Lulu

November 3, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, popularly known by her stage name Lulu, a pop star, actress, and radio host, was born on November 3, 1948. She hails from Scotland and is one of the country’s most popular celebrities. The septuagenarian, who, even at a very young age, was praised for her remarkable voice, is best known in the U.K. for her version of the Isley Brothers’ track, ‘Shout’ and in the U.S. for her role in the movie, “To Sir, with Love.” She has had several of her singles making the U.K. Top 10 singles chart. Additionally, she has bagged several honors, including two from the U.K.’s royal house!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie

Nickname:

Lulu

Birth date:

November 3, 1948

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 1"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$30 million

Background

Born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie in Lennoxtown and brought up in Glasgow, Lulu continues to make waves in the U.K. and around the world. She was born alongside three other siblings and had her early education at Thomson Street Primary School. Her father, even though a heavy drinker, gave her the greatest gift in the world — her voice.

Lulu’s career began between 1960 and 1961 when she and her manager sought a singing stage experience with the band, Bellrocks. Even at that young age, Lulu’s voice was sensational, as was confirmed by Bellrocks’ bass player, Alex Thomson. She got her nickname from Marion Massey, her longtime manager in 1962. Lulu’s fame began in 1963 when her version of the Isley Brothers’ track “Shout” reached no. 7 on the U.K. charts. In 1964, she was signed to Decca Records, with whom she recorded several tracks before leaving it for Columbia Records two years after. Her 1965 track, “Leave a Little Love” also ranked in the U.K. Top 10 chart. Lulu’s producer from Columbia records, Mickie Most, produced seven songs for her, all of which made the U.K. top charts, with “Boom Bang-A-Bang” reaching no. 2. She made her acting debut in 1967 in the movie, “To Sir, with Love.” She both starred in the movie and sang its background song. The movie endeared her to Americans, increasing her popularity across borders.

Aside from her musical career and acting, Lulu is also a radio host and hosted a radio show on B.B.C. in 2004. She has been married twice and has a son from her second marriage. Even at an old age, Lulu continues to record tracks and engage in many charitable acts. We are confident that she has many more golden years to celebrate in the future.

Career timeline

1962

The Nickname’s Origin

Her then Manager Marion Massey gives the pop star the nickname.

1963

The Song "Shout"

Lulu records her version of the Isley Brothers ‘Shout’, making her famous as the song hits the top 10 charts.

1966

The Signing by Columbia Records

Lulu is signed as an artist by Columbia records.

1985

The First Book is Released

Lulu publishes her self-titled autobiography.

2003

The Royal Honor

Queen Elizabeth II honors her with an Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) award.

2021

The Royal Honor Upgraded

She is assigned a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) honor by the British monarch.

Why We Love Lulu

She makes her country proud
The Scottish people love Lulu because she elevates their status in the entertainment industry, both in the U.K. and worldwide. We love her for pinning her country's name on the map of the musical industry.
She is proud of her nation
Lulu partook in a campaign that sought to implore all Scottish people around the world to return to their country. This act showed just how proud she is of her country and we love her for that patriotism.
She is a guide
She uses her experience in music to guide others in making strides in the musical industry. This has been proven when she used her experience at the Eurovision contest to mentor future U.K. contestants.

5 Surprising Facts

She’s a fan of President Obama
Lulu couldn't hide her joy when former U.S. President Obama won his first term in office and she was so optimistic about his victory that she said the world would become a better place.
She’s had a chart-topping song
‘Relight My Fire’ remains her only song to make it to number one on the U.K. chart.
She set a British record
Lulu is the first British female singer to appear live behind the Iron Curtain.
She was part of Eurovision Song Contest
Lulu represented the U.K. in the European singing competition and won first place alongside three other countries.
She felt intimidated about her height
Lulu revealed in an interview that mingling with models who were very tall made her insecure about her short height.

Lulu FAQs

Why is Lulu called Lulu?

Lulu earned the nickname and stage name from her remarkable voice even at a tender age. She was given the name by her manager and business partner, Marion Massey.