Living legend and queen of soul Pat ‘P.P.’ Arnold needs no introduction, having accumulated a lifetime of show stopping performances in the studio and on stage, whether through her successful solo work with ’60s hits like ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest’ & ‘Angel Of The Morning’ and her critically acclaimed 2019 solo album ‘The New Adventures Of…’ or as the go-to voice for rock’n’soul legends like Ike & Tina Turner, Small Faces, Stevie Wonder, Roger Waters and Nick Drake amongst others.
Following the release this year of her Uncut, Rough Trade and Resident ‘Book Of The Year’ autobiography ‘Soul Survivor’ in July the next chapter in P.P. Arnold’s story is her glorious first time Christmas single ‘It Won’t Be Christmas Without You’. Produced by Mark Taylor & Patrick Mascall from Metrophonic Productions Ltd. who also share writing credits alongside Paul Barry, the opportunity to record the track was a joy for Arnold after the isolation of lockdown. “I wasn’t thinking ‘Christmas’ originally I just wanted to be in the studio recording and being able to do that.”
The BBC Radio 2 and JazzFM A Playlisted and iTunes chart topping track ‘It Won’t Be Christmas Without You’ proves that time hasn’t diminished the power and resonance of P.P. Arnold’s voice, which soars and touches the soul with the same power that it did years ago when she first burst onto the global music scene.
Arnold’s skill with her vocal delivery is something which many other vocalists would find hard to match, a talent fine-tuned over decades of professional singing work, but true to her loving spirit she understands the significance of connecting with the hearts and minds of people at one of the most important times of the year.
This chapter in the continuing adventures of a soul survivor proves that P.P. Arnold continues to hold her own alongside her contemporaries, and reminds us all to cherish her beautiful talents as she forges her own unique path into a bright future.
SOUL SURVIVOR – The Autobiography of P. P. Arnold Published
by Nine Eight Books a division of Bonnier Books Ltd on 7th July 2022
Uncut Magazine ‘Book of the Year’
A Rough Trade ‘Book of the Year’
A Resident ‘Book of the Year’ ‘Brutally honest… this memoir is a sizzler.’ Daily Telegraph ‘
Searingly honest account of an extraordinary life… powerful stuff.’ Radio Times ‘A jaw-dropping memoir. Arnold’s resilience sparkles throughout. This isn’t just surviving, it’s flourishing.’ MOJO ‘
An adroit blend of pathos and self-deprecating honesty. Its occasionally shocking and even heart-wrenchingly tragic in places, but ultimately the book’s tone is a triumphant one. 4/5’ Record Collector
‘An extraordinary book by an extraordinary artist.’ Lauren Laverne
‘Very powerful.’ Emma Barnett, Woman’s Hour
‘Nobody could accuse Arnold of pulling her punches… but it doesn’t read like score-settling either. Absorbing.’ Irish Independent