Lena Zavaroni 1963-1999, Scottish child singing sensation.

Lena Zavaroni, 'the little girl with the big voice' was a British child singer and TV show host. She was born in 1963 and lived on the small Scottish island of Bute. Her father played the guitar and her mother was a singer, Lena had started to sing at 2 years old.

She was discovered in the summer of 1973 by record producer Tommy Scott, who heard her singing with her father and uncle in a band. Scott contacted impresario Phil Solomon, which led to his partner Dorothy Solomon becoming her manager.

In 1974 she appeared on Hughie Green's 'Opportunity Knocks' and won the show for a record-breaking 5 weeks running. She released an album of pop standards that reached number 8 in the UK album chart. At 10 years, 146 days old, she is still the youngest person to have an album in the top 10 and is also the youngest person to appear on the BBC's 'Top of the Pops'.

In America her album was released on the Stax label and she appeared on several national TV shows. She worked with Jerry Lewis, Lucille Ball, and Lisa Minnelli and sang for President Ford at the White House. There were also successful tours of Europe, Africa, and Japan.

In Britain she was a regular feature on TV, and appeared on 'The Bachelors' Show', 'Morecombe and Wise Show' and many others. In 1977 she joined with Bonnie Langford for the 'Lena and Bonnie Show'. At 14 she topped the bill at the London Palladium.

Between 1979 and 1982, she had her own very popular TV series on the BBC, 'Lena Zavaroni and Music', and 'Lena', which featured guest artists with orchestra, song, and dance.

Sadly, from the age of 13, she suffered from anorexia nervosa. The illness forced an early end to her singing career, and she continued to suffer throughout her life. Lena Zavaroni died in 1999 at the age of 35.

Lena's talent comes along once in a lifetime. She combined a great voice with a great presence, quality performances, and superior showmanship. She was one of a kind, and she is missed. (less info)