Margarita Pracatan death: The Clive James Show singer dies aged 89
Performer was known for her appearances on British TV throughout the Nineties
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Margarita Pracatan, the Cuban singer who found fame as a novelty act on Clive James‘s TV show, has died at the age of 89.
Her daughter, Maria Gorshin, confirmed to Sky News that the TV star died on Tuesday (23 June).
As well as her popular appearances on James’s 1990s TV series The Clive James Show, Pracatan was also played regularly by radio DJ Martin Kelner on his BBC Night Network and Radio 2 shows.
On James’ series, Pracatan, born Margarita Figueroa, would sing heavily accented versions of popular music hits, such as “Hello” by Lionel Richie.
After starting out in New York performing at club nights in small venues, Pracatan began hosting her own cable TV show that ran from the late 1980s to the mid-2010s. James featured her on his series, and she went on to tour the country.
James once said of her: “She never lets the words or melody get in her way. She is us, without the fear of failure.”
Tributes to the late singer have poured in on social media.
Broadcaster Matthew Sweet wrote: “Sorry to hear of the death of Margarita Pracatan, social media star before social media. We got her live on @BBCRadio3 once, to the faint annoyance of Clive James. In 2017 I saw her live in Catford & was delighted to discover she still considered the right notes unnecessary.”
One commenter wrote: “So saddened to hear of the passing of Margarita Pracatan. Right until the end, she continued to keep us entertained, even during lockdown. RIP, baby.”
“So sad to see the social media reports saying that Margarita Pracatan has died aged 89,” wrote another. “Her performances on The Clive James Show were beyond wonderful.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments