Mam, Nan, Anthea Redfern, Jaclyn Smith, and Anna-Maria Dragone. This is the list of female role models in my life from birth to the age of 10. Then there was Tracey Thorn. She helped me navigate the choppy waters between adolescence and teens. And she’s stayed with me ever since.
I’d never seen or heard anyone like Tracey Thorn. I first encountered her on Pillows and Prayers, a compilation by Cherry Red Records. She featured on three tracks as solo artist and as a member of both The Marine Girls and Everything But the Girl. She was way, way cool. She called herself a Small Town Girl and I longed to claim Hatfield as my birthplace. Just like Trace.
My fond memories of Tracey feature in my forthcoming book but the reason for blogging about her now is her recent appearance on my favourite radio show, Desert Island Discs
I spent most of the 45 minute show weeping, laughing and saying “yes! yes!” to my old radio. Tracey was talking to me. She made perfect sense but then she always has. She’s my super smart, sensitive, funny, warm heroine.
Her words on anxiety are honest and the stories behind her choice of music are delightful to hear. Listen and learn.
