I've never been to me - Charlene

Charlene Marilynn D'Angelo was born on June 1, 1950 in Hollywood, California. In 1973, she signed to the Motown label. 'I've never been to me' was originally a single taken from her self-titled debut album 'Charlene' in 1977. It only managed to reach number 97 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 1982, a DJ in Tampa, Florida started to play the song on the radio. Audience reaction was so impressive, that Motown was moved to re-release the single. This time around, 'I've never been ot me' reached number 3 in the USA and number 1 in the UK singles chart. It also reached number 4 in the Dutch Top 40. By that time, Charlene had moved to England and was working in an Ilford, Essex sweet shop.

My collection: 7" single no. 126
Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'I've never been to me' / 'Somewhere in my life'