‘Lady’ Geraldine Elliot’s life story reads like a work of fiction, although any script would probably be rejected as being too incredible to be true.

Born profoundly deaf, Geraldine’s education suffered from a lack of understanding by teachers who were unaware of her hearing problem, but since then she had become an inspirational figure for many.

After an abusive marriage, Geraldine received a life changing era operation then travelled the world before settling in Scotland’s capital where she created two hugely successful businesses, her own range of jewellery and the legendry Edinburgh Doll’s Hospital when ‘injured’ dolls are taken to recuperate.

A chance encounter with a customer however has led Geraldine on a new path and last year she released an album, Little Miss Blue’ which has already received acclaim in the music industry.

Geraldine recently took time out from her busy schedule to chat to the Edinburgh Reporter about her inspirational story.

Geraldine said: “At the moment, I am dividing my time between my jewellery business and music, spending nights and weekends working on the follow up album to ‘Little Miss Blue’ which is called ‘Fast Cars and Movie Stars’ and is due to be released in the spring of 2018.

“I got involved in music after meeting Lawrence (Reiver) when he visited my ‘Doll’s Hospital’ in Edinburgh to buy a soft toy and we got on famously. He invited me to a music evening and it escalated from there. Initially I only wanted to do the backing vocals but he pleaded with me to sing and I remember the screams coming from next door from people saying that ‘she can sing’ which was funny.

“I will possibly be singing live to audiences but I am worried whether I would be able to do it as my ears are volatile and I’m worried that I could be out of tune.

“Little Miss Blue has received lots of good write ups and positive comments in the music industry which is pleasing. I recently had a phone call from a guy in the States and I gave him the links to listen to the album and he wrote back saying he was listening to it in America which is brilliant.

“If I had to choose, my favourite track is ‘Defying Gravity’ which really sums up everything about my life and is about trying to achieve the impossible.

“My advice would be to try and tell someone although I know how difficult this can be. As a youngster I was forced to be quiet and not interfere in conversations but it is important to try and be confident and strong.”

Lawrence however has no doubts about Geraldine’s ability to play to live audiences. He said: “Knowing Geraldine so well, I was able to write autobiographical songs which were inspired by her incredible life. I know that she is concerned about singing live due to her ears but I have no such doubts that she can do this and hopefully we will see her perform soon. We don’t doctor her voice at all and ‘Little Miss Blue’ has already received very positive feedback. The radio side is also taking off. I am very hopeful that the new album will move her a few rungs up the music ladder.”

 

 

 

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.