Brigitte Bond / Brigitte Saint John Master Timeline
Updated: Jul 2
Hello! If you are reading this post, chances are you saw my documentary, "Blue Beat Baby: The Untold Story of Brigitte". First off, thank you for watching and seeking out further information. This has truly been a passion project, and my passion does not end with the documentary being complete. I am continuing to search for her, and planning on updating this timeline as I learn more.
This post will serve as a "master timeline" for my research on Brigitte Bond/Brigitte Saint John/Brigitte St. John/Giovanna (Unknown Surname), however, there will be separate posts about Brigitte on this blog. My comments about the content in the timeline will be highlighted in yellow.
Some of the "known unknowns" first:
Her birthdate and age is unknown, and her age shifts throughout the years in media coverage, but she was likely born in 1943-1945. I lean to her birthdate between February and May 1944.
Her nationality is also inconsistent - she is referred to as "French", "French-Maltese", "French-Italian", and "Italian".
She shared she was born in Malta, but has also claimed to be from Marseilles.
Her mother was French and possibly a member of a wealthy family in the textile industry in Marseilles.
Her father's nationality is inconsistent - he is referred to as "Maltese", "Maltese-Italian", and "Italian".
I do not know what happened to her - I "lose" her after 1976.
February 2nd, 1964
Brigitte Bond and The Contrasts at Southall Community Centre (20 Merrick Rd)
February 21st, 1964
Bobby King & The Sabres with Bridget Bond & The Hysterics Glenlyn Ballroom (15 Perry Vale, Forest Hill, Southeast London) (Source: Garagehangover)
February 25th, 1964
Prince Buster arrives at Heathrow Airport. Brigitte Bond is one of the musicians to greet him.
The two are photographed together dancing The Twist, which later appeared in the May 19, 1979 issue of Melody Maker. Hunt Emerson used as inspiration for The Beat's band logo, "The Beat Girl".
The King and Queen of Blue Beat meet The "King and Queen of Blue Beat" met for the first time yesterday. This picture (above, right) was taken a few minutes after the "King" 26- year-old Jamaican Prince Buster stepped off the plane at London Airport from Paris. The "Queen," 19-year-old Brigitte Bond, and a crown of Mods were there to greet him. Prince Buster, in regulation Mod uniform of narrow - brimmed trilby and shirt with a "Dr. Kildare" collar, is here for television and a month's concert tour. Rhythm He said: "I sing West Indian blues. My record 'Wash, Wash' is No. 1 in the Jamaican charts. "It will take this country by storm. We will oust the Beatles. They are good boys and have harmony, but they need my rhythm" Brigitte has made several records, including "Blue Beat Baby."
That evening, Prince Buster held a private reception to promote Blue Beat/Ska at the May Fair Hotel (Stratton Street, London).
March 6th, 1964
Brigitte performed with The Eagles, Eddie Langdon Group, and Roy Starr and the Cherokees at The California Ballroom (Whipsnade Road, Dunstable).
March 14th, 1964
First official promotion of Brigitte's single, "Blue Beat Baby/Oh Yeah Baby" being released.
(Please note, there is no confirmed release date for this single. I estimated the release date based on using promotional patterns of Blue Beat, The 2 i's Coffee Bar, The Flamingo Jazz Club, and the average timeframe between single release/single review in Record Mirror)
March 20th, 1964
Brigitte Bond at The (Jazz) Cellar Club, Kingston upon the thames, Southwest London (Kingston & Malden Borough News, via Garagehangover)
March 23rd, 1964
Brigitte Bond, Eddie Langdon & The Cracksmen at Bridgwater's Town Hall. (High Street, Bridgewater) (Top Twenty Club)
March 28th, 1964
"Here comes the 'Blue Beat Baby'" photo advertisement.
April 4th, 1964
A review of her single was published in Record Mirror, along with an unfortunately positioned advertisement for the single.
BRIGITTE BOND: Blue Beat Baby; Oh Yeah Baby (Blue Beat BB 212). French Girl, hailed as the Princess of Blue Beat...but it's clearly a white performance on essentially a coloured music. Should garner useful sales, though.
April 23rd, 1964
Blue Beat at The Flamingo: Brigitte Bond, Ruddy & Sketto, Cyco & Caribs, Duke Vin Sound System
May 9, 1964
Appeared in Tit-Bits May 9, 1964
by David Hunn Brigitte Bond, self-styled Queen of the Blue Beat in Britain, has plenty in common with her namesakes, Brigitte Bardot and James Bond. Like Bardot and 007, Brigitte has a licence to thrill. She thrilled me when I saw her in a Soho coffee bar - and not just by her stunning looks. Her accent fascinated me when she told me about herself. Said the smouldering mam'selle: "My mozzair ees in textiles. Beeg Beezneess in Marseilles, much money. Beeg house, everysing. Me, I do not want. Money, yes, Beezness, no. So I come away." In search of pop-singing fame, 19-year-old Brigitte came straight to London's Two Is coffee bar, where manager Tom Littlewood has steered many a vocalist to fame. Brigitte latched on to the West Indian blue beat sound and soon won a recording contract for Blue Beat Baby and Oh Yeah, Baby. "Ees a marvellous noise," she said as we played the disc. "I just have to move wiz eet." And how she moves!
May 18, 1964
Possibly at Margate Beach during the clashes between Mods & Rockers during the Whitsun Weekend. (Hayat Dirgisi via Oguztopoglu)
May 21, 1964
I'll be Lady Waller in 4 months says Brigitte Evening Standard Reporter Singer Brigitte Bond perched on a coffee bar stoll in Soho today and announced: "In four months, I will be Lady Waller." Dark-eyed Brigitte, aged 20, plans to marry 46-year-old Sir John Waller, the seventh baronet. Today she talked of her fortnight's courtship and her plans after marriage. "It may seem strange to some people, but he proposed when we met only two weeks ago. he had bought a record of mine and saw my photograph outside the Two I's coffee bar. One day he rang up and invited me to lunch at the Stork Room. During the lunch he asked me to marry him and I said 'Yes.' The age difference "Since then we have been seeing a lot of each other. Last niight he came to the coffee bar where I sometimes sing and told me he had bought a ring. He will be giving it to me on Friday." Brigitte said she had already met some of Sir John's relatives and was being introduced to his friends. The age difference, Brigitte contended, didn't really apply. "He's a wonderful man; so terribly polite and well mannered. He has a spirit of a 20-year-old and likes my music." 'Wives are permanent' Sir John was a little more cautious about his wedding plans. Speaking from his flat in Kensington, he said: "We have only met a few times and you can certaiinly say that marriage has been discussed. We are gradually getting to know each other. One has to be careful. This isn't like buying a new pair of shoes. Wives are permanent." Commenting. on a report that Sir John will get £250,000 (adjusted for inflation in 2021: £3,575,292 / USD $4,370,970) from a trust when he has a son aged 10, Brigitte said: "Money just doesn't come into it. I earn £120 a week net (Adjusted for inflation in 2021: £1,716.14 / USD $2,098.07) and will be doing so for the next 10 years. I know Sir John - he calls me 'the flower of his life' - has a lot of money, but I do well enough." Letter to mother She added: "But we will have a baby. I have, of course, warned him that it could be a girl." Brigitte, who is French-Maltese, has written to her mother of her wedding plans. She hopes the wedding will coincide with the launching of her latest record - I'm a Big Girl Now. Mr. Tom Littlewood, Brigitte's manager, has known Sir John for about six years. "He's very interested in Brigitte's singing and I wasn't a bit surprised when I heard him talking about a proposal," he said.
