Don’t Pity Me - Joanie Sommers

Released in 1965, "Don’t Pity Me," by American artist Joanie Sommers, was a Northern Soul hit in the UK. Copies of the original pressing can change hands for anything up to £500, such is the track's popularity.

While her more popular song "Johnny Get Angry" is more recognisable, her clear and emotive singing, characteristic of 1960s orchestral pop, is what truly stands out.

Joanie Sommers, a native of Buffalo, New York, was born Joan Drost in February 1941.

She is an American singer and actress who, in the early 1960s, was billed as “the Voice of the Sixties.”

She had a stunning jazz voice and was also referred to as “The Pepsi Girl,” as a parallel career of commercial vocal work saw her singing many advertising jingles (especially for Pepsi Cola).

Her family's move to Los Angeles at 14 led her to become the vocalist for the Venice High School band in the Mar Vista area.

Married to theatrical agent Jerry Steiner from 1961 until his sudden death in 1971, they had three children.

Joanie effectively left the music industry in the early 1970s, most likely to focus on raising her young family. She returned, however, making selected appearances during the 80s.

Currently in her mid-80s, Joanie makes her home in California.