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BORN
1943
DIED
2015
Cilla Black Obituary
Spanish police said Sunday that the singer died Saturday at her home in Estepona, southern Spain. Black's spokesman, Nick Fiveash, confirmed her death and said details would be released after a coroner's report was completed.
Former Beatle Paul McCartney said news of Black's death came as a shock. "She had a fine distinctive voice and was always a bit of a laugh. It was a privilege to know and love her," McCartney said in a statement.
Ringo Starr tweeted: "She was a good friend we will all miss her."
Black was born Priscilla White in Liverpool, northwest England, in 1943. As a teenager she sang part-time and worked in the cloakroom of the Cavern Club, where her musical talent was spotted by rising local stars The Beatles.
Signed by the Fab Four's manager, Brian Epstein, she had a string of hits starting in 1964 with "Anyone Who Had a Heart," written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and "You're My World." Both went to No. 1 in Britain, and the latter also charted in the U.S.
She also had success with the Bacharach-David theme tune for the 1966 film "Alfie," and recorded several Beatles songs, including "The Long and Winding Road."
By the late '60s she was famous enough to be known by her first name alone, and hosted a BBC variety show, "Cilla."
With her reliable good cheer and tireless work ethic, Black was a TV natural. Her catchphrase — delivered in a strong Liverpool accent that replaced the letter "t'' with "r'' — was "a lorra, lorra laughs."
She became a British television fixture as the cheeky, cheery host of matchmaking game show "Blind Date" (between 1985 and 2003) and heartwarming-reunion program "Surprise Surprise" (between 1984 and 2001).
"She always felt like a friend in your living room, on your TV screen," television executive Michael Grade told Sky News.
In a tweet, her friend Joan Collins called Black "a resplendent and rare talent."
Black's manager and husband of 30 years, Bobby Willis, died in 1999. She is survived by their three sons.
___
JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press
AP Writer Harold Heckle in Madrid contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
107 Entries
August 1, 2018
Even as the years have gone by, we continue to hope for God's peace & comfort for Cilla Black's family and friends.
C. Morrison
December 22, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories and strength as you pray to your heavenly father, God, who will give you " everlasting comfort ". 2 Thessalonians 2 : 16,17
Robert Dazer
September 29, 2015
What a singer! She wasn't played enough here in the U.S.
How you can show support
Barbie King
September 18, 2015
I am happy to say a few words, on a lady who gave me, and millions of others, thousands of hours of entertainment pleasure..she surely made her mark...she will be sadly missed by all.
Barbie King..Carson City Nevada USA.formerly from West Sussex UK
kenneth williams
September 1, 2015
My condolences to your family. May you find comfort in God's word (Psalms 55:22)
jean dishman
August 20, 2015
Your light will shine always.your lovely smile, your warmth, your care and your personality. You brought happiness to so many people.sleep peacefully villa.
jean dishman
August 20, 2015
A sad day but the joyous memories of you will never be forgotten. You gave us wonderful entertainment and your music will live on.you inspired me to sing and the enjoyment it brings to peoples lives.you were unique.sleep peacefully villa, you,re now at rest.
jeasn dishman
August 20, 2015
It,s a sad day but you will always be in our hearts and your shining star quality will live on forever.you gave me inspiration to become a singersingerwhen I was young.your songs will live forever.I sang myself abroad in caberat because of your influence.r.I.p.love your music always.sleep peacefully.Jean, Birmingham.
Lesley Miller
August 19, 2015
To a lovely Lady , your songs and music were wonderful. A beautiful Angel, RIP
Stephen Millea
August 18, 2015
Cilla your like an old friend who has passed away, followed your career all my life and you have given us some great laughs, love to all your family, rest in peace xxx
Alan Cooper
August 18, 2015
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Carol Moore
August 17, 2015
"Simply the best" very sad to hear - half my family from Liverpool Dad Making Street (off Scottie Road )Jim Thompson - I was born in 1943- Luv you Cilla -Robert-Ben-Jack and families .God Bless
jim larkin
August 12, 2015
sincere sympathy to cillas family and friends she will be sadly missed by us all
August 11, 2015
Rest in peace Cilla , you will be missed.
Lin Gall
August 10, 2015
"You're My World" by Cilla Black is one of my all-time favorite songs. It could bring tears to my eyes before she passed, and now I just cry. RIP Cilla. You were a true icon.