May 21, 1964
An engagement announcement for Sir John Waller and Brigitte Bond was published in Hayat Dergisi. (via Hayat Dirgisi via Oguztopoglu)
Original Text (Turkish)
Geçen mayıs ayının ilk pazar günü İngiltere'nin Margate plajında birbirine rakip asi gençlerin amansız kavgasında taraflardan birinin yanında yer alan 20 yaşındaki güzel ve ateşli rock şarkıcısı Brigitte Bond,İngiliz asillerinden Sir John Waller'in evlenme teklifini kabul etmiştir. Genç kız haberi basına açıkladıktan sonra "Müstakbel kocama uzun bir zamandan beri malik olmak istediği çocuğu vereceğimi ümit ediyorum." demiştir. Gerçekten de bu evliliğin Sir John Waller için en önemli yönü mümkün olduğu kadar çabuk bir çocuk sahibi olmaktır. Çünkü ancak bu sayede 6.250.000 liralık bir mirasa konması mümkün olacaktır. Baronun ailesi buserveti kendisine bir şartla bırakmıştır. Gazetecilere genç şarkıcıya evlenme teklif ettiğinin doğru olduğunu söyleyen 46 yaşındaki Sir John Waller böylece zamanla bir yarışa kalkmakta ve dev bir servete malik olmak için gerekli çocuğu kendisine vereceğini umduğu genç şarkıcıyla hayatını birleştirmeye doğru ilk adımı atmış olmaktadır. Fotoğrafta Brigitte Bond ve Sir John Waller evlenme projelerini açıkladıktan sonra baş başa görülüyorlar…
Last Sunday, on the first Sunday of May, on the Margate beach of England, the fierce rivals of the rebellious youth 20-year-old beautiful and hot rock singer Brigitte Bond, who was on the side of one of the parties in the fight, accepted the marriage proposal of Sir John Waller, one of the British nobles. After the young girl announced the news to the press, "I hope to give my future husband the child he has wanted to have for a long time." he said. Indeed, the most important aspect of this marriage for Sir John Waller is to have a child as soon as possible. Because only in this way will it be possible to inherit 6.250.000 liras. The baron's family left this fortune to him on one condition. Saying to reporters that it was true that he proposed to the young singer, 46-year-old Sir John Waller is thus in a race against time and has taken the first step towards uniting his life with the young singer, whom he hopes will give him the necessary child to acquire a huge fortune. Pictured is Brigitte Bond and Sir John Waller together after announcing their marriage project they are seen...(Google Translation)
May 25, 1964
While I am unclear about the earliest mention of Brigitte being transgender, photo data on the press photo attached to the story states it originated on May 25th, 1964. The original press photo I own has a date of June 3, 1964.
LONDON: Brigitte Bond, who used to be a boy, also used to be engaged to Sir John Waller, but now the wedding is off. Sir John discovered that it wouldn't be possible for them to have children. So Brigitte, who underwent a sex-change operation, has changed her plans of becoming a bride to continue with her singing career in London. Also since she is due to inherit a fortune left by hr grandfather, when she reaches 25 years of age.
However, the earliest published article I found (to date) was on June 8th 1964 in US papers. This was published in many newspapers across the United States over the period of several months.
WAS A BOY - Brigitte Bond, 22, who underwent a sex change operation to become a girl instead of a boy, is going back to a singing career instead of becoming a bride in London. Her engagement to Sir John Waller was broken when he learned they couldn't have children. Brigitte inherits a fortune left by grandfather when she's 25. Where Boys Were - Brigitte Bond, 22, is going back to a singing career instead of becoming a bride in London. Her engagement to Sir John Waller was broken when he learned they couldn't have children. Brigitte underwent a sex change operation to become the girl she is.
Interestingly, it seemed as though Sir John was not overly heartbroken, as an article published on May 17, 1964 in The Sydney Morning Herald stated that he had decided to marry his "penniless childhood sweetheart" (which, obviously did not work out).
June 4,1964 - June 13,1964
Brigitte had a residency at Bertie Green's Astor Club (Fitzmaurice Place & Berkeley Square) with The Mudlarks, The Islanders, Plus Bertie Green's Lovely Astor Girls (Evening Standard Newspaper)
Controversial glamor star Brigitte Bond, U.S.A star Madelaine Bell, Steve Perry, & Bertie Green's Astor Girls GRO 3181 Again the controversial glamor star Brigitte Bond, The Mudlarks, The Islanders, plus Bertie Green's Lovely Astor Girls. Fully air conditioned GRO 3181.
June 27, 1964
Brigitte wore a topless evening gown at Hilton Hotel in London.
Original Text (Italian)
A Londra, la notte scorsa la cantante Brigitte Bond è apparsa nel night-club dello Hilton Hotel con un vestito da sera che le lasciava completamente scoperto il petto, ma nessuno ha mostrato di accorgersene. La cantante si è trattenuta nel locale circa un'ora. Brigitte che è nata a Malta da padre francese e madre maltese, ha poi riferito di aver acquistato l'abito in un grande magazzino di Londra venerdì scorso. « Avevo una gran voglia di metterlo — ha aggiunto — miei amici mi hanno proposto di andare all'Hilton per bere un po'. Ho pensato che fosse l'occasione che cercavo. Una volta indossato mi sono sentita veramente a mio agio. E' stata una esperienza meravigliosa ».
In London, singer Brigitte Bond appeared at the Hilton Hotel nightclub last night in an evening dress that left her chest completely uncovered, but no one has shown noticing. The singer stayed in the club for about an hour. Brigitte, who was born in Malta to a French father and Maltese mother, later reported purchasing the dress in a London department store on Friday. "I had a great desire to put it - he added - my friends have proposed me to go to the Hilton for a drink. I thought it was the opportunity I was looking for. Once I wore it, I felt really comfortable. It was a wonderful experience."
July 30, 1964
Brigitte was mentioned twice in The Stage newspaper. The first article is about the Bailey Organization expanding, and Brigitte was mentioned as an artist who worked among their circuit of clubs. This could mean she was likely working at these clubs regularly, even if she was not headlining or billed as a performer.
The second article discusses her upcoming performances and tour.
BLUE-BEAT BOND Controversial French-Maltese Blue Beat girl Brigitte Bond is currently scoring in cabaret at Middlesbrough, leaves shortly for an African our which will take her to Mombasa, Nairobi and Salisbury.
According to this online comment, she performed at the Sombrero Club on Moktar Daddah Street in Nairobi. This club would later be renamed "Club Hollywood", "Hollywood Lips", "Brilliant", and "Monte Carlo" and became a popular spot in the Kenyan Reggae scene.
August 11, 1964 - August 13, 1964
Brigitte headlined the Midnight Cabaret at the Cavendish Club (10 Grey St. Newcastle), performing after Dick Haymes.
August 13, 1964
Brigitte was now managed by The Arthur Lowe Agency Ltd. Brigitte is described as "the controversial sex change girl with the velvet singing voice"
August 28, 1964 - November 20, 1964
Brigitte had been working regularly at The Pelican Club (~28 St. Ann Court). The club had been under investigation for illegal activity, including Brigitte's behavior of stripping fully nude. The Pelican Club was across the alley to what would later home Trident studios, where music legends such as The Beatles, Elton John, David Bowie, Queen, Rolling Stones, and Tina Turner recorded.
Stripper who cried for shame (Daily Mirror (London), Nov. 14, 1964
The strip-club girl danced to a record, and took off her clothes... And then, a court heard yesterday, she suddenly stopped her act - and burst into tears of shame.
The story was told by Mr. R. G. Mays, prosecuting the owners, licensee and manager on the charges of keeping. a disorderly house at the Pelican Club in St. Anne's Court, Soho, London.
