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PP Arnold at Rhyl Pavilion, February 3
When soul singer PP Arnold found herself pregnant aged 15, trapped in an abusive marriage, she never dreamed she would one day share the stage with the world's greatest music stars.
"My life could have been so different, I may never have left my home town in South Central LA, I could easily have fallen into bad ways," said the one time gospel chorister, turned backing singer, turned soul great.
"I was so lucky, fates were kind to me, plus my parents were good folk, they helped when life was a mess."
As a young mum barely out of high school in the USA, she couldn't have taken on the challenges a music career demanded without them, particularly when working with one of the most in demand duos of the 1960s, Ike and Tina Turner.
"Tina changed my life, I was one of the original Ikettes," she said. "I was never a professional, but had sung gospel since I was four years old.
One day my friend Maxine called, she said they needed a stand-in backing singer and that's how I got started. I went to see Ike and Tina's show, it was mind-blowing."
Decades later PP Arnold is still in the business having worked with some of the biggest names of the last 40 years, from Joe Cocker to Eric Clapton, Nick Drake to Boy George, Roger Waters, Ocean Colour Scene and even Oasis, featuring on their 2000 album Standing on The Shoulder of Giants.
Early in her career she moved to Britain, one of the few American soul singers to make it her home.
"That was the second biggest decision of my life. I came over here on tour and we were offered the chance to stay and make good music.
It just seemed the right thing to do. I called mum and dad, we decided if it hadn't worked out after six months I'd go home and if it did the kids would come over here with me. It was hard, my babies were so far away, but when they came over we started a new life together."
Today home is Spain but she visits Britain often to see her children who still live here. She's about to embark on a new This is Soul tour with Geno Washington and Jimmy James, taking in more than 20 dates including Liverpool and Rhyl.
"It's worked out well, my son's new baby is due in January and I'll be here in time for the birth. I can't wait."
At 62 she is enjoying singing as much as ever.
"I've known Geno and Jimmy so long, but we've never worked together before. We're doing three sets, 35 minutes each and then one together. I'm so excited," said the star, best known for classic hits Angel of the Morning and First Cut is the Deepest.
She's also in the middle of writing her autobiography, aiming to finish by spring, and is hoping to record a new album early next year.
"It's a busy time for me just now, but that's fine, I'm happy with that, it should be a great year."
This is Soul with PP Arnold, Jimmy James and Geno Washington, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, January 17, tickets 0151 709 3789; Rhyl Pavilion, February 3, tickets 01745 330 000
