Description

Book Synopsis
Born in 1953 to Anglo-Jewish/Nigerian parents, Pauline Black was subsequently adopted by a white, working class family in Romford. Never quite at home there, she escaped her small town background and discovered a different way of life - making music. Lead singer for platinum-selling band The Selecter, Pauline Black was the Queen of British Ska. The only woman in a movement dominated by men, she toured with The Specials, Madness, Dexy's Midnight Runners when they were at the top of the charts - and, sometimes, on their worst behaviour. From childhood to fame, from singing to acting and broadcasting, from adoption to her recent search for her birth parents, Black By Design is a funny and enlightening story of music, race, family and roots.

Trade Review
Gritty, witty and compelling * Elle *
Black paints a vivid portrait of simmering racial tension in Britain after the Second World War ... Intelligent and affecting * Independent *
Stories aplenty ... fascinating * Metro *
The story of a brave, intelligent woman's struggle to make sense of the world around her * Mojo *

Black by Design: A 2-Tone Memoir

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Pauline Black

    £9.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 30 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Profile Books Ltd
      Published 5 July 2012
      ISBN-13 9781846687914
      978-1846687914
      ISBN-10 1846687918
      Also in:
      Memoirs Entertainment Music

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Born in 1953 to Anglo-Jewish/Nigerian parents, Pauline Black was subsequently adopted by a white, working class family in Romford. Never quite at home there, she escaped her small town background and discovered a different way of life - making music. Lead singer for platinum-selling band The Selecter, Pauline Black was the Queen of British Ska. The only woman in a movement dominated by men, she toured with The Specials, Madness, Dexy's Midnight Runners when they were at the top of the charts - and, sometimes, on their worst behaviour. From childhood to fame, from singing to acting and broadcasting, from adoption to her recent search for her birth parents, Black By Design is a funny and enlightening story of music, race, family and roots.

      Trade Review
      Gritty, witty and compelling * Elle *
      Black paints a vivid portrait of simmering racial tension in Britain after the Second World War ... Intelligent and affecting * Independent *
      Stories aplenty ... fascinating * Metro *
      The story of a brave, intelligent woman's struggle to make sense of the world around her * Mojo *

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