Then She danced on, says Pc
"Even some of the men in the audience, who had been making bawdy remarks during the girl's dance were so abashed that they got up and left." Police Constable Frank Rushworth told the magistrate that the incident happened while he was keeping watch as a club member, using a false name. "The girl sat on the chair with her head in her hands" Constable Rushworth said. "She then resumed dancing, still completely naked, and still crying. "When the record finished, she rushed off the dance-floor, covering her body with her clothing. She was still crying." The Club's manager, Peter Marshall of Manson-place, South Kensiington, was sent for trial and allowed £500 bail. So was the licensee, Jose Boonlue, of Nevern-mansions, Warwick-road, Earls Court. The owners, Wishbrook Ltd., of Cheapside, London, were also sent for trial. All pleaded not guilty and reserved their defence.
Tales of Strip Dancers Bared in London Court (Albuquerque Journal, Nov. 15, 1964)
LONDON (UP) - A shapely stripper, apparently overcome by shame of her naked dance, sat down on a stage-side chair and burst into tears and the all-male audience in a West End nightclub walked out, a London court was told.
An officer who joined the Soho District Pelican Club under an assumed name said the girl eventually stopped sobbing, finished her nude act and ran off the stage trying to cover herself with her cast-off clothing.
On another occasion, the officer testified, a dancer introduced as "The Fabulous Brigitte Bond" danced nude before about 70 men, then lay across the laps of three club members while the rest of the audience yelled, "More."
He said when a dancer named Karen removed all her clothing except a "G-String," club manager Peter Marshall yelled over the microphone, "My customers want more than that." Later, when police raided the Pelican Club, Marshall annoucned over the lloud-speaker to his audience, "Gentlemen, police are on the premises. We are being raided - remember what you have been told."
Marshall and club license Jose Sukhum Boonlue were sent for trial on charges of keeping a disorderly house. They pleaded innocent and were freed on $1400 bond each.
Girls Danced Naked at Soho Club (Nov. 20, 1964)
Manger is fined £500 People who watched strip tease dancers must be depraved, said the deputy chairman at London Sessions, Mr. O.S. MacLeay when imposing a fine of £500 and £100 guineas costs on a club manager. The manager, Peter Marshall (42) of Manson Place, South Kensington, pleaded guilty to unlawfully keeping a disorderly house a the Pelican Club, St. Anne's Court, Soho. Mr. MacLeay said he did not think it was necessary to send Marshall to prison. He went on, "People who make their livelihood by allowing depravity must realise they are bound to run into serious trouble, although the people. who go must also be depraved." Jose Sukhum Boonlue, (24), liicensee, of Nevern Mansions, Earl's Court, and the company owning the club, Wishbrook Ltd., pleaded not guilty to a similar charge and Mr. Donald Farquaharson, prosecuting counsel, said he was prepared to accept their plea and the charges would remain on file. He was M.C.
Mr. Farquaharson said that on dates in July, August, and September last, police officers kept observation from inside the club. Marshall was more or less the master of ceremonies. The acts comlained of were basically strip tease by three different girls. The first did a normal strip tease act, finishing up clad only in a "G" string. In the case of the other girls, they were completely unclad. "It was the third girl who was the worst," said counsel. "She was completely unclad and went up to members of the audience on several occasions and leaned against them and did acts to the music." 'Variations' A fourth girl broke down completely. in the middle of her act and members left the club. By September, the acts were continuing with variations on the theme. Throughout the acts, Marshall was responsible fro encouraging he girls through a loudspeaker. Marshall had applied for a justices' license for the club but was refused on the grouns that he. wasnot. afit and proper person. The license, however, was granted to Boonlue who was more. orless a nominee and was never seen by the police in the club.
When Boonlue was seen by the police he said. he knew nothing of the acts complained of by the police.
Police Supt. Reginald Doak said Marshall had one finding of guild and five previous convictions. Only his last conviction had anything to do with clubs and that was in February 1963, when he was fined £25 and £5 costs for permitting unlicensed music and dancing.
Mr. Keith McHale, defending counsel, said that Marshall accepted full responsibility for the running of the club. He was able to watch the acts. ofthe girls by closed-circuit television but once they moved out of the camera range he was not able to observe them. He was therefore lulled into a false sense of security.
'Robust'
One of the major activities of the club was the running of two Rugby teams and most of the members present at the shows were members of the teams. Rugby players had a "somewhat robust attitude", he said, and it was no doubt this attitude which stimulated the girls to go a little further than they should have done. Mr. McHale said that the premises were not like a sleazy Soho joint and food as well as drink was available. Among the members were a solicitor, accountant, and members of the City Police.
Striptease Dancer 'Burst Into Tears' (West London Star, Nov. 20, 1964)
A striptease dancer was so overcome by shame durinig her act at a West End club that she sat down on a chair and cried, Mr. R. G. Mays, prosecuting, alleged at Wells Street Magistrates' Court on Friday. And even some. of the men in the audience, who had been making bawdy remarks during the girl's dance, were so abashed that they got up and left, he said. Before the court were Jose Sukhum Boonlue - a native of Thailand. -of Nevern Mansions, Warwick Road, Earls Court, and Peter Marshallll of Manson Place, South Kensington, who were summoned for keeping a disorderly house at the Pelican Club, St. Anne's Court, Soho. The company owning the club, Wishbrook Ltd., of Cheapside, City, faced a similar summons. Boh men and the company were sent for trial at London Sessions, the men on their own bail of £500 each. They pleaded not guilty and reserved their defence, and their counsel, Mr. James Burge, said Marshall had issued writs against the police officers in the case and was "most anxious to contest the matter. at every level." In opening the case Mr. Mays said Boonlue was the licensee of the club and Marshall was the manager.
P.c. Frank Rushworth told the court he joined the club under the name Paul Allen and kept observation there for the first time on July 28 with P.c. Jeffrey Bryson. The officer said he saw a striptease dancer introduced to an audience. ofabout 70 men by Marshall as "the fabulous Brigitte Bond." After removing her clothes the girl lay across the knees. of three men who were sitting near the dance floor. CHEERS As she did this, said P.c. Rushworth, Marshall was standing by the entrance to the room. The audience were cheering and shouting "More." On another occasion, said the officer, he saw a girl, who, after removing her clothes and dancing, "suddenly burst into tears." "She sat on the chair with her head. in her hands," he said, "She then resumed dancing, still completely naked, and she was still crying. When the record finished she rushed off the dance floor covering her body with her cllothing. She was still crying. "The audience were silent, and then every person around the dance floor left the club," he said. P.c. Rushworth said a few minutes later the girl was leaving. theclub, still crying, when she was stopped by Marshall, who spoke. to her and then kissed her on the cheek. The officer referred o other dancers as Karen, Paula, Angela, and Eve, who he said were all introduced by Marshall. He said Karen removed all her clothing except a G-string and as she left the floor, Marshall shouted over a loud speaker, "My customers want. more than that." He alleged that other dancers made suggestive movements after removing their clothes and the audience cheered and laughed. On September 23 a record of rugby songs entitled "why was he born so beautiful" was played and "where the record has a buzzing sound, the audience sang the actual words which had been replaced by the buzz." He produced a copy of the record. Insp. Bruce told of an interview he had with the secretary of Wishbrook Ltd., who told him the company only acted as bankers for the Pelican Club.
Later he saw Boonlue and told himi of the observation which had been kept at the club, Boonlue said: "I didn't know what's going on." A submission by Mr. Burge that there was no case to answer in respect of the company was rejected by the magistrate, Mr. D. M. Wacher. As stated, both men and the company were sent for trial at London Sessions.
