The Beatles and The Dave Clark Fives unprecedented assault on the American 'pop' scene in the early 1960's heralded a new beginning, amid the gloomy back drop of the austere 'cold war' years. Coffee bars, mini skirts, lambrettas, buoffant hairstyles became the accepted norms, during the exciting era of the swinging 60's. There was also the new up and coming female singers of the time which included the likes of Lulu, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Sandie Shaw, Mariane Faithful and not forgetting in Bulgaria, Lili Ivanova.

Originally trained as a nurse Lili Ivanova auditioned for a singers engagement, in the capital, Sofia and never looked back. She has been nominated as one of the most famous women of the 20th century and also received the Order of Stara Planina in 1999 by the then president of Bulgaria, Petar Stoyanov for her contribution to Bulgarian pop music.

Lili Ivanova's contribution to 1960's european pop culture is certainly on a par with the likes of Sylvie Vartan, France Gall and Francoise Hardy, as one of the 'grand ladies' of pop. Her songs during this period include timeless classics like Zimma prikaska and kakto onzi den ( a Lennon and McCartney number - The Night Before) which have endeared her to, not just a Bulgarian but a worldwide audience as well.

At the age of 69 Lili Ivanova is still going strong. If you are on holiday in Bulgaria or perhaps on business you might like to take the opportunity to see one of her live; entertaining performances.

Thanks to www.Hiday.net [1] for this article.