The story of a 'Soul Survivor'
P.P. Arnold is a true ‘Soul Survivor’. This year, she returns to The Varieties to share the songs and stories of her illustrious career.
We spoke to P.P. Arnold, who tells us about how the show came about – including the highlights (and challenges) of life in the music industry.
Written by P.P. Arnold
Musical beginnings
How did you first enter the music industry?
I entered the music industry as an Ikette with the Ike and Tina Turner Revue in 1964.
The scene at the time was totally different – and, in my opinion, much more exciting and creative. It was fresh and original with so many different amazing unique artists. It was a very special time of revolution and change. Everyone was inspired by everyone else, but managed to have their own sound, style and uniqueness.
What have been the challenges of maintaining a career in the arts – and how have you succeeded to continue touring over the years?
It’s been incredibly challenging for me for many different reasons.
Race, gender, management, tragedy, and many ups and downs.
I’ve continued to survive by keeping the faith and believing in myself, rising to all the challenges of being an independent artist for the majority of my career.
The many collaborations with other artists and experimenting in so many different genres of music have played a large part. The support of all my wonderful fans – old and new – is a blessing and also plays a very large part in my survival. All of this and more has contributed – and continues to contribute – to me surviving the constant changes that take place within the music industry in these constantly changing times.
Do you have a favourite song of your own? What makes it special to you?
If you mean one of my original compositions, I would have to say Hold On To Your Dreams, which I wrote with my wonderfully talented son Kojo Samuel and was produced by Steve Cradock on my last album, The New Adventures of PP Arnold. It’s all about keeping the faith and believing in yourself regardless of what anyone else thinks about you.
P.P. Arnold. Credit Gered Mankowitz.
P.P. Arnold, Kafunta. Credit Gered Mankowitz.
New adventures
Released in 2022, P.P. Arnold‘s autobiography Soul Survivor is one of musical highs, personal lows and extraordinary endurance.
As part of this year’s tour of the same name, she will be joined by a pianist as she performs her classics and tells the tales of her incredible life through story and song.
How did your book, Soul Survivor, and this show first come about?
During one of the many challenging times in my career in the early 90s, when nothing seemed to be going right, I wrote my book.
My agent Neil O’Brien thought it would be a good idea to put together a show where I told some of my many stories; I adapted stories from the book and wrote a script, interspersed with my music from the times, some recent recordings, as well as those that relate to my journey.
When I first toured it, I had no idea what I was doing and it was far too long! With the help of Carol Harrison directing me and editing the script, it’s become more concise and developed into what you will soon see…
P.P. Arnold with Tina Turner. Credit unknown.
P.P. Arnold performing. Credit unknown.
If someone were discovering your music for the first time, which songs would you say define your sound for newcomers?
I would say that all of my songs define my sound – I have a very unique sound that is distinctly me. I don’t sing songs that I don’t feel or relate to. From the 60s to now, my music documents the different decades, so all newcomers have a lot to choose from!
You have performed at The Varieties before – what is your relationship to Leeds, and what makes you come back for more?
I’ve been to Leeds many times in my career: with Ike and Tina, as a young P.P. Arnold in the 60s, and on many tours and many gigs.
My recent visit to City Varieties touring Soul Survivor was during its first showing. It is now more developed (with the direction I’ve received from Carol Harrison) and I’m so looking forward to returning to Leeds once again. Fingers crossed that Leeds will be as excited as I am about my return!
Book tickets
Thu 7 May 2026
The term ‘well-established’ might be appropriate for some artists but it barely begins to cover the career of the phenomenal P.P. Arnold, whose records and performances are now in their sixth decade. Her consistently excellent music covers multiple genres; her high-profile admirers and collaborators are plentiful. She is one of the iconic faces of London’s Swinging 60s.
Book now
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