CJ
August 8, 2015
Our condolences to Cillas family. We are very sorry to loose her. May God strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time.
Cilla (White) Black
SPH
August 7, 2015
Thank you for giving this non-believer something to believe in.
Rest In Peace, Cilla
August 7, 2015
Very sorry to hear about your passing , your with your first love bobby ... true legend that will never be forgotten xxx R.I.P XX
steven graham
August 7, 2015
give my heart soul to lost of a great star my heart go to you all my heart
The first time I met Cilla. Such a lovely lady.
Irene Makepeace
August 7, 2015
JEAN JACQUES CUVELIER
August 6, 2015
YOU WILL BE MISSED BY US ALL R.I.P.
JEAN JACQUES CUVELIER & ANDREW ALLAN
X Factor Jean Jacques Cuvelier
Jean Jacques Cuvelier
August 6, 2015
Jean Jacques Cuvelier
August 6, 2015
May you R.I.P. Cilla, you will be sorely missed, such a legend, may you be re-united with your beloved Bobby x FRom Jean Jacques Cuvelier & Andrew Allan Leicester
Sue
August 6, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Nina coomber
August 5, 2015
I wish you were still here with us I'm really going to miss you R I P love to the boys so sorry for their loss of a wonderful mother God Bless xx
Nina Coomber
August 5, 2015
Cilla you were one in a million I can't believe you have passed away love you God Bless. Sincere sympathy goes to your loving family xx
Karen Coates
August 5, 2015
V sad you gone too soon you re a legend n icon and will
Never be forgotten and pleased to have met you when I was a little girl x RIP ta ra chuck
August 5, 2015
cilla-it was cork 1964 you lit up our lives with Dusty -Petula you will always be with us tis just we can no longer see you
August 5, 2015
are lovely cilla Liverpool will be a great loss you are world and night and day rest in peace with your bobby see you love from a Liverpool girl bye bye chuckxxxx
August 5, 2015
Oh cilla you will be missed too young to go.lost some of my youth now. Bless you girl
August 5, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Cilla's family. May our Heavenly Father provide strength and comfort to your family during this time of grief. "For he is near to those broken at heart ". Ps 34:17,18
David
August 4, 2015
The Sixtes would not have been the same without her...
Another great has gone.
'Round The Horne' Nicknamed her
'The Liverpool Ostrich'! LOL!!
RIP Chuck!!
linda
August 4, 2015
She was a wonderful lady, gone but not forgotten R.I.P Cilla,
god bless
may the lord jesus look after her
jason hawkins
August 4, 2015
hello my name is jason hawkins i did like cilla black, i fancied her on blind date, she had more intelligence than a normal human, i was 8 years old at the time, since then our tv never been
the same she was a loving and a good person we offer our condolances.
my uncle: i'm so so sorry to hear the passing of cilla black she was a great entertainer missed by thousoands may she rest in peace
may god and jesus let her rest in peace i will pray for her
August 4, 2015
Deepest sympathy to Cilla's family. We have lost a shining star who truly will be missed. God bless you.
Janet Surrey UK
Judy D
August 4, 2015
She was an all-around talent and will be greatly missed.
Kathi Noonan
August 4, 2015
Loved her music as a teenager. RIP, Cilla.
Veronica R
August 4, 2015
Rest in Peace Dear Cilla , God Bless you .
Marge M
August 4, 2015
Condolences to Cilla's family. A Liverpool gal who made the world a bit brighter for all of us around the world. Thoughts and prayers to her son's and family.
ashok cheriyan
August 4, 2015
another great entertainer that I grew up with has now passed away. we were regular watchers of blind date and surprise surprise . she had that cheeky smile which will not be forgotten.
What a Lo'ra lo'ra Love! A tribute to our Cilla. We miss you! XXX
Ryan Hodge Illustration
August 4, 2015
August 4, 2015
A great girl a great performer, loved her. Diana Halliwell
Bill Collins
August 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of Cilla's passing. With the wave of British talent that invaded America in the 60s, Cilla's was a glowing voice--wonderfully gifted!
She'll always be an icon among the female voices that we teen Yanks fell in love with. Sing on, Cilla!
August 3, 2015
So sad to loose a great singer entertainer and person loved Cilla she was so down to earth and very much part of my teenage years along with so many others world wide .to Cilla 's family love and prayers
Lesley NEW SOUTH WALES
Maureen
August 3, 2015
"Our Cilla" you will be missed by so many. It came as such a shock when I heard the news. God bless you - I loved you as an entertainer and your great voice. R.I.P - there will never be another Cilla.
