Dana Gillespie, the legendary singer, songwriter and actress who first played Mary Magdalene on stage in Jesus Christ Superstar, has announced the release of a new single, ‘Spent The Day In Bed’, due on 19th April, and taken from her new album First Love, to be released on 31st May 2024 through Fretsore Records.
‘Spent The Day In Bed’ is written by Morrissey, who is full of praise for Dana’s recording: “It’s incredible, where do I start?” he said. “Dana’s ‘Spent’ is very special, and I don’t say that ‘just because…’ it’s so well done and very well structured musically and that guitar solo is magnificent. Every vocal nuance is full of mischief and maverick free spirit … which, really, is typical Dana. It’s an inspiring version for me, and really so much better than the original. It’s a triumph”.
The former singer with The Smiths has also designed the artwork for the limited edition ‘Spent The Day In Bed’ 7” single that will be out on the 10th May. For the cover, Morrissey chose an iconic Terry O’Neill photograph of Gillespie, taken back in 1973.
‘Spent The Day In Bed’ is one of eleven songs reimagined by Gillespie, on her new album First Love, including the self-penned title track. Every recording on the album is said to have a personal resonance for her, and features material written by Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie (who was such an integral part of her early career). First Love has been produced by Marc Almond and Tris Penna.
“Tris felt, and I agree with him,” said Gillespie, “that ‘Spent The Day In Bed’ should be the single. It’s absolutely relevant as I do think people should stop watching the news because it’s depressing and so debilitating!”
“That guitar solo” Morrisey commented on is performed by Dom Stockbridge, a member of Gillespie’s regular touring band along with Harry Whitty (bass guitar), Evan Jenkins (drums) and musical director Matt Gest (keyboards) who all support Dana throughout the album.
A quintessential artist with an adventurous and creative spirit, Dana Gillespie has lived a life full of musical and theatrical exploits. Born in 1949 and raised in London in an era of unrivalled experimentation and artistic rebellion, she began her recording career at 15 with Pye Records. By 1968, she was signed to Decca/London releasing two albums including Box Of Surprises, showcasing her songwriting skills, with a steadfast trajectory further solidified by her 1974 release Weren’t Born A Man that included David Bowie as part of the production team, he having written the song ‘Andy Warhol’ especially for Dana.
Her journey in entertainment is marked by significant milestones, including being the first actress to play Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, and worked and collaborated with such icons as Bob Dylan and Elton John. Despite challenges, including the implosion of her management company MainMan, Gillespie’s ability to pivot as an enigma of that time showed a resilience that led to a successful acting career in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where she featured in various notable films.
She has a revered status in the industry, not least considering the context of her early career given that no female soloist hit No.1 with a studio album in the UK until 1980. Returning to music in 1982, she released Blue Job, reaching a new career milestone by venturing into blues and founding the Mustique Blues Festival. A respected radio presenter, Gillespie, also embraces spirituality, recording bhajans since becoming a follower of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, adding devotional music to her extensive discography.
An esteemed underdog of music, stage and screen, Dana Gillespie’s career as an entertainer is detailed in her 2021 memoir Weren’t Born A Man, epitomising the adventurous spirit of a true artist. In 2023, she made her debut at the SXSW Music and Film Festival, a significant addition to an already impressive portfolio.
On her latest studio project First Love, Gillespie, takes on the unlikely reimagining of certified and newly established classics with her unique and contemporary style. Exuding the confidence and conviction as a master of her craft, First Love reasserts her place in art-pop history.
With a career spanning decades Dana Gillespie remains a significant figure in the music industry, enchanting audiences with her unique blend of blues, pop, and spiritual music.
‘Spent The Day In Bed’ will be released digitally and available here. The 7″ vinyl single version can be ordered via Rough Trade, Sister Ray, and Resident – You can check out the video here at RAMzine.
