'Barbie Day', March 9

Simon O'Donovan
Mar 9
2 min read

Barbie Day (9 March)

Barbie Day is celebrated each year on 9 March, marking the debut of the famous doll at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 1959. Created by Ruth Handler and produced by Mattel, Barbie quickly became one of the most recognisable toys in the world. Unlike earlier baby dolls, Barbie was designed as an adult character, allowing children to imagine different careers, lifestyles and adventures.

In 1961, Barbie was joined by her boyfriend Ken, named after Ruth Handler’s son. Over the decades the pair have appeared in countless outfits, professions and settings—from astronauts and doctors to film stars and fashion icons. Barbie and Ken remain cultural symbols of play, imagination and changing attitudes about fashion, careers and identity.

CST Song Of The Day

“Living Doll” – Cliff Richard (1959)

Today’s CST Song Of The Day is “Living Doll”, a catchy pop hit recorded by Cliff Richard and The Drifters (later known as The Shadows). Released in 1959, the song became Cliff Richard’s first UK No.1 single, helping to establish him as one of Britain’s biggest pop stars.

“Living Doll” was originally written for the British film Serious Charge, in which Cliff Richard also appeared. With its playful lyrics about a beautiful “living doll”, the song became one of his most loved early hits and is still associated with the golden era of late-1950s British rock and pop.

Its light-hearted theme makes it a perfect choice for Barbie Day, linking the idea of dolls in popular culture with one of the UK’s most memorable pop songs.

Discussion Points

Ask members if they had a Barbie or Ken as a child? If not, maybe they had another doll?
Do any members have their original Barbie or Ken? If it is still in its box, it might be worth up to £25,000!
Can members think of any other dolls or toys they had as a child?
Ask members if they can think of any other doll-related songs?

If you want to continue the CST session, you could play some of these, or some other Cliff Richard songs ...

Here are some other dolls ...