Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Wanda Arletti (also known as Vanda / Wanda Arletty; born Arletowicz in Hackney, England to Polish parents) came to South Africa in 1960 when her parents emigrated to the country. Her father Ali became a well-known entertainer in the restaurants and night-clubs of Johannesburg. Wanda began singing in talent contests and shows soon after her arrival in South Africa, and in one such contest was discovered by the LM Radio DJ, David Davies. She formed a trio, named the Girlfriends, with Zelia Keay and Zofia Terlecka, and they recorded an album in 1963, but broke up soon afterwards. Wanda then became a solo artist, often performing with her father's dance band. In 1970 she joined the Staccatos as second lead vocalist, alongside Steve Lonsdale, and subsequently married the lead guitarist, Richard Crouse. The couple moved to England in 1972 where she changed her name to Bobbie McGee, cut a few singles and appeared on British Television, but eventually gave up show business due to family commitments. She lives in Johannesburg, while Richard died in 2009.
This song was released on 7" single in 1969 as the B-side to "My Own True Love".
Wanda Arletti (also known as Vanda / Wanda Arletty; born Arletowicz in Hackney, England to Polish parents) came to South Africa in 1960 when her parents emigrated to the country. Her father Ali became a well-known entertainer in the restaurants and night-clubs of Johannesburg. Wanda began singing in talent contests and shows soon after her arrival in South Africa, and in one such contest was discovered by the LM Radio DJ, David Davies. She formed a trio, named the Girlfriends, with Zelia Keay and Zofia Terlecka, and they recorded an album in 1963, but broke up soon afterwards. Wanda then became a solo artist, often performing with her father's dance band. In 1970 she joined the Staccatos as second lead vocalist, alongside Steve Lonsdale, and subsequently married the lead guitarist, Richard Crouse. The couple moved to England in 1972 where she changed her name to Bobbie McGee, cut a few singles and appeared on British Television, but eventually gave up show business due to family commitments. She lives in Johannesburg, while Richard died in 2009.
This song was released on 7" single in 1969 as the B-side to "My Own True Love".
