Clodagh Rodgers who represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 1971 has passed away aged 78 following a long-term illness.
Clodagh Rodgers – a journey from County Down to Eurovision
Born in 1947 and raised in Warrenpoint, County Down, Northern Ireland, Clodagh Rodgers started her music career at an early age. At just twelve years of age, Clodagh realised her passion for music, performing on stage for the first time. Following in the star-studded footsteps of her music promoter father, Clodagh signed her first record deal at 15.
After moving to the UK and supporting artists in the US, Clodagh finally made her breakthrough in 1969 with the release of hit single, ‘Come Back and Shake Me’, originally intended for UK Eurovision 1969 representative, Lulu. The song reached No.3 in the UK charts and another top five hit with, ‘Goodnight Midnight’ soon followed. That year made Clodagh the best-selling female artist.
At the height of her fame and with experience in international music competitions, Clodagh caught the attention of the BBC and their search for a Eurovision act in 1971. During the It’s Cliff Richard television show, Clodagh performed six entries with, ‘Jack In The Box’ becoming the song to represent the UK in the Dublin hosted contest. Although she later publicly revealed a preference for, ‘Another Time, Another Place’, (later a hit for Engelbert Humperdinck). Despite reservations and even IRA death threats surrounding a Roman Catholic, Northern Irish artist representing the United Kingdom on Irish soil, Clodagh went ahead with the performance. Commanding the stage in sequined hot pants and showing why she was awarded the ‘Best Legs in Show Business’ crown, Clodagh wowed the European audience and achieved fourth place in the 1971 contest.
Enjoying the newfound global fame, Clodagh ensured her famous legs for £1million, as well as her voice. Following the contest she became a household TV icon, featuring in the Bisto gravy advertisement. In the 70s and 80s, she was a regular feature of primetime TV with appearances on The Morecombe And Wise Show, The Two Ronnies, Top Of The Pops, Bruce Forsyth & The Generation Game and The Val Doonican Show. Over a six decade career Clodagh released six albums and five compilation albums before retiring from the entertainment industry in the 2010s to settle in Surrey.
“With a heavy heart, my dear beautiful mum Clodagh has sadly passed away after battling an illness for the last three years. She passed away peacefully yesterday, surrounded by her family in Cobham. Mum has lived an incredible life, full of love and happiness. Her fantastic career performing, travelling the world, devoting her life to her two sons and being the rock of this family. Life will not be the same without Mum, but she will finally be at peace now with dad, nanny and pappa. We all love and miss her terribly.”
Family statement from son, Sam Sorbie
The thoughts and condolences from the entire ESCXTRA.com team are with Clodagh Rodgers’ family and friends at this sad time.
