In 1961, Helen Shapiro, aged 15, had not one, but two chart-topping singles in the UK. In 1963, the Beatles opened for her. You read that right: the Beatles opened for Helen Shapiro. And yet, she never made it in America. Why?

Our guess is that America already had its share of prepubescent pop singers. For instance, previously profiled Lesley Gore had successfully covered one of Shapiro's top hits. Also, by the time Shapiro tried to make her way into the US, the pop tunes of the early 60s gave way to the rock-and-roll of the late 60s, such as those Beatles.

Oh, and she also refused to change her very Jewish last name. That supposedly played a part in her lack of acceptance.

Two decades after her star fell, Shapiro decided to turn to Jesus.

A little too late for that, Helen...