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Dana Gillespie

By: Dana Gillespie, David Shasha
Narrated by: Dana Gillespie
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Summary

Dana Gillespie’s 2021 memoir, Weren’t Born a Man, has been celebrated as "eye-popping" by The Spectator, "scandalous" by The Daily Mail, and "hilarious and moving" by The Times, all of them fitting descriptions that still don’t quite do it justice. It’s the tale of a true artist/adventurer’s life, told with vivid humour, no regrets, and an unflinching eye for detail. Dana’s life so far has been one from which every last drop of love, joy, and ebullience has been wrung.

The award-winning first lady of the Blues has enjoyed an incredible life and career. Now, she has chronicled her exploits, and as anyone who knows Dana would expect, it is intelligent, insightful, outrageous, and funny. Detailing high points, low points and everything in-between, the book covers, amongst many other things, liaisons with David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Keith Moon, and the cream of 1960s rock royalty; recording with Jimmy Page and Elton John; performing as Mary Magdalene in the original London production of Jesus Christ Superstar; performing to an audience of one million people in India.

"Spending time with Dana was very special. She was magical, and helped me overcome my shyness. She knew my story before I did! All the memories I have of her are fond ones. So much laughter and kindness which helped me enormously. Those brilliant times will never be forgotten." (Elton John)

"Dana is fearless. She treads all over PC preciousness with some of the most funny and scandalous anecdotes I've heard of; a life outrageously lived. And if that wasn't enough she sings the blues with a sauciness that's chilli hot and ripe with erotic innuendo that can only come from a lady of full experience. A treasure, a legend, the Queen of cleavage and the last Empress of Bohemia." (Marc Almond)

"From David Bowie to Alf Garnett.... They say that variety is the spice of life, and Dana's life has seen more spice than most. What a life! What a woman! What a book!" (Julian Clary)

©2021 Hawksmoor Publishing (P)2021 Dana Gillespie, David Shasha
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What listeners say about Dana Gillespie

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Fascinating and Funny!

I absolutely loved Dana’s autobiography! It was like having a great friend come to stay and we would talk all night. How interesting to hear about not only the music, but also about Sai Baba and India. Excellent book!

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Terrific

Loved this. Previously only knew of Dana via the Bowie connection and wasn’t sure what to expect. She has had an amazing life and met some fascinating characters- she also sounds like a really nice person with a great sense of humour.

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Fabulous and Riveting

Dana has had an extraordinary life. I was totally GRIPPED by her story, and life wisdom from all she's done.

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What a Ledge

I loved hearing Dana’s story from her! I bet she is still a blast to hang out with. What a life. I do appreciate her sharing… shame she burnt some of those diaries but her SOH is such I laughed out loud throughout!!!

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