Watch rare footage of Elkie Brooks performing ‘Nothing Left To Do But Cry’ in 1964:

Born Elaine Bookbinder in Salford, Manchester, Elkie Brooks moved to London to join a dance band at the age of 15. Signed to Decca, she was promoted as the label’s answer to female singers like Lulu and Cilla Black, but her first love was always jazz. She released several singles and appeared on various package tours with the likes of The Beatles and The Animals, finally finding success alongside fellow vocalist Robert Palmer in the band Vinegar Joe during the Seventies. As a solo artist, she has enjoyed many hit singles and on its release in 1981, her album, ‘Pearls’, became the biggest selling album by a British female singer in the history of the UK charts. Elkie continues to record and tour extensively.

Did you see Elkie Brooks performing in the Sixties? Who were your favourite female vocalists of the time? Join our discussion and share your memories of music in the Sixties.