Lena Martell, a familiar face on UK TV whose cover of "One Day at a Time" topped the UK Singles Chart in the 1970s, has died.
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The BBC reported earlier today (Oct.13) that the singer died "after a short illness" in a care home.
The Glasgow, Scotland, native, born Helen Thomson, had a prolific entertainment career that kicked off as a teen, nabbing her first recording contract at just 16. The first of over 30 albums, Someone New Someone Blue, dropped in 1964. The BBC reports she went on to perform alongside legends like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Barbara Streisand stateside.
Her most prolific run as a singer came in the 1970s. In 1979, her cover of "One Day at a Time" (written by Kris Kristofferson and Marijohn Wilkin) topped the UK Singles Chart. The BBC noted this was a first for a female Scottish singer. Between 1974 and 1980, 6 of her albums also made the UK charts, with 4 managing to crack the top 20.
She also popped up on plenty of compilation albums, with her final appearance being 2008's One Day at a Time: The Ultimate Collection,
The singer's final studio album, The Rose, debuted in 2007.
Lena Martell's Impressive TV Career
Meanwhile, Martell enjoyed an impressive TV career. Back in the 1950s, she appeared on the UK show Find the Singer. The BBC also reported that she had her own BBC variety show in the 1970s. The show, which, according to the outlet, lasted nearly a decade, commanded an audience of 12 million weekly.
The BBC reported that the beloved singer faced health challenges like a cancer diagnosis and a triple bypass over the years. Even after her bypass, she continued to perform, making appearances at the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow
Meanwhile, the Scottish Network of Australia paid tribute to the singer and TV host on
Facebook in the wake of her passing."A true Scottish star and one of the great voices of Scottish entertainment," the network wrote alongside a throwback image of the singer. "From the London Palladium to stages around the world, Lena brought joy to generations."
"A remarkable legacy that will live on," the network concluded.
Lena Martell was 86.