I do speculate if the "Paul" referenced in the autographed headshot below is the same "Paul" that P.c. Frank Rushworth used as an alias. The photo does seem like it's from that period in her career. Possibly used for evidence/identity verification that Brigitte was one who danced fully nude?
April 8, 1965
Brigitte went on a tour of South Africa and Rhodesia in early 1965.
Busy Brigitte Back in Britain after a highly successful tour in South Africa and Rhodesia is singer-dancer Brigitte Bond. Although she has received many offers of overseas films and cabaret dates, Brigitte is embarking on a tour of Northern clubs starting with La Dolce Vita on Monday where she tops the bill with Jimmy Wheeler. She will shortly be making a new record.
April 11, 1965 - April 17, 1965
Brigitte headlined for a week at the prestigious La Dolce Vita Newcastle (36-42 Low Friar S., Newcastle).
June 30, 1965
Brigitte performs in Madrid, Spain for (presumably) the first time at The Luss-May Ballroom (Atocha 125). Considering that Spain was still ruled by a fascist dictator, and persecution of the LGBTQ+ population was both brutal and common, her choosing to perform in Spain was a bold choice. However, thanks to people like Brigitte, La Movida Madrileña began to form and gain influence in a changing country, eventually making Spain one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the world!
Original Article Text (Catalan)
Brigitte Bond, Antes soldado del imperio británico y ahora famous “estrella” de la canción inglesa ha llegado a la capital del espada para actuar en la sala de fiestas Luss-May Brigitte Bond, la hoy bellísima y escultural “estrella” inglesa, es un caso análogo al de la también famosa Cocinelle, que actuó en Madrid hace unos dos anos. La señorita Brigitte - Veintitrés anos -, después de haber cumplido el servicio militar, como un señor, ahora via a con pasaporte femenino convertida en importante atracción internacional de “music-halls”. Brigitte Bond ha llegado a Madrid para debutar en una brillante sala de fiestas madrileña: Luss-May.-R
Brigitte Bond, a former soldier of the British Empire and now a famous "star" of English song, has arrived in the capital of the sword to perform at the Luss-May ballroom. case analogous to that of the also famous Cocinelle, who performed in Madrid about two years ago. Miss Brigitte - twenty-three years old - after serving in the military as a gentleman, now saw her with a female passport as a major international attraction for music halls. Brigitte Bond has arrived in Madrid to make her debut in a brilliant party hall in Madrid: Luss-May.-R (Google Translation)
July 1, 1965
Another article was published sharing that Brigitte was performing in Spain
Original Article Text (Catalan)
Leemos que va a actuar en Madrid la estressa de la cancion Brigitte Bond a la que se califica en los anuncios de "bellisima y escultrual". Esta hoy chica cantante, que viaja con passporte femenino y tiene veintitres anos, fue hasta hace no mucho tiempo soldado del Ejercito britanico, ya que hizo el servico militar sin pega de nirguna clase. Y fue inscrita soldado no cantinera aunque ahora cante.
We read that the stress of the song Brigitte Bond, which she describes in the ads as "beautiful and sculptural", is going to perform in Madrid. Today, this young singer, who travels with a female passport and is twenty-three years old, was until recently a soldier in the British Army, as she did military service without any kind of stick. And she was a non-canteen soldier, although she now sings. (Google Translate)
July 8, 1965 - August 5, 1965
Brigitte had a month-long residency at the Madrid branch of La Dolce Vita (Castelló, 24).
(ABC Newspaper, Madrid) Presenta la incomparable vedette internacional Brigitte Bond, diferente a todas…y las fabulosas modelos del ballet Sevilla Show. It presents the incomparable international star Brigitte Bond, different from all… and the fabulous models of the ballet Sevilla Show. (Google Translate)
July 15, 1965
Brigitte Bond, who recently starred at La Dolce Vita, Newcastle, is now headlining for two months at La Dolce Vita Madrid. After her Spanish season she is likely to make a return visit to South Africa.
November 10, 1965 - January 13, 1966
Brigitte wrapped up 1965 and began 1966 with a residency at The York Club in (Av. Jose Antonio, 70, Madrid), alongside Amara Luz, ballet Alegrías, ballet Diabolinas, and Los Ortegas.
June 18, 1966
Evangelist Dr. Billy Graham had been in London for a month-long crusade and visited Soho with plans to "speak and shake hands" with people in the notoriously "sinful" area. Brigitte upstaged the evangelist and caused him to cut his sermon short, which rarely happened during his decades-long career. There are many articles about this incident, so I've primarily focused on those specifically mentioning Brigitte.
The stripper and the evangelist... (Evening Post, Reading, June 18, 1966
American Evangelist Billy Graham took his crusade to London's Soho last night - the square mile of strip clubs. He has condemned Britains morals: and the preoccupation with sex that exists in the Sixties. This was front-line infiltration - though Billy Graham said he was not. inSoho to condemn, but to show his concern for all people, and to invite them to attend crusade meetings. But Soho is a world unto itself. The strip clubs are booming, and the neon lights flash out the success of the drinking clubs. The people who work there don't want change: resent interference, whether well-intentioned or otherwise. Billy Graham discovered this for himself. During his drive down Old Compon Street, stripper Brigette St. John had her own way of saying "leave us alone." As a mark of protest she climbed on to the roof of the evanvelist's car.
Billy Socks The Devil in London (Daily News, NYC, June 19, 1966)
By Henry Maule- Staff Correspondent of The News London, June 18. -At the end of the second week of his Greater London crusade, evangelist Billy Graham said that his venture here had gained momentum much earlier than anticipated. "I think the response shows a great hunger for God in the lives of thousands," Graham said after addressing audiences of about a quarter of a million on the Earls Court sports area,. About 10,000 persons walked up the aisles to accept Christ. Sings Graham Song Among Graham's biggest triumphs was the appearance of pop idol Cliff Richard, who earnestly proclaimed his belief in Christianity. Listening to the British singer were many mini-skirted, Beatle-haired youngsters attracted by his presence. Richard sang a Graham campaign song, "It Is No Secret." Graham spent tonight peacefully traveling to the midland industrial city of Birmingham for a Sunday engagement. Cheering and Jeering It will likely be a welcome change after his hectic five-minute trip to Soho, where milling, cheering and jeering crowds hreaened to crush even his bodyguards and curvy stripper Brigitte St. John scrambled atop his car, exclaiming "I think we might have a lot in common." Graham's visit to Soho was hailed by a pub keeper, who guaranteed him dry martinis up to American standards, and by the deputy manager of two strip joints who had the places specially wired in case the evangelist dropped in to speak. The only word of distress came from Rev. Charles Sinnickson, curate of St. Anne's, Soho, woh complaiined that he had been told nothing about the planned visit. Plunging into the narrow, teeming strees, Graham said. hehad come "not. tocondemn but to show concern for all people." After his trip, he let it be known he might visit Soho again if he had time. Touches on Sex Earlier, in his sex lecture, Graham had warned youngsters that the very foundation of society was being endangered by the new attitude which considered extramarital sex the accepted thing. He said that if Sigmund Freud returned to life, he would say the problem no longer was repression but sex licence.
Fuss in Soho Sends Graham Back to Arena (Dayton Daily News, June 19, 1966)
STRIP JOINT TOUR HALTED London, June 18 - (UPI) - Dr. Billy Graham's crusade returned to London's Earl's Court arena tonight after a tumultuous venture last night into the city's Soho district - notorious as the "Square Mile of Sin." Though the North Carolina evangelist was coerced to cut short his Soho visit when more than 1,000 spectators swirled around him, thousands of followers had lined up at Earl's Court tonight an hour before the doors were open. A crusade spokesman said it looked like another "turn-away crowd" for Graham's sermon on the "Salvation of Christianity."
