Walking Back to Happiness: My Story

by Helen Shapiro, Wendy Green, Cliff Richard

A story of early success and then a descent into the doldrums that will speak to everyone. Helen Shapiro went from top of the bill at the London Palladium as a teenybopper to relative obscurity at 19. She revived her career in 1979 and became a Messianic Jew in 1987.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Lucia D'Avanzo-Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read. The book has a good flow and is written in quite a conversational style. Due to this, occasionally things are worded in a way that makes you have to re-read the sentence which is the only reason for it losing a star! I felt the pace slowed as Helen's life was quieter, contrasting with her whipping through lists of concerts, simulating a busy feeling in the good times. It was also fascinating for me as a Christian to hear how her faith changed in her forties.

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and interesting read about a famous pop star from the 6o's whose journey took her through quite a varied experience of different career opportunities. It is an eye-opening look at the hardships Helen Shapiro was subjected to and the determination and courage this lovely lady had to endure to stay relevant and working. Recommended.

[Ann Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely autobiography from one of my favourite singers . A good read

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Late in the book Helen Shapiro writes, 'I suppose if I had to choose a word to describe myself it would be resilient.' There is no doubt whatsoever that the descriptive choice is the correct one because she has gone through plenty of highs and lows since becoming a star as a 14-year-old with her first hit record 'Walking Back to Happiness' (and how I remember that from my youth - being an exact contemporary of Miss Shapiro).

After a few hits she drifted off the pop scene in England, although maintaining a strong fan base on the continent, and had to resort to looking for work. She did pantomimes, always wanting to be an actress, and eventually serious plays while putting up with plenty of problems in her personal life.

She lost her Dad and was devastated but her love for her Mum kept her going. She continued to make a living from her music but did at one time have to sign on the dole, much to her disappointment.

But she completed a comeback when the industry realised that she was more than a pop singer and she turned her voice to standards and particularly to jazz. Humphrey Lyttleton resurrected her career and she went from strength to strength.

But this is more than just a pop autobiography as Helen writes extensively and passionately about her religious views and how, as a Jewish lady, she found Yeshua (Jesus). It was not easy as she had to explain to her family and friends but once they accepted her faith everything was fine. She did gosple tours and albums and appeared with Cliff Richard at his gospel concerts.

The Sunday Times described the book as 'a vivid portrait of the early 1960s' ... yes, it is that but it is also a lot more than that. It is Helen Shapiro's story of her struggle in life and her inspiring spiritual quest, which makes a suitable ending to this autobiography.

Of course, Helen Shapiro continues to entertain today and her fan base is not only supportive but enormous. More power to her elbow!

[Jenny Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. I have enjoyed Helen's messianic/gospel music for some years, and had no idea she was a famous pop singer in the fifties, even though I am familiar with the songs she sang. Very moving testimony.