Remembering Dame Cleo Laine (1927 - 2025)
- info0131428
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
AESS is very sad to hear of the recent death of Cleo Laine.
Dame Cleo was, of course, a legend of song and music theatre, well-known and much loved by millions from her performances on stage and screen. AESS is deeply honoured to have had Dame Cleo as an Honorary President of our society. She will be much missed.
Memories of Cleo Laine
Submitted by Jackie Southgate, PA to Cleo Laine 1979 - 1982
I first met Cleo Laine in 1979 when I went for an interview to be her and John Dankworth's PA. It was unusual as it took place in their Drawing Room whilst Cleo was sitting for a portrait by the renowned artist June Mendoza. I think I passed with flying colours when I correctly identified which of the coffee pots was the decaffeinated one.
And from that moment on, I became part of the Laine/Dankworth family.
Cleo and John were both very warm, funny and, of course, extremely talented people.
Life at The Old Rectory was never dull and when Cleo and John weren't touring overseas, there was always something going on at home.
John wrote a musical especially for Cleo called CleoColette which was to be premiered in the West End with Princess Margaret in attendance. I was given free reign to choose a dress for myself from Cleo's wardrobe for the premiere. After the show she asked why I had not chosen the Zandra Rhodes dress she had left out for me which she thought I would like. I thought this was the dress she had chosen for herself. I was a bit miffed because it was a beautiful dress and I would have loved to have worn it.
As you would expect from two very famous people, there was always plenty of fan mail and gifts to deal with. I spent many an afternoon with Cleo in the Conservatory overlooking the garden whilst she happily dictated away to fans and friends worldwide. One very unusual gift was 6 bantam chicken eggs which came whilst Cleo was away so I was gifted them and they made a very tasty omelette.
Cleo also had a rose named after her – the 'Cleo Laine', which was a pink hybrid tea rose. The growers were keen to present the rose to Cleo but as they were about to embark upon another overseas tour, the only solution was to meet her at Heathrow Airport. So we set off for the airport, Cleo and I sitting in the back of the Rolls Royce. There was the usual publicity photos of Cleo and her beautiful rose and then they were off, so she gave me the bouquet of flowers to enjoy in her absence.
John composed an oratorio with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee. My husband and I were invited to be part of this special evening but as John had to arrive early, Cleo was left without a lift. We stepped in and offered to take her. Not many people have given Cleo Laine a lift in the back of their Ford Escort. She graciously declined a lift back and went with John in the Rolls Royce. We then enjoyed a lovely dinner back at The Old Rectory with other guests including Benny Green and Avril Dankworth. It was so lovely to listen to their stories.
The annual Christmas Concert was always delightful to be part of, as each year, there was something different to do. Cleo wanted a fairy crown, and John wanted a school cap, so out came the sewing kit and glue gun. That was always a family affair, with their children, Alec and Jacqui, also taking part.
Working for Cleo Laine and being part of their excellent environment has given me a lasting, happy memory. And each year, I have received one of their famous Christmas cards, which I will always treasure.
August 2025 | With thanks.
