'Downtown' was Petula Clark's first hit in the US, which was slow to discover her talents. 

In the UK, she was already a star as a singer and a television performer, regularly appearing on the BBC. 

In the early '60s, she also gained popularity in France when she started recording her songs in French.

Petula Clark came to record 'Downtown' at a time when she had already established a successful career in French, Italian, and German-speaking countries. 

Clark recalled that Tony Hatch suggested she should record again in English. 

Initially hesitant, she agreed after hearing the unfinished song and asked Hatch to write a lyric up to the standard of the tune. 

Two weeks later, they recorded the song which went on to became a massive world-wide hit.

'Downtown' won a Grammy in 1965 for Best Rock & Roll Recording, making Clark the first British singer to win a Grammy. 

In 2003, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Comments:

Turrican60

Beautiful woman, beautiful voice, charming personality. Petula had it all.

ibleebinU

In the 60's when we were kids, my sister requested this on the local radio station. Her name was mentioned and it felt like such a big deal. Always loved Petula Clark. So up and joyful singing. Yes, pop music was great back then!

nysavvy9241

Huge hit in 64. I was 6 yrs old and loved this song...still do. Gives me a happy feeling.

lt7378

This was the favorite song in our household when we were kids.  We’d get all excited when we heard it.  Times were simpler.  Sigh.

debbiemartin8523

Debs husband says no nudity, no jumping around like a deranged monkey, no tattoos, and no metal stuck all over the face. Just pure talent and elegance!

kennygr8ify

This woman has the voice of an angel! ????????

wsv123wsv

So wonderful. A song when I barely knew what music was and a song that has accompanied me for over 50 years. And the auditions clap in the right way!!

Engineer1980

Beautiful song.  Beautiful voice.  Beautiful, classy lady.

danielting6242

I could vividly recall this was one of the greatest hits in 1964 and years that followed. Still love it.

Sandra-cm1du

I love this song so much.  Petulant Clark has such a beautiful clear singing voice made this song everything it was meant to be that we can all relate to the great lyrics matched with a great music arrangement.   I sure do wish they made music like this today.

warrenmurchie6599

When I was a kid I used to stop and listen every time this song came on the radio. I still love this song today. There is something very special about it. It always takes me back to the 60's

peterostash

10 years old when this came out. I wish I was 10 again so that I could hear it again for the first time. What a song. What a smile. What a voice.

stephenrivera4382

Took me back - WAY back - and brought a smile to my face. Always loved this song!

markcruwys9558

What a inspiring song. Great stuff.

TheRoyalBavarian

There was magic in this song when I was nine. And thanks to this beautiful voice I still feel it.

user-xf6jb8dy5j

Absolutely love this song and can't help missing my beloved mom. I love you mom and this song just reminds me of you. each and every time.

richrap84

With a name like "Petula" it was her destiny to sing a beautiful, happy & uplifting song like this! Her face & voice instantly transcends to a much more happier time & place!

mickjagger8439

Back in '64, I was just 5 y/o. Helped my mom and dad with everything I could. Mom would take me to get a slice of pizza, she would play this song in the jukebox - Best times of my life ????

NikeShox

Beautiful Legend! Amazing 60's sound 

StMaartenIslandBoy

This is the first song I remember hearing on the radio when I was just a small child...I was born June 1962... I heard it in my Mother's 1957 Chevy Nomad as she drove and I stood in the middle of the front seat... my other siblings were also throughout the car... no car seats or seat belts.. air bags .. lol - If she needed to stop she would put her arm across and in front of me...   An we survived...

kenyongray2615

One of the greatest female singers ever on planet Earth. If someone doesn't think so, tell him/her they know nothing about musical history.

jahol8746

What a timeless classic this song is, it will live in our hearts forever, love and peace to everyone

Tmanaz480

She's still with us at 90 years young !! Tony Hatch (songwriter and producer) agonized over the arrangement. He wanted a sound that was modern, but wouldn't alienate Petula's older audience. I think he succeeded.

jonesjones7947

She was 32 here .  Pretty, poised and a solid pro.  Timeless song by a timeles singer.  Perfect match.

aheartforhealth

I was 7 years old when my mom would listen to this on the radio. She had us dress up to go down town. Patten shoes, dress, bows in our hair .... Going downtown was a big deal. Good memories.

user-rk3dl3vg3c

God, I love this song