The Spokesman said that since June 1, when Graham opened his nightly-except Sunday-sessions, 308,331 persons have come out to hear the fiery evangelist. Of these the spokesman said, 12,369 have come forward under the lights to declare themselves for Christ.
The 47-year-old Evanglist has been enthusiastic about his current campaign in Britain, though some of his aides have been quoted as saying that the campaign wasn't going as well as it had been hoped.
There have been nights when the arena drew only 15,000. In addition, Graham has found a certain hostility from the press which has criticized the "emotionalism" of his approach, the expense of the crusade, the public relations techniques of appealing to followers and his repeated assertions that Britain and the western world are crumbling into sex-obsessed decadence. Graham's car was besieged by followers and curious passerby as he arrived in Soho last night. The wall of humanity that closed in around him and his police cordon forced him to cancel plans to wander into one of Soho's strip joints and talks to pep-pill addicts on the streets. Instead, Graham made an attempt to deliver a sermon from the top of his car with a loud speaker. The car was nearly tipped over by the crowd, and after the brief two-minute sermon, he was forced to get inside his car and leave. A blonde stripper named Brigitte St. John jumped on top of his car and had to be taken down by police. "I was moved that so many people in Soho would be interested," Graham said later. He said he hoped he would be able to return to Soho quietly sometime and carry out his original plan.
Evangelist's British Crusade Running Into Trouble (Durham Morning Herald, June 19, 1966)
By Karl E. Meyer
Washington Post-Lost Angeles Times News Service London - Evangelist Billy Graham, who is approaching the midway mark in his 27-day cursade in this city, has been drawing large crowds, mixed publicity and inadequate financial donations. Indeed, there are reports his London crusade will end with a substantial deficit, which would make it Dr. Graham's first financially unsuccessful revival effort in 19 years of preaching. Sir Cyril Black, the crusade treasurer and a Tory MP, told one reporter: "I hope we will be all right, but we may be $60,000 on the wrong side at the. end of the day." The total budget is $840,000.
Crusade spokesmen prefer to talk about nightly attendance at huge Earl's Court Arena (capacity: 25,000). As Saturday, 308,331 persons have attended Dr. Graham's meetings. and12,369 persons are recorded as "inquirers" who heeded his call to stand up for Christ. These figures, it is said, contrast impressively with Graham's first London crusade in 1954 when he preached at Harringay - but that arena has a capacity of 11,000 person. Press coverage falls short of wholesale reverence. Saturday morning the popular papers gave lavish coverage to Graham's excursion in Soho - London's striptease Sodom - but most of the news pictures featured a blonde stripper named Brigitte St. John who had a clambered on the evangelist's Humber automobile. A siege of people on narrow Compton Street forced Graham to retreat prematurely from his improvised pulpit on his car, parked square in front of a cinema showing "Orgy at Lil's Place." Nor have more serious papers been wholly captivated. In an article in the Manchester Guardian written by James Mitchell, Graham was accused of possessing. a"deadly and destructive genius" by the author, who had been converted in the 1954 crusade. Mitchell subsequently turned up on a BBC television interview and confronted Graham with a distraught and not entirely coherent account of he emotional turmoil purportedly caused by conversion. No one could recall when the evangelist had endured a more uncomfortable moment on television. Graham's meetings were also criticized as incongruous and inappropriate to Britain in an article by Bryan Wilson, an Oxford don, appearing in The Spectator magazine. The author felt "selling" God as a form of self-help therapy was objectionable. He concluded: "In secular society, 'selling' religion ought not, perhaps, to seem shocking. However, in the sense in which Britain remains a traditional society - however secularized - some things remain sacred. And these things the American-style revival organization may, even for its own success, insufficiently reverence." But the Graham organization is unperturbed by criticism and confident donations will perk up enough to wipe out any deficit. "When God will start blasting, the money will pour in," a Graham spokesman told the press. Not all the money in the collection boxes is bona fide. Last week, a 19-year-old sudent dropped. in a check out for $2.8 million, and somehow the check was deposited in crusade accounts.
No miracle intervened, and Michael Thiele had his account canceled and got. alecture from his banker. A Graham spokesman explained "We assumed it was a lark" but unaccountably the check entered the usual prosaic banking channels.
Zealots in the fleshpot (TIME Magazine, June 24, 1966)
A his press release put it, "Mr. Graham is not going to Soho to condemn, but to show his concern for all people." Indeed, Billy Graham, 47, aroused considerable concern when he showed up in London's fleshpotty parish. Swinging through a third week of his crusade in Blighty, the evangelist had planned an hour's walk though Soho, but a mob of 2,000 zealots swarmed all over him just across. theway from the Old Compton Street Cinema (current attractiion: Orgy at Lil's Place). Astripper named Brigite St. John screamed: "Billy, what do you think of my mini skirt?" and flung herself onto his car. (Photo caption: London stripper on Graham's Car)
SIN AND MINI SKIRTS -by the girl on Billy Graham's car The strip girl who perched on evangelist Dr. Billy Graham's car iin Soho said yesterday: "Mini-skirts are NOT sinful. "It is all in the mind." The girl, blonde, brown-eyed Brigitte St. John, was trying to protest to Dr. Graham about his views that mini-skirts are "sinful." But she found herself on the roof of his car, cheered on by 2,000 men. Dr. Graham had planned an hour-long preaching tour of Soho on Friday night. It ended after five minutes when police dispersed the crowd - and Brigitte. Angry In Soho yesterday, Maltese-born Brigitte, 21, said: "I think Dr. Graham is doing a wonderful job. I would love to see him working but I just haven't the time. "But I felt really angry when I read that he said short skirts bring sin, and I wanted very much to tell him this. "But it was impossible to get near him because of the crowd. Suddenly I found myself on top of his car. "See this skirt i'm wearing now?" said Brigitte. "It is only six inches above my knees. "How can that be sinful? Sometimes I wear. a skirt ten inches above the knees. "That is not sinful, either. It is just fashionable. "Mind you, if they go any higher than ten inches the girls might as well wear nothing. at all. Artistry "They might just as well flaunt their bodies openly and that would be nasty," said Brigitte. "People will say stripping in front of men is sinful. It is not. "It is artistry, especially if it is done properly." Dr. Graham says. he intends to visit a basement coffee bar in Soho this week. If he does, Brigitte will be waiting. She said: "I will put on a MINI-MINI skirt and see what he thinks of that. "He may not like it, but the boys will - they appreciate fashions" (Photo caption: Strip girl Brigitte St. John yesterday in a thigh-high mini-skirt. sometimes wears one 10 inches above the knee)
The left photo is a scan of an actual photo I own, the middle photo is the article attached on the back.
(NY8-June 18) Billy Graham is popular in Soho -- Evangelist Billy Graham, gesturing to crowd in photo at left, is caught in a mob scene during a trip to Soho, London's so-called square mile of sin, yesterday. At right, a blond French stripper named Bridget, billed at Soho club as having changed from a man to a woman, is restrained after she climbed on top of Graham's car. Graham's planned visit of an hour was cut to ten minutes by the enthusiasm of crowd estimated at one to two thousand. (APWirephoto via cable from London) ph7075pw)1966
So, Ho Billy Evangelist Billy Graham gestures, left, as he is caught up in a mob scene during. atrip to Soho, called London's square mile of sin. At right a blonde French stripper known as Bridget, is restrained after she climbed on top of Graham's car. Graham's 'quiet walk,' scheduled to last an hour was cut to ten minutes by the over-enthusiasm of the crowd. Billy said later he hoped to return.
