Vicki Wickham, the influential music manager and television producer, has died aged 86. She was best known for managing Dusty Springfield and co-creating the seminal pop show Ready Steady Go!.
Early career and Ready Steady Go!
Born in 1939, Wickham began her career in the music industry in the early 1960s. She joined Associated-Rediffusion as a production assistant and quickly became involved in the development of Ready Steady Go!, which launched in 1963 and became a cornerstone of the British pop scene.
As the show's producer, she helped showcase acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, and was known for her sharp eye for talent.
Managing Dusty Springfield
Wickham went on to manage Dusty Springfield, guiding her career during the 1960s and 1970s. She was also a songwriter, co-writing several of Springfield's hits, including 'I Only Want to Be with You'.
Her management extended to other artists, and she later worked in the US, where she continued to influence the music industry.
Legacy
Wickham's impact on British pop culture is widely acknowledged. She is credited with helping to shape the sound and style of the 1960s.
Her death was confirmed by her family, who said she passed away peacefully at her home in London.
