Modern stars 'cannot match Springfield'

Rex Features

A former backing singer who worked with Dusty Springfield has said that modern stars do not have the ability to sing like her.

Simon Bell was speaking at a temporary exhibition established in honour of Springfield at the O2 arena's British Music Experience last weekend.

Of modern singers, Bell said: "None of them actually sings like Dusty because, well, frankly they are not capable.

"But they are certainly influenced - you can hear her influence in the production, in the rhythms that are playing - and really that's a great thing."

He added: "They have her to thank that they can go out and make those records today."

Springfield died of breast cancer on March 2, 1999.