Cilla Black Statue, Liverpool

The Cilla Black Statue stands as a poignant tribute to one of Liverpool's most beloved musical icons. Unveiled in 2017 on Mathew Street, near the iconic Cavern Club, the life-size bronze sculpture honors Cilla Black's remarkable journey from a cloakroom attendant to a celebrated singer and entertainer. Created by sculptor Andy Edwards, the statue depicts a young Cilla performing one of her early songs, with her dress adorned with images symbolizing her illustrious career.

Born Priscilla Maria Veronica White on May 27, 1943, in Liverpool's Vauxhall district, Cilla grew up near Scotland Road. After attending Saint Anthony’s School and Anfield Community College, her love for entertainment led her to the Cavern Club, where she impressed The Beatles and others. With encouragement from promoter Sam Heath, she debuted at the Zodiac Club and was later discovered and signed by Brian Epstein as his only female artist.

Cilla rose to fame with her debut single "Love of the Loved," produced by George Martin and written by McCartney and Lennon. Her 1964 hits "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "You're My World" topped the UK charts, making her the decade's best-selling female artist. Expanding into TV, acting, and writing, she became a British entertainment icon before passing away on August 1, 2015, at 72, in Estepona, Spain.

The statue, commissioned by her sons, not only celebrates her legacy but also the vibrant musical culture of Liverpool that launched her career. As part of the Cavern Club's 60th-anniversary celebrations, it reminds visitors of Cilla’s enduring impact on British pop culture and the city's storied musical history.