Hi Eric,

Indeed such a wonderful picture of Shirley on the cover of the "All By Myself" album. I also love this pose.
Did you know that they actually used an old one for this cover? This pic was made in 1971 during the tv special of Roger Whittaker where she appeared as a guest and sang "What About Today".

It was never made clear why they used an old one for A new record.

These new recordings were originally made for the Applause label in 1982. Shirley was at that time "lost" between record deals. She ended her association with United Artists and she was now nowhere around a caring production team. Let alone a proper management. She was not so much in recording at that period. She concentrated from then on more in doing live concerts.

This production for Applause was her first serious recording since leaving UA. The production itself was OK, but not outstanding. Produced with different standards, so to speak. A bit cheapish as if the company was not into an real investment of the sort.

Also the finish of the cover is not very well done. No real info of the production, just less than standard. In my opinion not fit to introduce A new recording period from one of the best entertainers in the world. Not a star photographer in the house to do the covershoot,for example.
I bet this had to do with money. It always does.

Still, the album contains some of the finest songs she ever recorded.
And that is what it's all about, ofcourse.

Warmest regards,
Erick