Lynsey de Paul (born Lynsey Monckton Rubin; 11 March 1948 – 1 October 2014) was a British singer‑songwriter, record producer, and multi‑instrumentalist. She achieved commercial success in the early 1970s with a string of charting singles, most notably “Sugar Me” (1972), which reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and several other countries. De Paul also co‑wrote the 1971 UK Eurovision Song Contest entry “Knock, Knock Who’s There?” performed by Mary Hopkin, which finished third.
Early life and education
Born in Cricklewood, London, de Paul was the daughter of Harry Rubin, a civil‑engineer, and his wife, Margaret. She displayed musical talent from an early age, learning piano and later expanding her abilities to guitar, keyboards, and percussion. She attended the Royal Academy of Music for a short period before focusing on songwriting and performance.
Career
1970s
De Paul’s breakthrough came after she signed with MAM Records. “Sugar Me” became a hit in 1972, leading to further singles such as “Getting a Drag” (1973) and “If I Don’t Get You Back Tonight” (1975). She released several albums, including Surprise (1973) and Taste Me… Don't Waste Me (1974), which showcased her blend of pop, glam rock, and soul influences. In addition to performing, de Paul wrote songs for other artists, contributing material to The Beatles’ solo projects and to artists such as Cilla Black and Barry Blue.
Songwriting and production
De Paul was among the first prominent female figures in the UK to receive a publishing deal and to produce her own recordings. She co‑produced several of her own tracks and earned a reputation for integrating sophisticated arrangements and orchestration. Her composition “Won’t Somebody Dance With Me” (1973) earned a Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
Later work
After a period of reduced chart activity in the late 1970s, de Paul continued to record and tour, releasing the albums Just a Little Time (1994) and The World of Lynsey de Paul (1995). She also pursued acting, appearing in television series such as The New Avengers and presenting on radio.
Personal life
De Paul was married twice, first to singer and performer Mike Moran (1979–1990) with whom she co‑wrote several songs, and later to former model and musician David Jones (1995–2000). She was an advocate for animal rights and served as a patron of several charitable organizations, including the British Lung Foundation.
Death
Lynsey de Paul died of a heart attack on 1 October 2014 at her home in the United Kingdom, aged 66. Following her death, a tribute concert was held at the London Palladium, featuring performances by contemporaries and newer artists who cited her influence.
Legacy
De Paul is remembered for her pioneering role as a female songwriter and producer in a male‑dominated industry. Her early hits continue to receive airplay, and her catalog has been reissued in multiple formats. In 2012, she was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame as part of a special recognition of influential female artists of the 1970s.