Dame - Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey was born in Cardiff in 1937. She went on to become one of Britains premiere entertainers. Shirley Bassey has indeed risen from humble beginnings
to become one of the greatest female performers in the world today.
Shirley Veronica Bassey was born on January 8, 1937, the youngest of seven children. She grew up in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, Wales, the daughter of a ship’s fireman, Henry Bassey, and his wife Eliza Jane. In 1952, Shirley left school to work in the packing department of a sausage factory, all the while singing at local clubs which catered to working men.
It wasn’t long before Shirley turned professional, In 1955, Shirley appeared at the Astor Club in London, and the world began to take notice of her incredible talent.
Her first single was “Burn My Candle”, but her first real hit was “Banana Boat Song”. Her debut album, “Born to Sing the Blues” was released in 1958. Hit after hit soon followed, with “As I Love You” and “Kiss Me, Honey Honey, Kiss Me” appearing on record charts simultaneously.
Shirley’s first big international hit was 1964′s “Goldfinger” from the James Bond film of the same name.
In 1998, this seemingly ageless grandmother became a “disco diva” with the release of “History Repeating” performed with The Propellerheads. This song is included in the soundtrack of the movie “There’s Something About Mary”. Shirley’s waxwork body double was installed at Madame Tussaud’s in London. Shirley’s reaction? “You look good!”
In 2000 Shirley Bassey has recently completed her sold-out “Millennium Tour”, and she was named a Dame of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Countless awards and accolades have been bestowed upon her, but Shirley just keeps on doing what she does best; performing for her fans around the world! In 2007 she performed at the Glastonbury Festival and in 2009 , Bassey headlined at the BBC Electric Proms on 23 October, 2009, in her only full live set of 2009.?She continues to perform into 2010.
Related Links
Shirley Bassy – Official Website
The songs of Shirley Bassey
