Born over a fish and chip shop owned by her grandmother in Molesworth Street, Rochdale, Lancashire, she made her first stage appearance as a child in 1905. Her two sisters, Edith and Betty, and brother, Tommy, all went on to appear on stage, but Gracie was the most successful. Her professional debut in variety took place at the Rochdale Hippodrome theatre in 1910 and she soon gave up her job in the local cotton mill.
She met comedian Archie Pitt and they began working together. Pitt would come to serve as her manager and the two married in 1923. Their first revue in 1915 was called Yes I think so and the two continued to tour Britain together until 1922 in the revue Mr Tower of London.
Her most famous song, which became her theme, "Sally," was worked into the title of her first cinema film, Sally in Our Alley (1931), which was a major box office hit. She went on to make several films initially in Britain and later in the United States (for which she was paid a record fee of US$200,000 for four films), despite never performing without a live audience.
Ironically, the final few lines of the song 'Sally' were written by her husband's mistress, and Gracie sang this song at nearly every performance she made from 1931 onwards.
Ave Maria
Gracie Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gra-atia ple-ena
Do-ominus te-ecum
Be-e-enedi-i-icta tu
In mu-li-i-ieribus
Be-enedictus
Fructu-u-us ventri-i-is
Tu-ae, Je-esus
Santa Mari-ia
Mari-ia
Ora pro no-obis
Nobis peccatoribus
Nunc e-et in hor-ora
In hor-ora-a mor-orti-is
No-ostrae-ae
A...men
A...men...
The song "Ave Maria" is a powerful invocation to the Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession and blessings. The Latin words provide a solemn and reverential tone, creating a sense of spiritual awe and respect for the subject matter. The opening lines speak of Mary's grace, as she is blessed among women, and further verses describe her son, Jesus, as the fruit of her womb. The chorus repeats the plea for Mary to pray for us sinners, especially in our hour of death.
The song's simple melody and repetitive structure enhance the devotional nature of the lyrics. The slower tempo allows for reflection and contemplation, while the rising and falling notes create a sense of anticipation and resolution. Gracie Fields' rendition of the song adds a layer of emotion and vulnerability, as her voice quavers with feeling during certain phrases. Overall, "Ave Maria" is a moving tribute to Mary and her role in Catholicism, calling upon her to guide and protect believers.
Line by Line Meaning
A...ve Mari-ia
Hail Mary, full of grace
Gra-atia ple-ena
Graceful and perfect
Do-ominus te-ecum
The Lord is with you
Be-e-enedi-i-icta tu
Blessed are you
In mu-li-i-ieribus
Among women
Be-enedictus
Blessed
Fructu-u-us ventri-i-is
The fruit of thy womb
Tu-ae, Je-esus
Jesus
Santa Mari-ia
Holy Mary
Santa Mari-ia
Holy Mary
Mari-ia
Mary
Ora pro no-obis
Pray for us
Nobis peccatoribus
Now and at the hour of our death
Nunc e-et in hor-ora
We who are sinners
In hor-ora-a mor-orti-is
Now and in the hour of our death
No-ostrae-ae
Our
A...men
Amen
A...men...
Amen
Contributed by Josiah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Karim Al Hassani
Loved this since I was a little boy, reminds me of childhood sixty years ago.
geoffrey Grayson
just listened to gracies ava maria.it's made me cry. when i was about 10 my mom was ill and dieing in bed and i played it incessantly to her at the bottom of the stairs.on an old wind up gramophone.in about 1956, old breakable type record
Aidan Amson
Awesome Gracie, so moving. Thanks you.
Nigel Wickens
When Gracie died Harry secome was asked about Gracie and what he said summed it up in these few words 'She was the greatest of them all ' God bless you Gracie for the great pleasure you brought to so many
Toranaboy634
When we got a little portable record player in the late sixties, we had few (well literally) records. One was "Our Gracie". I have ever after loved Gracie Fields. She's the pride of my alley and no mistake :)
gasgas270
I love her.
Judy Jones
Just beautiful
Mark Cowan
Listening to this it's no surprise that the Italian Opera Singer Luisa Tetrazzini wanted Gracie Fields to sing in Grand Opera but Gracie declined choosing to stay "where she belonged"
Her vocal range was very impressive and whilst we are aware that she is a world away from todays style of music its worth bearing in mind that Gracie sang without the aid of voice enhancers and could project it in large theatres in the days before surround sound.
gf1001
@MAFjournal It sure is a gem thank you....
Rob-Botics calisthenics home training
If you don't cry to this your not human. Our gracie was a real talent