Dory Previn describes the chain of events that eventually brought her to Ireland.
The American lyricist and singer songwriter Dory Previn does not have the image of the conventional pop singer.
She is more of a cult figure enshrining in her music her harsh life experiences.
Dory Previn was first introduced to the Irish public by RTÉ broadcaster Liam Nolan in the early 1970s. In 1977, she played the National Stadium in Dublin. Her show inspired musical director Jim Doherty and producer Noel Pearson to create the stage show 'Hunky Dory', incorporating her songs. This stage show featured the actor John Kavanagh, Scottish singer Terry Neeson and Twink.
In 1979 RTÉ producer John McColgan suggested a television version of 'Hunky Dory', this time with Dory Previn, who was taking a leading role in the stage show's revival at the Gaiety Theatre. In the 1980 version of Hunky Dory, John Kavanagh was unavailable, so Colm Wilkinson took his place.
Meeting up with Liam Nolan in Dublin, Dory Previn describes the chain of events that eventually brought her to Ireland. When Noel Pearson asked if she would like to come to Ireland and perform a show, she knew she would have to conquer her fear of flying and fly for the first time in 18 years.
Dory Previn thinks the stage show 'Hunky Dory' did her a good turn.
They gave me a gift with their performance, and I knew that the only way I could return it was to come and acknowledge that gift and return the gift by performing with them.
Recorded in April 1980, the RTÉ Television show 'Hunky Dory' starred Dory Previn with Terry Neeson, Colm Wilkinson and Twink. It was first broadcast on 24 November 1980.
'Dory Previn in Conversation' was broadcast on 23 November 1980. The presenter is Liam Nolan.
