Louisa Jane White

In 1968, she had come into contact with pianist, arranger, publisher and producer Tommy Sanderson who signed her up. He didn't get around to recording her until January, 1969. They were looking for the right material. Also, Sanderson and co. wanted Arthur Greenslade to handle the arrangements. Greenslade was in Hollywood working on a movie. He eventually came back on a Monday, took care of the rehearsals on a Wednesday and recorded her with an ensemble of about 21. It was done in two takes. The result was her debut disc of "Caledonia Mission" which was released on Philips.[1]

Also in 1969, Al Grossman was in London, and he heard Louisa Jane White who was 16 at the time. He was impressed with what he heard, so he signed her up. From that, Horace Ott had come over from the United States on May 23, and was set to record her for the American Market.[12][13] Also that year, a single she recorded, "When the Battle is Over" bw "Blue Ribbons" was released on Philips 1810.[14] It was produced by Des Champ.[15][16] Peter Jones of Record Mirror gave it a good review, noting the bluesy rhythmic aspect of it and the power of her performance.[14]

In 1970, she released "How Does It Feel" bw "Truth in My Tears" on Philips BF 1834.[17] In February, 1971, her single "Jerusalem" had been released. The gospel leanings and her vocal ability were noted in the good review that Record Mirror gave.[18]

In 1972 she was in Poland, representing the UK at the Sopot Song Festival which ran from August 23 to 26. She was a festival winner, coming second with "That's Beautiful", a Les Reed composition. Also on the second day where the judges were marking the performances instead of the songs, she was in the first three. Later she toured Poland, Germany, and Hungary. [19][20]

In 1973, her album Louisa Jane White was released on MCA MUPS 483.[21] Also that year in July, she had been part of the Holiday Startime Summer Season show that also included Mike Yarwood, Basil Brush, Johnny Hart, Robert Young and the Jo Cook Dancers.[22][23] Also that year, the film, Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World was released. It was about a lovable English sheep dog, who as a result of sinister experiments at a NATO facility grows into a giant. He escapes and goes on an interesting and sometimes hair-raising adventure. In addition to composing the film's theme song, white also sang it.[11][24]

Music trade magazine, Music Week announced in its December 6, 1975, issue that twelve Eurovision selection contestants had made the list to perform 12 songs which would be then judged to see who would then perform in the main event, held in Holland. They included Frank Ifield, Tony Christie, Joey Valentine, Polly Brown, Tammy Jones, Louisa Jane White, and Hazell Dean etc..[25] On Wednesday 25th February 1976, White competed at the A Song for Europe show which was presented by Michael Aspel and held at the Royal Albert Hall. Her entry was "Take The Money And Run", a Roger Saunders & Scott English composition. With 100 points she came 5th. The winning song was "Save Your Kisses For Me" by Brotherhood of Man.[26] "Take the Money and Run" bw "I'm On Your Side" was issued on PYE Pye 45568 in the UK and in Australia on Astor AP-1894 in 1976.[27][28] Years later in 2002, it would appear on the Puppets on a String: The Songs of Eurovision compilation.[29][30]

In 1977, her single, "Don't Stop" by Ron Roker and Gerry Shury was released. It was backed with a Van McCoy composition, Don't Pity Me".[31][10] Two years later, Faith Hope and Charity would have a hit with their version of "Don't Pity Me".[32][33]

In 1981, the album, Friends and Neighbours she recorded with Russell Scott and the Brian Dee Quartet was released on Dansan DS 048.[34]

• KentSoul1 channel - Louisa Jane White - Don't Pity Me
• Mike Atkinson channel - Louisa Jane White – It's An Ill Wind (1972
• aloneinaforest1 channel - Louisa Jane White Truth In My Tears