Lena Zavaroni - Desperado - Eagles

Lena Zavaroni accompanied by Corky Hale in 1980.

Like Lena Zavaroni I was born in 1963, and when I was growing up in England in the 70s, Lena was always on TV with her precocious versions of popular songs. There was a level of vitality and expertise in her performances that seemed almost supernatural, she had had a UK top ten album at 10, and at 15 was hosting her own TV spectaculars. Lena had a remarkably unassuming, even shy personalty, but when the band began to play and she looked into the camera, you just knew something magical was about to happen. Dad forgot to puff his pipe, mum's knitting fell silent, and our home was filled with a sublime beauty. It was those Lena Zavaroni moments that revealed to me the meaning of song and its performance: timing, phrasing, expression, tuning, power, conviction, and presence, the masterful qualities the rest of us attempt to define as making a great singer - whatever it takes, Lena must of had it all.

In an incredibly cruel twist of fortune, Lena had been suffering with anorexia from the age of 13, and in 1982 a nation watched in anguish as a clearly emaciated star faded from the spotlight. Lena attempted to make a comeback in 1985, when for the first time she spoke openly about her problem. Everyone wished her well, but there would be no comeback, because despite a brave struggle, Lena couldn't overcome the illness, and we heard little more about her. Then years later in 1999 came the news, Lena Zavaroni had died. She had become so desperately ill she had pleaded with threats of suicide to have a brain operation. Somehow she'd gotton her wish, but at under 4 stone was too frail to beat a hospital infection and died weeks later. She was 35. I couldn't believe it, this lovely, brilliant, legend of a kid had been living a nightmare, and we who had once marvelled at her, had forsaken her. I had never seen her live, never sent for a picture, never even bought a record, yet I grieved - for the irreplaceable Lena of my childhood.

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Music

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• Eagles
• Hotel
• California
• Olimpia2011
• ZosoPage71

[pwgardner]

WARNING.....if you don't want to fall in love with this cute little legend, then don't listen to her music or read about her; 'cause if you do, your doomed; doomed to fall in love with her memory. Even deceased, she will worm her way into your heart. Right on with the comments below.

[StarsInMyHands]

Why don't we all work together and try to find out who owns the rights to this stuff, where it is, and who to go to get it released? A petition maybe? I'll start looking into it.

[gilesgirl123]

i was born 2 years befor lena but whe she first came on tv i fell for her. Hook line an sinker. when i was 20 years old i though of changing my name to zavaronie. lena was really realy good live as i went to see her at the sunderland empire. i think it was 1980 or 1981. i love her singing any song more so "going no where" i fil up every time i hear it. R.I.P sweet angel xxx

[iambob6235]

Kudos to all the loving comments posted. Lena was and is loved. RIP sweet Lena

[hetoge]

to late i got hooked many many years ago just having a refresh and what can i say WOW SHE WAS A GREAT PERFORMER

[skydiver172]

This great singer can sing anything. Puts great feeling into everything she sings.

[Musicmania1968]

Dont think she was all that happy though, how many times have we all done this, people ask, how do you feel today, even if you feel crap, you say, I am fine yes. Cause maybe if you tell the truth you think that maybe no one will listen. Just a thought

[carlsetzer]

I remember her from the talk shows in the US when she was a child in the 70's. She was a big hit. Then the American audience lost interest as the novelty wore off.

In the 80's I began to wonder "what ever happened to her?" I just assumed she was another prodigy that didn't progress beyond her childhood talents and fell into obscurity. I had no idea she continued performing into adulthood.

Thanks to all those who post these videos. I for one appreciate it.

[5151emily]

Beautiful Lena. With an astonishing talent. So sad to have lost her so young and for her to have had such a sad life. Lena's music should be made available commercially she shouldn't be overlooked. She had a great talent and was a lovely human being. Her voice is the best!! RIP LENA miss you so much.

[5151emily]

This is Lena as beautiful as ever. Truly remarkable in every way. So sad is her story and so completely senseless. She did not realise how marvellous she was. An effortless performance of a lovely song. Lena someone should have told you that you were so incredible from early on and you needed to believe it. Miss you so much. Rest in peace sweet angel.

[joelarama]

She was always too special....My Partner used to teach her.