As a child star, Petula Clark was known as the “British Shirley Temple,” but her success continued well past the awkward teenage years.

Clark has been performing for more than 50 years, on Broadway and in Vegas, recording and selling more than 70 million records in all.

Probably best known for “Downtown,” the catchy single that was the first of fifteen consecutive Top 40 hits Clark achieved in the United States, Clark tells Growing Bolder that she is currently working on new songs that celebrate the history of music.

From meeting The Beatles to becoming a star by the age of 8, Clark has a story that is unlike any other — she says she’s aware of what makes her different, but is loving the way her life has turned out.

What keeps Clark going? See what she says about staying in shape (hint: she’s not talking about her body), performing for different age groups and traveling the world, and why she believes it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

We also spoke with Petula Clark in 2008, and she told us about singing for the British troops with Julie Andrews. To hear that interview, click here!