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Shirley Bassey

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Wales Hop 3
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Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey
source
NameShirley Bassey
Birth dateJanuary 8, 1937
Birth placeTiger Bay, Cardiff, Wales
OccupationSinger
GenrePop music, Jazz

Shirley Bassey is a renowned Welsh singer, best known for her powerful voice and iconic performances of James Bond theme songs, including Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker. Born in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, Wales, Bassey's early life was marked by her exposure to Jazz and Blues music, influenced by artists such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington. She began her career performing in local Music halls and Theatres, including the Wales Empire Theatre and the London Palladium, alongside notable entertainers like Morecambe and Wise and The Beatles.

Early Life and Career

Shirley Bassey's early life was shaped by her experiences growing up in Tiger Bay, a Cardiff neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage, where she was exposed to the music of Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Smith, and Louis Armstrong. She attended Moorside Primary School and later Splott Secondary Modern School, where she developed her vocal skills, inspired by singers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.. Bassey's professional career began at the age of 16, when she started performing in local Music halls and Theatres, including the Wales Empire Theatre and the London Palladium, alongside notable entertainers like Morecambe and Wise, The Beatles, and Tom Jones. Her early performances were also influenced by her appearances on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Television, where she worked with producers like BBC's Billy Cotton and Val Parnell.

Music Career

Shirley Bassey's music career spans over six decades, during which she has released numerous albums and singles, including What Now My Love, And I Love You So, and Never Never Never. Her iconic performances of James Bond theme songs, including Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker, have become synonymous with the James Bond film series, which also features themes by John Barry, Paul McCartney, and Wings. Bassey has collaborated with numerous artists, including Nelson Riddle, Quincy Jones, and Elton John, and has performed at various venues, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, alongside musicians like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin.

Film and Television Appearances

Shirley Bassey has made numerous appearances in film and television, including The Muppet Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and Saturday Night Live, where she has performed alongside comedians like John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Billy Crystal. Her iconic performances have also been featured in films like Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker, which star Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Daniel Craig as James Bond. Bassey has also appeared in documentaries, such as The Real Shirley Bassey and Shirley Bassey: Diamonds Are Forever, which feature interviews with Michael Caine, Joan Collins, and Elton John.

Personal Life

Shirley Bassey's personal life has been marked by her high-profile relationships, including her marriages to Kenneth Hume and Sergio Novak, and her friendships with celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.. Bassey has been open about her experiences with Racism and Sexism in the entertainment industry, and has used her platform to support various charitable causes, including the BBC Children in Need and the Prince's Trust, which were founded by Prince Charles and supported by Diana, Princess of Wales and Elton John. Bassey has also been recognized for her contributions to the Arts and Charity, and has been awarded honorary degrees from University of Wales and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, where she has worked with musicians like Bryn Terfel and Katherine Jenkins.

Awards and Legacy

Shirley Bassey has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. She has been recognized for her contributions to the Arts and Charity, and has been awarded honorary degrees from University of Wales and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Bassey's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, including Adele, Leona Lewis, and Katherine Jenkins, who have cited her as an influence and have performed at venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena. Bassey's iconic performances and timeless music have cemented her place as one of the most beloved and respected entertainers of all time, alongside legends like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson. Category:Welsh singers