She changed her name to Brenda Kristen and released a fine version of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" in 1972 on EMI/HMV, which was arranged by Col Loughnan (Ayers Rock) & produced by Rod Coe (Freshwater). She later turned up on RCA Records with the single "Touch The Wind (Eres Tu) /Put A Little Love Away" and a self-titled album. The single charted in some states and according to chart compiler David Kent it reached #70 on the national charts for seven weeks in March 1974. By this stage Brenda had moved away from the blues/rock belter style she is best known for and had settled into an MOR/soul style (similar to Alison MacCallum's second album and Albert Singles). Other singles from the album ''Blood Red And Goin' Down/You Won't Have To Say'' and "Tequila Sunrise/Queen Of The Silver Dollar" failed to chart. From there Brenda went into cabaret and appeared on The Ernie Sigley Show, In Melbourne Tonight and other TV shows but we know nothing else of her career since the late '70's. UPDATE: Brenda became a singing teacher living in Florida USA.
SINGLES
Touch the Wind (Eres Tu)
|
Brenda Kristen
| 25 MAR '74 | #70 |
References
http://www.milesago.com/artists/aesops.htm
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
I recall Brenda used to sing in the Canopus Room at Manly in the mid 60s as Brenda Dee; somehow she turned up as a guest at a party at my flat one Saturday night. I think Gino Cunico, and The Executives, also played at the Can around that era. I caught up with her a couple of years later at the Bronte Charles, but can't remember the name of the band. The last I heard of her, she was doing cabaret in SE Asia and a bit on the local club circuits; but that was a long time ago now. What a great voice she had.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your comments
DeleteBrenda appears on the first episode of the Ronnie Corbett Show in Australia, which I recently found on DVD. Such a great voice and a stunning beauty.
ReplyDeleteBrenda did a fair bit of session work too. Great vocals
ReplyDeleteTerrific to see Brenda getting some exposure for her fine voice & recordings so thanks for that Kimbo...we had so much great female talent during that time, breaking down the boundaries that dictated what an Aussie female artist was expected to sing & wear, with Wendy Saddington, Alison MacCallum & Flake's Sharon Sims leading the way. Some of that text looks awfully familiar tho hahaha
ReplyDeleteOnya mate lol
DeleteDoes anyone know how to get in though to Brenda in 2018 via email or similar? I believe she is still in the USA andI was with her for many years and we created some wonderful music together. She is an awesome singer and fantastic lyricist in my eyes! I am a Producer. Composer, Performer and Engineer in Australia. I have some great stuff that I have remastered and love to catch up and send to her and any others that are interested via via the net. Many thanks! Paul Radcliffe. :)
ReplyDeleteI knew Brenda when she was a GLOVER and as a Kristen too we grew up as teens. I lost track after I went into the Army in Australia in 1966 was wondering what happened to her after she went overseas.
ReplyDeleteBrenda became a singing teacher living in Florida USA.
DeleteShe's featured in an episode of Parkinson In Australia, from 1981, currently streaming on ABC iView.
ReplyDeleteKimbo
DeleteIt’s the episode with June Allyson and John Hargreaves on ABC Iview, only watching it last night. Brenda was very impressive, a knockout vocally and appearance wise.
DeleteThankyou for the tip
ReplyDelete