Cilla Black, an early protege of the Beatles, has died at age 72. Black, whose real name was Priscilla Marie Veronica White, was found at her home in Marbella, Spain.

“I can confirm the death of British national Priscilla White, aged 72,” police told The Mirror. “We are still awaiting autopsy results but everything at this stage is pointing towards her death being the result of natural causes.”

The Liverpool native, born on May 27, 1943, rose to local fame performing at the local Cavern Club, where she met the Beatles. John Lennon introduced her to the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein. George Martin, principal producer of the Beatles, then signed Black. That began a career that included a series of Beatles-related songs. Her debut single was "Love to be Loved," written by Lennon and Paul McCartney; a 1964 version of the Beatles' "It's For You" found McCartney serving as a sideman on piano.

In all, Black had 11 Top 10 hits on the UK charts through 1971, highlighted by the charttoppers in "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "You're My World," both in 1964. She also recorded her own versions of "Yesterday," "For No One," "Across the Universe," "The Long and Winding Road" and other Beatles originals.

Even while issuing 14 pop albums, Black found separate success as a well-known British television personality – and she'd eventually break new ground in the field.

McCartney specifically wrote "Step Inside Love" for Black's first BBC TV series, which began airing in 1968 – making Black the first woman to have her own prime-time chat show on that network. Ringo Starr missed 1968 mixing sessions for the Beatles' songs "The Inner Light" and "Lady Madonna" to appear on Black's show.

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