September 6, 1963 – Cilla Black Joins Brian Epstein’s Roster
On September 6, 1963, the Merseybeat movement gained another star when Priscilla Maria Veronica White, better known as Cilla White, officially signed a management contract with Brian Epstein. Epstein, already recognized as the man who transformed The Beatles from a popular Liverpool club act into the world’s biggest pop phenomenon, now set his sights on guiding a young female vocalist with both raw talent and undeniable charisma.
The story of Cilla’s stage name is one of those happy accidents that music history seems to love. Early on, the Liverpool music paper Mersey Beat misprinted her surname, billing her as “Cilla Black” instead of “Cilla White.” Rather than correcting the mistake, Epstein advised her to keep the name, believing it carried a stronger, more memorable impact. That simple decision would shape her entire career and eventually become one of the most recognized names in British entertainment.
At the time of signing with Epstein, Cilla had already been singing in Liverpool clubs, including the legendary Cavern Club where she occasionally shared the stage with The Beatles. Her powerful, emotive voice stood out among the crowded scene, catching the attention of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were quick to recognize her potential. With Epstein’s guidance, Lennon and McCartney even wrote songs specifically for her, most notably “Love of the Loved,” which became her debut single released later in 1963.
Epstein’s management brought Cilla polish, industry connections, and the same rigorous discipline he applied to The Beatles. He encouraged her to refine her stage presence, broaden her repertoire, and embrace a pop image that would appeal to a wide audience. His instincts proved correct. By 1964, Cilla Black scored her first number-one single, “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” followed quickly by “You’re My World.” She rapidly transitioned from local singer to national star, joining the ranks of Britain’s most beloved vocalists of the era.
Her signing on September 6, 1963, marked not just the beginning of a fruitful career in music but also the start of a legacy that extended beyond singing. Cilla Black would go on to become a household name in British television as a presenter and entertainer, carving out a decades-long career. But it all began with Brian Epstein’s belief in her potential and the fateful moment when “White” became “Black.”
For Liverpool, and for the history of 1960s pop, that day remains a milestone in the making of another legend.