June 1967
Don Levy's Herostratus is released. This is Brigitte's earliest-known film role, and her footage was filmed in either 1964 or 1965. Her striptease is spliced throughout the movie, so I painstakingly edited all the clips she's in and pieced them together to make a somewhat cohesive striptease. Please note, this is age restricted, so you must watch on Youtube.
Additionally, she is credited as "Brigitte Saint John", which makes me wonder what the story of her name change actually is, and if the "Bond" name started and ended with Tom Littlewood's management.
October 13, 1966
It seems as though Brigitte had moved to Spain around this time, and an article mentioned that she had a role in the James Bond spoof, Casino Royale. Brigitte is not in the credits for this movie, but many people weren't. The production was notoriously troubled, and many scenes ended up cut.
Original Text (Catalan)
Tambien las chicas "Bond" quieren trabajar en España
Brigitte St. John, que acaba de terminar de rodar la pelicula "Casino Royal" junto a Peter Sellers. Ha llegaod a Espana para probar suerte en nuestro cine
Es cantante y bailarina, pero ahora quiere llegar a ser una buena actriz.
La chica es guapa y liene bonita figura. La chica acaba de llegar a nuesro pais, mezelada con esos millones de turistas que nos visitan anualmenta pero, a decir verdad, no paso desapercibida entre ellos. Brigitte St. John, que de esta forma la llaman, nunca pasara desapercibida, porque…bueno, basta ver la foto para saber el porque.
Brigitte itene vientidos anos y se dedica al cante y al balle.
Si, soy bailarina y cantante, y he actuado en muches cabarets y salas de fiestas de Italia, Francia, e Inglaterra. Pero he intervenido en 'varias peliculas; la ultima ha sido "Casino Royale", de la serle James Bond, en la que be trabajado al lado de Peter Sellers.
De dondo es usted?
Es un poco complicadem pero intentare decirio. Mi madre es francesa y mi padre era italiano, pero yo naci en la isla de Malta. Ademas, para mas internacionalidad, he vivido en varies paises.
Cuante tiemp permancera en Espana?
No se, pero mi intencion es quedarme bastante tiempo, aunque para elle es necesario que yo "encaje" en el cine espanfiol.De momento tengo que cumplir un contrate con una sala de fiestas de Madrid.
Uno se pasaria la manana en casa de Brigitte St. John pero…hay que trabajar. Solo no queda el consuelo de que nuestros productores cinematograficos te den contratos, y de esta manera, al seguir en Madrid, pedrees de vex en cuando hacerle una entrevista.
Bond Girls Also Want to Work in Spain Brigitte St. John, who has just finished shooting the movie "Casino Royale" with Peter Sellers. He has arrived in Spain to try his luck in our cinema She is a singer and dancer, but now she wants to become a good actress. The girl is beautiful and has a nice figure. The girl has just arrived in our country, mingled with those millions of tourists who visit us annually but, to tell the truth, she does not go unnoticed among them. Brigitte St. John, who is called in this way, will never go unnoticed, porque... well, just look at the photo to know the porque. Brigitte is twenty years old and dedicates herself to singing and dancing. Yes, I am a dancer and singer, and I have performed in many cabarets and ballrooms in Italy, France, and England. But I have intervened in several films; the last one was "Casino Royale", by James Bond, in which he worked alongside Peter Sellers. Where are you from? It's a bit complicated but I'll try I'd say. My mother is French and my father was Italian, but I was born on the island of Malta. Also, for more internationality, I have lived in several countries. How long will you stay in Spain? I don't know, but my intention is to stay for a long time, although for her it is necessary that I "fit in" in Spanish cinema. At the moment I have to fulfill a contract with a party hall in Madrid. One would spend the morning at Brigitte St. John but... we have to work. There is only the consolation that our film producers give you contracts, and in this way, when you continue in Madrid, you will be stoned when you interview him.
September 14, 1967 - November 21, 1967
Brigitte performed in a new stage show, "Symphonie de Couleurs" at El Biombo Chino (Isabel la Católica 6, at Casino de San Remo, Madrid). This show's cast was primarily with Joseph Montes, Carla, Helge and Ward, Edward y los Wyndis, Los Pekes, Juan Sanchez. Other performances included Vera Sanders, Los Sayonoras, Delores Ley, and Wendy and the Gardenian's.
HOY Inauguración de la temporada Presentando completo al fabuloso espectáculo del Casino de San Remo Con su primer bailarin y coreografo Joseph Montes Y como arttistas invitadas las grandes estrellas internacionales. CARLA Tres magnificas orquestas!!! EDWARD y los WYNDIS, LOS PEKES, y JUAN SANCHEZ TODAY Inauguration of the season Presenting complete at the fabulous show at the Casino de San Remo With his first dancer and choreographer Joseph Montes And as guest artists the great international stars. CARLA, BRIGITTE ST. JOHN, HELGE AND WARD Three magnificent orchestras!!! EDWARD y los WYNDIS, LOS PEKES, y JUAN SANCHEZ
9/20/67
Brigitte had been photographed between taxis in Gran Via, Madrid. I found comments such as this one online about Brigitte's traffic-stopping beauty and presence in Madrid.
Original Text (Catalan)
Excentricidad publicitaria es la que hace unos días nos ofreció la explosiva Brigitte St. John en plena Gran Vía, dejándose fotografiar en muchi-falda entre dos taxis, en plena calzada, y con un enorme racimo de "mirones embobados" a su alrededor. Ella busca un puesto en el cine, y no deja de aprovechar la circunstancia de darse a conocer, por el método que sea.
Advertising eccentricity is what the explosive Brigitte St. John offered us a few days ago in the middle of Gran Vía, allowing herself to be photographed in full skirt between two taxis, in the middle of the road, and with a huge cluster of "stunned onlookers" around her. She is looking for a position in the cinema, and she does not fail to take advantage of the circumstance to get to know each other, by any method. (Google Translate)
January 6, 1968-January 13, 1968
Brigitte performed at Night Club Flamingo (Francisco Gonzáles, Diaz, 1, Ciudad Jardin) in Gran Canaria.
El Eco de Canarias, January 6 & January 13, 1968
Brigitte Sto John (Spanish)
Brigitte Sto John La Mas Sexy, Entre Las Sexys Fue como una explosión. Un impaco. La linda francesita llegó precedida de gran fama y haciendo honor a ello, representó con soberbia condición artistica del más puro sexy, presentándose con la excepcionalidad de su arte y estilo, ganando la admiración, provocando el aplauso, consitituyendo suceso dentro de un éxito que no tiene igual. Brigitte Sto John, la sexy entre las sexys. Flamingo está de enhorabeuena.
Brigitte Sto John (Google Translate)
Brigitte Sto John
The Sexiest, Between
the sexy ones
It was like an explosion. an immaculate The beautiful French girl arrived preceded by great fame and honoring it, she represented the purest sexy with superb artistic condition, presenting herself with the exceptionality of her art and style, winning admiration, provoking applause, constituting an event within a success that did not has the same
Brigitte Sto John, the sexy among the sexy. Flamingo is in luck.
Night Club Flamingo Advertisement (Spanish)
¿AHORA QUE? AHORA POR PRIMERA VEZ EN LAS PALMAS EL SEX-APPEAL DE BRIGITTE ST JOHN excéntrica, arrebatadoramente guapa y una de las más atractivas vedettes frivolas conocidas mundialmente DIRECTAMENTE DE PARIS que debutará el próximo lunes después de haber hecho suceso en las más prestigiosas Salas internacionales Reaparción en Las Palmas, después de sus triunfoles actuaciones en Europa, del ballet internacional arrevistado de: PATRICIA LORCA con su conjunto de 15 monísi mas y esculturales chicas. Sigue el exito ininterrumpido de la corrtosionista y acrobática estrella italiana GISELLE BELL (James Bond 007) Y siempre la actuación del balle de arte español de: PEPITO VARGAS Todas las noches dos pases de atracciones. a la una y a las dos y media de la madrugada. Los mejores espectáculos para el mejor público.
