Folk icon Julie Felix performs at Bridport’s Electric Palace on Friday 2nd of December. With her striking looks and with the phenomenal energy that she exudes on stage it’s hard to believe that Julie was born in 1939.
Julie left her home in California in the early 60’s, hitch-hiking throughout Europe with just a duffle bag and her guitar. After living on a Greek island where she met and performed with another newcomer by the name of Leonard Cohen, Julie arrived in England in 1964. Within a few months she became the first solo folk artist to be signed to a major British record company when Decca released her first album, Julie Felix, and a single, Someday Soon. That same year Julie appeared on The Eamonn Andrews TV show, and was asked back the following week by popular demand.
In 1965 she headlined the Royal Albert Hall, becoming the first British-based folk singer to fill London’s top venue, prompting The Times to declare her “Britain’s first lady of folk” In 1966 Julie became the resident singer on the amazingly popular TV show The Frost Report, quickly becoming a household name.
Brian Epstein, The Beatles manager, booked Julie in 1967 to top the bill with Georgie Fame for a two week engagement at London’s Saville Theatre, supported by a newcomer named Cat Stevens. In 1968 she was given her own TV series – the first colour series produced by the BBC. Guests included Leonard Cohen, Jimmy Page, Donovan, Dusty Springfield, Spike Milligan and Richard Harris. Her late 1960s recordings included Going to the Zoo, a collection of children’s songs on Fontana Records.
In 1970 her series was moved from BBC2 to BBC1, and Julie was signed by hit-maker Mickie Most, becoming the first artist to have a hit on the RAK label with her version of Paul Simon’s If Could ‘(El Condor Pasa). In 1974 Julie signed with the EMI label and recorded the album Lightning, touring Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In the late 70’s she moved to Norway where the title track of her 1976 album Hot Chocolata went to number one in the singles chart.
During her long career Julie Felix has sung out for many causes. She has visited the Middle East as a humanitarian ambassador for Christian Aid, urged New Zealanders not to engage in conscription at a concert during the Vietnam War, campaigned for Latin American refugees, founded Guitars Against Landmines, and marched against the Iraq War in London.
In 2008 Julie celebrated her 70th birthday playing a sold out gig at Gateshead‘s Sage Theatre. The following year Julie sold out the prestigious Cork Folk Festival, along with every other date on her Irish tour. In 2011 Julie returned to play The Isle Of Wight Festival her performance was every bit as dynamic as her appearance 42 years earlier at the 1969 Isle Of Wight Festival
After nearly half a century of making phenomenal music nothing’s changed, she’s still brimming with energy on stage and off, with her performances exuding the pure joy of music. The show starts at 8pm, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets for Julie’s show at the Electric Palace are available from Bridport Music (01308) 425707 or Bridport TIC (01308) 424901, or online from www.stompinstore.com
