with Eric Clapton which hasn't seen the light of day.
"It would be great to have those put out - you never know."
PP Arnold admits she is out of the loop when it comes to pop, saying that she takes more inspiration from world music, but she professes a fondness for Duffy and Leona Lewis.
Her musical direction has never followed a clear trajectory, as demonstrated by her work with everyone from Brit-poppers Ocean Colour Scene and mod rockers The Small Faces to dance act The Beatmasters in the late 80s.
The ability to reinvent is an effective weapon in any artist's armoury, and Mrs Arnold has made choices that have stood her in good stead.
"My mantra has always been: "If it is funky and it's got a groove, I will do it!
"I consider myself to be one of those artists that has always been ahead of the times. I am a female artist, but often these labels expect a certain thing and I always went down the other road."
She adds: "I feel fortunate to have that longevity, although the industry has changed a lot.
"These days, if you are over 25 you are considered to be over the hill, but I can tell you that I am not over the hill. I am a soul survivor.
"This is a new phase, and I want to rise above the nonsense and claim my rights!"
Speaking about her seven-date tour, the singer says: "I am feeling creative at the moment, and it feels great to be back out there.
"There's something for everyone - I'll be performing my old classics as well as new tracks, so I hope to see fans from all generations there.
"I'm feeling really good about my new material and it's going down really well live. My backing band, Digby Fairweather and the Half Dozen, are just amazing, and we are going to be rocking, swinging - the works."
what? PP Arnold with Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen
where? Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes when? Tuesday, October 26, 7.30pm
cost? £17.50, concessions £16.50
call: Box office on 020 8561 8371
