Helena Springs facts for kids

Helena Lisandrello, known professionally as Helena Springs (born c. 1961), is an American singer and songwriter. She was born around 1961 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Helena started singing at church when she was just five years old.

When she was 17, Helena became a backup singer for the famous musician Bob Dylan. She joined his band for his 1978 World Tour and his Gospel Tour the next year. Helena also sang on several of Dylan's albums, including Street-Legal (1978) and Slow Train Coming (1979). She even co-wrote 19 songs with him, which is more than any of his other collaborators.

After working with Bob Dylan, Helena Springs started her own solo career. She signed with Arista Records and released two albums: Helena in 1986 and New Love in 1987. She also released several singles. Helena has been a backup singer for many other well-known artists, such as David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Bette Midler, Pet Shop Boys, and Elton John. Later, she worked in cabaret and even created her own line of toy dolls.

Early Music Career

Helena Springs began her professional music journey at a young age. In 1978, at 17, she joined Bob Dylan's touring band. She performed as a backing vocalist on his major tours. These included the 1978 World Tour and the 1979 Gospel Tour.

Helena's voice was featured on several of Dylan's albums. These included Street-Legal (1978) and Bob Dylan at Budokan (1978). She also appeared on Slow Train Coming (1979). A music expert, John Hughes, praised Helena and another singer, Carolyn Dennis. He said they added "unforgettable potency" to Dylan's gospel tours.

Songwriting with Bob Dylan

Helena Springs co-wrote many songs with Bob Dylan. She helped write 19 songs with him during their time working together. This was more than any other person Dylan collaborated with. Their songwriting began in Brisbane, Australia, in March 1978.

Helena shared how their songwriting started. She said Dylan was playing guitar one evening. He suggested they write something together. He told her, "You start singing some stuff and I'll start playing." This led to them creating songs like "If I Don't Be There by Morning" and "Walk Out in the Rain." These songs, along with "Stop Now," were recorded by Dylan's band.

Some of their co-written songs were covered by other artists. Eric Clapton included "Walk Out in the Rain" and "If I Don't Be There by Morning" on his 1978 album Backless. Clapton mentioned that Dylan had given him a tape with these songs. He said Dylan was very proud of their joint work.

Solo Work and Other Collaborations

Helena Springs stopped working with Bob Dylan around late 1979 or early 1980. After that, she joined Bette Midler's group of backup singers, known as the Harlettes.

Helena also lent her voice to other famous artists. She sang backing vocals on the Pet Shop Boys' song "West End Girls" in 1984. She also co-wrote a song called "A New Life" with Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys. In 1985, she was a backing vocalist for David Bowie and Mick Jagger's cover of "Dancing in the Street." She even performed on stage with David Bowie at the huge Live Aid concert that same year. The next year, she toured with Elton John.

Helena signed with Arista Records as a solo artist. She released her album Helena in 1986. Her second album, New Love, came out in 1987. She also released singles like "I Want You" and "Be Soft with Me Tonight." Helena once said that Tina Turner was a big influence on her music. She also stated, "I have never been a backing singer. I have sung with people who allowed me to be up front."

Personal Life

Helena Springs was married to music executive Tony Lisandrello. Their marriage lasted for six years, from 1984 to 1990. Helena's daughter, Nina Lisandrello, is an actress.