Lena Martell, Scottish singer and TV host, dies at 86
The Glasgow-born artist achieved international fame with her hit song "One Day at a Time" and hosted her own BBC television series.
Lena Martell, a chart-topping singer and television host, has died at the age of 86. The Glasgow-born artist passed away in a care home following a short illness.
Martell's career began in her childhood, singing with her brother's band before performing with the Jimmie McGregor Band. As a teenager, she appeared on the 1950s ITV show "Find the Singer" and received her first recording contract at 16. Her musical journey took her to Broadway, where she understudied Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl." She also performed on cruise ships, in cabarets, and concert halls, spending considerable time in the United States.
Chart Success and Television Career
In the 1970s, Martell hosted her own BBC television series, which attracted audiences of over 12 million weekly. During the show, she would sing and interview notable guests. Her early studio albums were released under the Pye record label.
Martell achieved significant commercial success with her cover of "One Day at a Time," written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson. The song reached the top of the UK singles chart for three weeks in October 1979, selling nearly three million copies. This success earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the single's 36-week run on the charts. Between 1974 and 1980, she placed six albums on the UK albums chart, with four of them reaching the top 20.
Martell was the first solo Scottish female singer to reach the number one spot on the UK singles chart with "One Day at a Time."
Health Challenges and Later Career
Throughout her life, Martell faced various health issues, including a cancer diagnosis and a triple heart bypass. Despite these challenges, she returned to the stage after her recovery and continued to perform at the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow.