- born Grace Stansfield in Rochdale, Lancashire, England on January 9, 1898

- career began when she was discovered, at the age of seven, singing as she cleaned the neighbourhood outhouses for a halfpenny a week

- toured Britain as a music-hall singer and comedienne, gaining fame in the revue Mr. Tower of London

- continued stage and concert work throughout her life

- known and respected for her interpretations of both comedic songs and sincere, moving ballads

- sang and recorded 100s of songs; performed on radio and TV; made 16 films

- toured extensively during World War II, raising money for the war effort and entertaining the troops

- in her day, the world's highest paid actress

- made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in February, 1979

- died September 27, 1979, at her home on the island of Capri

- known universally as "Our Gracie"

"She was the biggest star Britain ever had." - Harry Secombe

"Many show-business people are liked, but Gracie was loved." - Eric Morecambe

"The world's Queen of Song." - Cyril Smith

"Her voice and artistry are unrivalled in their field." - Bert Aza

"That remarkable voice - leather lungs with a silver lining." - Kenneth Allsop

"The greatest British entertainer that ever lived." - Bernard Delfort