Night Club Flamingo Advertisement (Google Translate)
NOW WHAT? NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN LAS PALMAS THE SEX-APPEAL OF BRIGITTE ST JOHN
eccentric, captivatingly beautiful and one of the most attractive frivolous vedettes known worldwide
DIRECTLY FROM PARIS that will debut next Monday after having been successful in the most prestigious international theaters
Reappearance in Las Palmas, after her triumphant performances in Europe, of the international ballet arrested by: PATRICIA LORCA with her ensemble of 15 cute and statuesque girls.
Follow the uninterrupted success of Italian stunt performer GISELLE BELL (James Bond 007)
And always the performance of the Spanish art ballet by: PEPITO VARGAS
Two attractions passes every night. at one and two-thirty in the morning. The best shows for the best audience.
Brigitte St John (Spanish)
Directamente de París, mundialmente conocida, excéntrica y frivola, insinuante y embrujadoramente guapa, auténticamente sexy, aplaudida y cotizada en los mejores ambientes de los "night clubs" modernos, Brigitte S. John, nueva versión de Coccinelli, pero supervedette auténtica, viene a Las Palmas para exhibir todo su arte en funciones de gala que encontrarán eco en la Sala de Fiestas de Ciudad Jardín, Flamingo, que siguiendo su línea de presentar verdaderas novedades, ahora nos trae a esta francesita, en plena carrera de éxitos, después de la transformación que la ha convertido en un delicado bombón.
Brigitte St John (Google Translate)
Directly from Paris, world famous, eccentric and frivolous, insinuatingly and bewitchingly beautiful, authentically sexy, applauded and sought after in the best modern "night club" environments, Brigitte S. John, a new version of Coccinelle, but a true supervedette, comes to Las Palmas to exhibit all her art at gala functions that will find an echo in the Ciudad Jardín Party Hall, Flamingo, which, following its line of presenting true novelties, now brings us this French girl, in the midst of a successful career, after the transformation that has turned her into a delicate chocolate.
June 20, 1968 - July 25, 1968
Brigitte had a month-long residency at the York Club (Av. Jose Antonio, 70, Madrid) in Madrid, performing alongside Lolita Rivera, Nita, Mincha, and Coccinelle.
(ABC Madrid Newspaper)
October 2, 1968
Performed in "Grande Poeta é o Zé!" at Teatro Maria Vitória in Lisbon, Portugal. I am not sure if she was in the performance. or an opening act.
January 20, 1969
"La muchacha del Nilo"(also released as "The Girl of the Nile", "The Emerald of Aratama", and "Misterio en el Nilo"), starring Rory Calhoun and Nuria Torray premiered in Spain. Brigitte performed a supporting role as "Brigitte St. Shons", and has a featured dance. You may see this movie here, if you're interested.
5/23/1969
"La esclava del paraíso" (also released as "1001 Nights" and "Sharaz") premiered in Spain. Brigitte performs a role as "the king's favorite wife". You may watch this movie here, if you're interested. Brigitte is on the far right of the "Sharaz" poster below.
Brigitte claims to have been in over 100 movies in this period - if you think you see her in a movie, let me know!
February 1970
Brigitte appeared in the February 1970 issues of Beautiful Britons Magazine and Spick Magazine. Photos from the same photoshoot appeared in the April 1972 issue of Spick Magazine. For uncensored photos, purchase a copy of these magazines and support the archivist at Vintage Fetish.
In the early 1970s, Brigitte performed at New York Night Club (Escudillers, 5) in Barcelona, Spain.
May 28, 1971 - May 31, 1971
Brigitte performed a few dates at Teatro Alcione (Corso Regina Margherita, 134) in Torino, Italy.
December 8, 1971 - December 11, 1971
Brigitte performed a few dates at Teatro Alcione (Corso Regina Margherita, 134) in Torino, Italy.
May 15, 1972 - May 21, 1972 Brigitte performed a few dates at Teatro Alcione (Corso Regina Margherita, 134) in Torino, Italy.
August 19, 1972 - August 26, 1972
Brigitte performed a few dates at Nueva Romana (Carretera de La Coruña, kilómetro 9,200) in Madrid, alongside Eva Greiner and Nano Martín.
1974-1975
Gay Club (Paseo del Prado , 48, almost on the corner of Atocha) opened in Madrid on December 21, 1974. Brigitte performed at Gay Club, likely in their "Loco, loco cabaret" show, alongside Paco Espana. I am not 100% sure about the specifics. of her time at Gay Club, but given the surrounding details of her life, it seems as though it was in its early days.
Additioally, keep in mind how much of a daring move this was, considering Spain was still under an oppressive dictatorship where homosexuality was illegal, and many LGBTQ+ lives were lost during his regime. Below is an interview with Paco Espana describing working with Brigitte at Gay Club from Carla Antonelli's website.
Paco Espana on Brigitte (Spanish)
Con Paco España estaban el siempre espectacular “ Bello Paco”, el cantante José Antonio, la trans Brigitte Saint John de supervedette, el transformista Patrick, Victor Campanine, Daniello y David Vilches.
"...Después debuto una italiana que decía que era una mujer, y que se llamaba Brigitte St. Jones. (sic) Estaba medio loca …histérica, era el clásico histerismo. Decía que era una mujer y de aquí no había quien la sacara. Nosotros sabíamos que era un chico. Se paseaba por la sala con una bata…un día estaba yo en la barra con una pulsera de brillantitos, vestido de chico porque no nos dejaban vestir de mujer. Y la Brigitte va y me dice; < ¿No te da vergüenza llevar una pulsera de brillantes? > Y le dije < ¿Ya ti no te da vergüenza que siendo una vedette andes por la sala , llena cono está, con una bata y unas zapatillas de casa?>. En este momento desapareció de mi lado y al rato apareció con un vestido maravilloso y unos zapatos de escándalo y me dijo; < ¿Te gusta mas así?> y le conteste: < Pues así está mejor>. "
Paco Espana on Brigitte (English, Google Translate)
With Paco España were the always spectacular “Bello Paco”, the singer José Antonio, the trans supervedette Brigitte Saint John, the drag queen Patrick, Victor Campanine, Daniello and David Vilches.
"... Then an Italian debuted who said that she was a woman, and that her name was Brigitte St. Jones (sic). She was half crazy… hysterical, she was the classic hysteria. She said that she was a woman and there was no one to get her out of here. We knew he was a boy. He walked around the room in a robe... one day I was at the bar with a rhinestone bracelet, dressed as a boy because they didn't let us dress as women. And Brigitte goes and tells me; "Aren't you embarrassed to wear a diamond bracelet?" And I told her "Aren't you ashamed that being a vedette you walk through the room, full as she is, with a robe and house slippers?". At this moment she disappeared from my side and after a while she appeared with a wonderful dress and scandalous shoes and she told me; "Do you like it better like this?" and I answered: "Well, it's better like that".
1975 Brigitte was contracted to perform in Palma, Balearic Islands, for only two weeks, however, her act was so popular, she ended up staying four months. I am not sure if her entire time was at Jartan's (Carrer d'Antonia Martínez Fiol, 1), or at another club on the island, like Tito's. If you were there, let me know!
March 12, 1976 - March 24, 1976
Brigitte performed at the Rialto (R. San Pablo, 34.) in Barcelona with Remo and Nathalie, and Manolo de Vega. She also performed one date with Basil and Chantal.
