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'First Lady of the British Invasion' Petula Clark Performs on 'Sullivan'

A person in a yellow and red outfit stands in front of a group of people and cars in a garage setting.

Legendary English singer Petula Clark had a career that spanned seven decades. Her colorful performance of 'Sign of the Times' on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ displayed her star power. Petula wears a stunning, flower-filled suit with a pink sun hat while she delivers the tune.

A person in a yellow suit sits on a red car, smiling, with a blurred background.

She begins the performance lying on a red convertible, and she bops her head while the camera reveals two more convertibles next to her, complete with dancers. There are street signs and a man working on one of the cars to add to the scene.

Petula sings, and the car drives forward. She taps her foot and snaps her fingers as the dancers behind her kick their legs and wave their hands in the air. The song features a fabulous dance break with dancers in colorful, shiny clothing.

A person in a yellow outfit stands in front of a red convertible car, surrounded by other colorful figures.

She sings the catchy lyrics, "It's a sign of the times that your love for me is getting so much stronger. It's a sign of the times, and I know that I won't have to wait much longer."

Petula's 'Sign of the Times' was released on her 1966 album 'My Love.' It was the follow-up to her number 1 song 'My Love.' She noted that 'Sign of the Times' was different, saying, "I suppose you might expect some big political statement or something, but it was a straight-ahead love song."

A woman in a yellow outfit smiles in front of a red sign with an arrow.

Her career started as a child entertainer on BBC Radio. In 1964, Petula's success crossed over to the U.S. with a string of hits, including, 'Downtown,' 'I Know a Place,' 'My Love,' and 'Don't Sleep in the Subway.'

Petula was referred to as 'The First Lady of the British Invasion.' Her chart dominance was incredible through the late 60s in the United States. She had a fantastic voice and an electric stage presence in this performance of 'Sign of the Times.'

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