What do you think?
Rate this book
Dana Gillespie: Weren't Born A Man
Dana Gillespie, the award-winning first lady of the Blues has enjoyed an incredible life and career. Now, she has chronicled her exploits, and as anyone who knows Dana would expect, it is intelligent, insightful, outrageous, and funny. Detailing high points, low points and everything in-between, the book covers, amongst many other things, liaisons with David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Keith Moon, and the cream of 1960's rock royalty; Recording with Jimmy Page and Elton John; Performing as Mary Magdalene in the original London production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and as the Acid Queen in Tommy; Acting in films directed by Nicholas Roeg, Ken Russell and Mai Zetterling; Performing Shakespeare with Sir John Gielgud and Arthur Lowe; Topping the pop charts across Europe; Performing to an audience of one million people in India; And... oh yes... Being British junior waterski champion for 4 years!
"Spending time with Dana was very special. She was magical, and helped me overcome my shyness. She knew my story before I did! All the memories I have of her are fond ones. So much laughter and kindness which helped me enormously. Those brilliant times will never be forgotten"
--Elton John
"Dana is fearless. She treads all over PC preciousness with some of the most funny and scandalous anecdotes I've heard of; a life outrageously lived. And if that wasn't enough she sings the blues with a sauciness that's chilli hot and ripe with erotic innuendo that can only come from a lady of full experience. A treasure, a legend, the Queen of cleavage and the last Empress of Bohemia. "
--Marc Almond
"From David Bowie to Alf Garnett They say that variety is the spice of life, and Dana's life has seen more spice than most. What a life! What a woman! What a book! "
--Julian Clary
"Spending time with Dana was very special. She was magical, and helped me overcome my shyness. She knew my story before I did! All the memories I have of her are fond ones. So much laughter and kindness which helped me enormously. Those brilliant times will never be forgotten"
--Elton John
"Dana is fearless. She treads all over PC preciousness with some of the most funny and scandalous anecdotes I've heard of; a life outrageously lived. And if that wasn't enough she sings the blues with a sauciness that's chilli hot and ripe with erotic innuendo that can only come from a lady of full experience. A treasure, a legend, the Queen of cleavage and the last Empress of Bohemia. "
--Marc Almond
"From David Bowie to Alf Garnett They say that variety is the spice of life, and Dana's life has seen more spice than most. What a life! What a woman! What a book! "
--Julian Clary
Paperback
Published January 18, 2021
1 person is currently reading
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 8, 2026
Really entertaining and so much stuff covered. If you’re of an age where you remember Bowie and Dylan et cetera, then this book is for you.
Displaying 1 of 1 review