Lynsey De Paul

Lynsey De Paul, born Lynsey Monckton Rubin, was a pioneering British singer-songwriter, television personality, and advocate known for her remarkable contributions to the music industry in the 1970s. One of the first successful female singer-songwriters in a male-dominated field, she gained prominence for her chart-topping hits, including “Sugar Me” and “Won’t Somebody Dance With Me.” Her work showcased her songwriting talents, and she made history as the first woman to perform her composition at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Early Life and Jewish Heritage

De Paul was born to a Jewish family in Cricklewood, North London, and later moved to Canon’s Park. Her father maintained strict discipline, which shaped much of De Paul’s early life. Raised in a Liberal synagogue, she participated in traditional Jewish practices such as the Friday night Kiddush. However, by age 15, she distanced herself from formal religious practices, finding them superficial and lacking integrity. Despite this, her Jewish upbringing influenced her identity, artistic expression, and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

Rise to Stardom and Music Industry Success

Lynsey De Paul’s career in music began in the early 1970s when she quickly gained attention for her ability to write and perform catchy, heartfelt pop songs. Her breakthrough hit, “Sugar Me,” reached the Top 10 in the UK Singles Chart, marking the start of a prolific career. Over the next several years, she penned numerous chart-topping hits, including “Getting a Drag” and “No Honestly,” and wrote for other artists.

One of her career highlights was representing the United Kingdom at the 1977 Eurovision Song Contest with “Rock Bottom,” a song she co-wrote with Mike Moran. The song placed second, achieving international success further cemented her place in music history.

Transition to Television and Advocacy

Following her success in the music industry, De Paul expanded her talents into television and theater. She became a familiar face on British television, appearing on popular shows like “New Faces” and “Blankety Blank.” Her versatility extended beyond entertainment as she became a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. De Paul developed a self-defense initiative to educate women on physical and mental strength, reflecting her commitment to personal safety and well-being.

Personal Life and Legacy

While De Paul enjoyed a vibrant public life, she was profoundly private and valued her personal space. She was known to take a hiatus from the music scene in the 1980s, during which she focused on personal growth and family. Despite her retreat from the spotlight, her influence endured.

Lynsey De Paul passed away in 2014, but her legacy lives on through her music, advocacy work, and the generations of women she inspired to find their voice in the music world.

In 2015, PRS for Music established the Lynsey De Paul Prize in recognition of her contributions to music and her role in breaking gender barriers. This award supports emerging female singer-songwriters, continuing De Paul’s legacy of fostering women’s talents in a once male-dominated industry.

Sources: “Lynsey de Paul,” CastFacts.
Helen Earnshaw, “Lynsey de Paul Exclusive FemaleFirst Interview,” Female First, (August 6, 2007).
Hanna, “Music Review: Lynsey de Paul, Sugar And Beyond/Into My Music Anthologies,” Popshifter, (April 10, 2013).
Paul Lester, “Hitmaker who became kung fu queen is not so rock ’n’ roll,” Jewish Chronicle, (August 8, 2013).
Jim Ottewill, “Applications now open for Lynsey de Paul Prize,” PRS for Music Foundation, (June 14, 2016).
Paul Lester, “Lynsey de Paul, the star who never wanted the spotlight”, Jewish Chronicle, (November 24, 2016).

Photo: AVRO, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, via Wikimedia Commons.