August 3, 2015
Matthew 6:9,10 Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come...
charles whitehead
August 3, 2015
Another giant(ess) of the sixties gone. Such a lovely lady and singer and entertainer. God rest you in peace Cilla.
Maureen Fisher
August 3, 2015
Oh lovely lovely Cilla so many memories and songs will live on God Bless darling Maureen xx
August 3, 2015
My condolences to The Black Family. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope with such a loss.
G.R.
August 3, 2015
My condolences to the Black family. May Jehovah be with you all.
August 3, 2015
So sad such a loss to her sons, family and friends in this world but a gain to Bobby and the others who she is reunited with now. May she RIP, forever in our hearts.
August 3, 2015
Sorry to hear about your loss. May you find hope in the God of all comfort. 2 Cor. 1:3-5
freydis Hudsonfrey
August 3, 2015
So sad calla we well remember the 60s
Bren USA
August 3, 2015
Cilla Black is greatly admired for all her hard work and determination to accomplish her goal of succeeding as a singer. Family members, loved ones, and fans, please allow yourselves to be comforted by cherished memories and the assurance that she is very precious in God's eyes. (Psalm 116:15) My condolences for your loss!
Shelagh Collyer
August 3, 2015
You will be sadly missed Cilla
Such a wonderful lady
Condolences to your three sons and Friends.
Love Shelagh xxxxx
Eileen West
August 3, 2015
Dear Cilla
You will be sadly missed
Such a lovely lady
Your Songs were brill
Sleep in peace sweetheart
Now in heaven with Jesus and Bobby
And your Dear Mum and Dad.
God bless you xxxxxxxx
Julie Carrillo
August 3, 2015
My heart is poured out to the family and loved ones of Cilla. Even I do not know you but death is something that is touching especially if one has been in the shoes of the family. One is gone that is what hurts the most but may her good memories be everlasting. May your soul rest in peace and may the family be comforted by God and friends.
Philip Brookman
August 3, 2015
Cilla Black R.I.P One of the true greats
I remmber your songs so well in My growing up days and Im 63 so was a teenager and shared the Rock and Roll age of which you were a part.
R.I.P
Pamela Matteson
August 3, 2015
Sympathy to her family. She was a great singer.
August 3, 2015
AN ICON WHO WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.AS SHE ALWAYS SAID, "TA RA THEN"
J.M. DUNEDIN FL
August 3, 2015
R I P dear Cilla Loved you loads
August 3, 2015
My condolences and prayers with all those mourning the loss of the great Cilla Black. 1 Corinthians 15:26
G
August 3, 2015
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May God bless you and your family .
Kim Elizabeth Hayes
August 3, 2015
Dear Cilla I am deeply saddened at your sudden passing Thank you for your amazing voice and the great songs of Anyone Who Had A Heart and Your My World amongst many others. I have cherished moments with my family watching you present Surprize Surprize and Blind Date. You are legendary and a British National Treasure You are an Icon or all time and totally irreplaceable. I so wished I had had the opportunity to meet you. My heart is heavy of the news of your passing. My deepest condolences to your sons Robert Ben and Jack plus all your family, friends and fans
August 3, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Fiona&roger Shackleton
August 3, 2015
Cilla,thank you for many years of entertainment we hope your with beloved Bobby again cause we have lost a star may you rest in peace and may God bless you.
August 3, 2015
Deepest condolences to Cilla's sons & family. Cilla has brought such pleasure to so many thru her songs, etc. and left us too soon.
Our Dear Cilla, Rest In Peace, for you are not forgotten as seen in Earth's future plans by the true God (Psalms 83:18) of All Hope & Comfort. He will awaken you to enjoy life again, but on a problem free Earth. It's guaranteed us says Numbers 23:19 quote, "God IS NOT a mere man who tells lies....When he says something, will he not do it? When he speaks, will he not carry it out?" (New World Translation of Holy Scriptures)
Jane P.
California, USA
jw
August 3, 2015
You will be forever in our thoughts, Cilla. Thank you so much for sharing your outstanding entertaining career with us through the years. Barbara and Family xx
Ann Bate
August 3, 2015
We will miss you Cilla RIP.
August 3, 2015
Sympathy and comfort to the family,
May your hearts heal.
