A few of her favorite (Dusty) things

Annie J. Randall is the author of the fascinating new biography "Dusty! Queen of the Postmods." In addition to today's G Force interview, we asked her to share her list of all things Dusty Springfield....

Favorite song
Tied for favorite song are “All I See Is You” and “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life.” In the first, Dusty executes a riveting musical climax; she’s better at this than any other pop singer. In the second, her final high note is so beautiful and saturated with meaning that you’ll be thinking about it for days. These songs represent Dusty’s blend of soul and melodrama at its virtuosic best.

Favorite tribute song
It’s “I’m in Love With Dusty Springfield” by transgendered performer Jayne County, who, as Wayne County, used to do Dusty in an Atlanta drag show in the 1960s. This is a raucous, punky song that captures the drag community’s longstanding affection for Dusty. The affection was mutual; Dusty thoroughly enjoyed being the subject of drag performances.

Favorite YouTube video
There are so many priceless clips — some serious, some campy — that it’s really impossible to choose, but I’ll go with “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” from Dusty’s 1966 UK television show. Her voice and signature gestures are on full display here.

Favorite book
Another tie. "The Complete Dusty Springfield" by Paul Howes is the Dusty bible and contains comprehensive information on every musical event in Dusty’s career from the 1950s to 1999. Then there’s "It’s Hard Being Queen: The Dusty Springfield Poems" by Jeanette Lynes. These poems capture Dusty’s life better than any biography.

Favorite website and fan forum
Let’s Talk Dusty! (www.dustyspringfield.info) was founded by an international group of fans dedicated to all things Dusty; one of them is Boston’s own Nancy J. Young. You’ll find lots of great pictures, interviews, videos, archival material, and fan opinion here.