Anne Shelton

Anne Shelton, OBE (born Patricia Jacqueline Sibley on November 10, 1923, in Dulwich, London, England - died on July 31, 1994 in in Hurstmonceux, England) was a popular English vocalist who is widely remembered for providing inspirational songs for soldiers both on radio broadcasts, and in person, at British military bases during World War II. She was the first artist to record an English version of Lale Andersen's wartime classic "Lili Marleen" (lyrics written by Tommy Connor), and she had a UK #1 hit in 1956 with "Lay Down Your Arms", that was engineered by Joe Meek.

In 1961 she participated in BBC TV's A Song for Europe Contest, the UK qualifying heat for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry, "I Will Light a Candle" was placed fourth. Lale Andersen, who recorded the original German version of "Lili Marleen" also entered the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, although her song only made it to #13. Anne made another attempt at Eurovision in 1963 with "My Continental Love" - and came fourth again.

She also sang and acted in several motion pictures.

In 1990 she was awarded the OBE for her work with the "Not Forgotten Association", a charitable organization for disabled former service personnel from all wars. Anne Shelton died in Hurstmonceux, England in 1994 and was interred in the Brenchley Gardens cemetery in South East London.


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