La Vanguardia Española
RIALTO. (R. San Pablo, 34.) — Todas las noches: Show internacional con Brigitte St. John, Remo et Nathalie y Manolo de Vega. (Pase del show a las 12 y 1'30). Tardes: Discoteca. RIALTO. (R. San Pablo, 34.) - Every Night: International Show with Brigitte St. John, Remo and Nathalie and Manolo de Vega. (Pass of the show at 12 and 1'30). Afternoons: Disco.
April 3, 1976 - May 2,1976
Brigitte performed a month-long residency at Club Scarlet (Alcalde Costa, 43) in Lleida, Spain. During his residency, she performed alongside Riki Show, Mary Montilla, May Doll, Sonia Escudero, Ines Medina, Los Trianeros, Uya Lin, Angelines Roca.
Diario de Lerida
April 8, 1976
An interview with Brigitte was published in Diario de Lerida. This is her last-known interview, and her residency at Club Scarlet was the last time I found proof of her actively performing.
Self define como: «girl-showman; dentro del espectácnío del musíc hall: (Spanish)
Sí realmente tuviésemos que ha - cer un a crítica de la actuación, con que deleitó al público el día de su debut en Sala de Fiestas Club Scarlet, Brigitte Saint-John, creo nos sería bastante difícil, ya que no estábamos acostumbrados a ver algo de tanta categoría... de tanto colorido...
Brigitte és italiana de Malta; su verdadero nombre es Giovanna, y lo que es seguro por su forma de actuar es que lleva muchas "tablas" en sus pies, que viene a ser lo mismo que mucho tiempo en los escenarios.
Nos recibe en su camerino, lleno de trajes y unos taburetes esparcidos...cogemos uno, nos sentamos y preguntamos:
¿Cuánto tiempo en el mundo del espectáculo Brigitte?
Desde los 16 años.
¿Cuál es tu fuerte?
Soy un a girl -cantante- showman, dentro, del espectáculo del muslc hall.
Tengo entendido que cantando lo haces bien...
(Sé ríe). Mira yo tengo discos grabados en mi, país, en Italia.
Es Brigitte, la mujer, que hablando lo hace medio en italiano, medio, en español. Nos, explica que ha visitado todos los continentes, que ha actuado en Las Vegas, EE, UU,. los únicos países que no ha actuado han sido, los comunistas, al mismo tiempo que nos explica, que allí no permiten ese tipo de espectáculos.
¿Cuánto tiempo llevas en España? ¿Habías venido alguna vez a Lérida?
Yo estuve en España, antes de casarme. Ahora llevo dos meses entre Barcelona, Madrid y Costa Brava. Con respecto a tu segunda pregunta, te diré que es la primera vez que vengo a Lérida.
¿Y que te, parece?
Lo siento pero no puedo contest ya que no la conozco aún, acabo de llegar.
¿Cuántos, números puedes representar ante ei público?
Muchos. Normalmente cambio m¡s números cada año. Los que presento en Scarlet ahora son dos. El primero de ellos se titula "Las Végas", en él canto el tema "Fiebre",
El segundo de ellos, lo titulo "París 1.900". AI igual que el antíerior canto, viene a ser como un show estilo americano.
¿Brigitte, quien te prepara. los números?
Me los prepara Gino Landi, es„ el mismo que los hace para Rafaella Carrá.
Con qué personales has trabajado?
Por ejemplo con Don Lurió, en Las Vegas.
Después "dé tu familia, que elegirías...?
Italia.
... y a continuación?
España, por su sol, su mar, su gente , su todo...
¿Ciudad, o país que peor recuerdo tienes?
El Cairo (Egipto), es una ciudad muy. sucia.
Y el más bonito?
Rhodesia, África del Este, Ciudad del Cabo…
¿Hasta cuándo tienes "cuerda" ?
Hasta los cuarenta años, faltan diez aún.
¿Y después que piensas hacer?
Tengo mi casa en Campagna (Italia), con tierras que pienso cultivarlas con mi marido, plantar árboles, plantas... ver y vivir la vida del campo.
¿Üómo te definirías?
Me dice la gente que soy muy nerviosa, pero simpática; buena y con carácter, fácil.
¿Cuáles son tus hobbys Brigitte?
Cocinar, leer, hacer enfadar a mi marido, (se ríe, su esposo que acaba de entrar en el camerino), además soy una gran amante del arte, me encanta visitar monumentos.
Finalmente le preguntamos a Brigitte, ¿qué opinas del amor?
Es la cosa, más maravillosa del mundo, si se quiere de verdad y sin interés.
La actuación le espera tiene que maquillarse, cambiarse, en definitiva prepararse, para salir a escena, abajo esperan un centenar de leridanos entre el humo del pitillo y e! güisky on the rocks. Suerte y éxitos.
Self defines as: “girl-showman; inside the hall music show: (English, Google Translate)
If we really had to make a critique of the performance, with which she delighted the audience on the day of her debut at Club Scarlet Party Hall, Brigitte Saint-John, I think it would be quite difficult for us, as we were not used to seeing anything. of so much category ... of so much colorful …
Brigitte is Italian from Malta; Her real name is Giovanna, and what is certain about her performance is that she has many "boards" on her feet, which is the same as a long time on stage.
He greets us in his dressing room, full of suits and scattered stools ... we grabbed one, sat down and asked:
How long in the entertainment world Brigitte?
From the age of 16.
How strong are you?
I'm a girl-singer-showman, inside, the music hall show.
I understand that by singing you do well
(I laugh). Look, I have records recorded in my country, in Italy.
Is Brigitte, the woman, who speaks it half in Italian, half in Spanish. He explains that he has visited every continent, that he has performed in Las Vegas, USA, USA. the only countries that have not acted have been the communists, at the same time he explains to us, that they do not allow such shows there.
How long have you been in Spain? Have you ever been to Lleida?
I was in Spain before I got married. I have now spent two months between Barcelona, Madrid and the Costa Brava. With regard to your second question, I will tell you that this is the first time I have come to Lleida.
And what do you think?
I'm sorry but I can't answer because I don't know her yet, I just arrived.
How many numbers can you represent to the public?
Many. I usually change more numbers each year. The ones I present at Scarlet are now two. The first of these is entitled "Las Vegas", in which he sings the theme "Fever",
The second of these, entitled "Paris 1900". Like the previous song, AI is like an American-style show.
Brigitte, who's preparing you? the numbers?
Gino Landi prepares them for me, he is the same one who makes them for Rafaella Carrá.
What staff have you worked with?
For example with Don Lurió, in Las Vegas.
Then "give your family, which one would you choose ...?
Italy.
... and then?
Spain, for its sun, its sea, its people, its everything …
City, or country you have the worst memory of?
Cairo (Egypt) is a very beautiful city. dirty.
And the most beautiful?
Rhodesia, East Africa, Cape Town…
How long do you have "rope"?
Up to the age of forty, there are still ten left.
And then what do you plan to do?
I have my house in Campagna (Italy), with land that I plan to cultivate with my husband, plant trees, plants ... see and live the life of the countryside.
How would you define yourself?
People tell me I'm very nervous, but nice; good and with character, easy.
What are your hobbies Brigitte?
Cooking, reading, making my husband angry, (laughs, her husband just entered the dressing room), I'm also a great lover of art, I love to visit monuments.
Finally we ask Brigitte, what do you think of love?
It is the most wonderful thing in the world, if you really want it and without interest.
The performance is waiting for you, you have to put on make-up, change, in short, get ready to go on stage, down there are a hundred people waiting for you in the smoke of the pitillo and a whisky on the rocks. Good luck and success.
If you have any information on Brigitte, what happened to her, or saw her perform, please contact BrigitteBond1964@gmail.com. EVERY TIP MATTERS! Thank you!