"while YOU throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for YOU."
Elizabeth
michelle preston
August 3, 2015
So sad to lose an absolute English rose. Talented and well thought of all over the world. God bless you and you will be dreadfully missed. A legend..never be forgotten
Eve Hadley
August 3, 2015
May you R.I.P. Cilla, you will be sorely missed, such a legend, may you be re-united with your beloved Bobby xxxxxxxxxx
H Sayer
August 3, 2015
Cilla, you have been part of my life for 50 years. I loved your songs and played them constantly. You have brought so much pleasure to miilions.Thank you. RIP with Bobby. HS
Joyce
August 3, 2015
Cilla was a favorite during the great musical era of the "British Invasion" of the mid-60s. May God's peace and comfort surround her family and friends during this sad time. Our great loss is Heaven's gain.
August 3, 2015
Thank you for leaving us the gift of your music. RIP
David Jeffrey
August 3, 2015
I was sorry to here the death of Cilla. Black OBE, who will be both a great loss to not only Liverpool England, but also to the world, every time she was on TV especially Surprise Surprise, she always put a Lot a lot of laughs', on my face when I was feeling down!
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
August 3, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Rita Smith
August 3, 2015
A national treasure has left us. So very sad. You will be so very much missed.
Peggy
August 3, 2015
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Cilla's passing. I first heard of Cilla in the 60's with her wonderful "You're my world". I moved to and lived in Britain in the 80's and 90's, and loved to watch her on Surprise Surprise and Blind Date. What a lovely and funny lady! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. RIP dear Cilla, you will be missed. God Bless.
John Perczyk
August 3, 2015
A sad day, and such a hard act to follow.
August 3, 2015
So sad to hear this when I got up this morning. I always loved a good laugh with Cilla. One of the few celebs I missed when I left Ireland to move back to the U.S. ...Rachel in Wisconsin
August 3, 2015
God Bless You Cilla and may you rest in peace.
Mararet Egan
August 3, 2015
Condolences to Cilla's sons and family and may God grant them comfort at this sad time. May Cilla also rest in peace and be reunited with Bobby in God's care. I will miss her terribly and remember seeing her on stage at The Astoria, Finsbury Park with The Beatles and other Liverpool groups way back at the end of the 1960's. She was a lovely person and will be terribly missed.
Tony Smith
August 3, 2015
You tousled my hair when I was 15 and you still touch my heart 50 years later, love you always .x.x
Angela Jowsey
August 3, 2015
Cilla was a part of my childhood,especially when she sang Step Inside. So sad to hear the news yesterday. Sympathy to all her sons and family.
Mick Bonnar
August 3, 2015
A new star is now reborn in the night sky.
Sorely missed but forever watched.
Harry Simpson
August 3, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Sheila
August 3, 2015
Thank you for sharing your talent. Godspeed Cilla.
Mike Outlaw
August 2, 2015
You will be forever in our thoughts Cilla-you certainly will be 'one hard act to follow'.Peace be with you.
mike outlaw
August 2, 2015
This is a sad day for the entertainment industry.
Cilla was loved and respected by many people-we have lost a very great performer and a dear freind
Mary in Ireland
August 2, 2015
Cilla,so sad to think that we wont be able to laugh together any more.Love you always Mary.
August 2, 2015
Cilla,Thanks for all the wonderful memories that you shared with all of us.I am sad at your passing may you rest in peace.Mary and John Co.Mayo Ireland
August 2, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 2, 2015
Cilla we loved you dearly, thanks for all the wonderful memories, laughs and joys that you shared with all of us. Rest in Peace with Bobby.
Condolences to her three sons and extended family.Mary and John Co. Mayo Ireland
August 2, 2015
My Condolences to Cilla's family at this very sad time. May God provide her loved ones with the strength and comfort they need in coping with this loss. Psalm 9:9
Jack
August 2, 2015
Cilla was an exceptional talent. No one had a more powerful voice (not even the great Jackie Wilson). No one in the business today can compare. Just as importantly, Cilla was a lovely lady and a devoted wife and mother. What a loss to her family and to those of us (millions) who admired her. Thank you for the memories.
NANCY ALTARAS
August 2, 2015
SAD TO HEAR OF THIS LOVELY LADIES' PASSING. THE CAVERN, AND THE MERSEY BEAT, WON'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT HER!
Scott Chamberland
August 2, 2015
Rest in Peace
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