Biography
Sandie Shaw, born Sandra Ann Goodrich on February 26, 1947 in Dagenham, London, emerged as one of the most successful British pop singers of the 1960s and a defining icon of the 'Swinging Sixties.' Raised in a working-class family, she worked at the Ford Dagenham automotive factory and modeled part-time before being discovered at age 16 by singer Adam Faith, who introduced her to manager Eve Taylor. Signing with Pye Records in 1964, Shaw quickly rose to fame with her chart-topping cover of '(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me,' written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, making her an international star at just 17 years old.
Shaw's career flourished with a string of hits, many penned by songwriter Chris Andrews, including 'Girl Don't Come,' 'Long Live Love,' and 'I'll Stop At Nothing.' Her signature barefoot performances and distinctive style made her a fashion trendsetter. In 1967, she achieved global recognition as the first British artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Puppet on a String,' which became a massive international hit. Throughout the late 1960s, Shaw released several albums, hosted her own BBC television show, and even launched her own fashion label. Despite a decline in chart success in the 1970s, she enjoyed a resurgence in the 1980s, notably collaborating with The Smiths on 'Hand in Glove.'
Beyond music, Shaw became a qualified psychotherapist in the 1990s, founding the Arts Clinic to support psychological health in the entertainment industry. Her legacy endures as a pioneering female pop star, fashion icon, and influential figure whose music and image inspired generations of artists and Eurovision contestants.
Fun Facts
- Sandie Shaw was famous for performing barefoot, a trademark she adopted to feel more relaxed and connected to her music.
- She was the first British artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest, with 'Puppet on a String' in 1967.
- Shaw launched her own fashion label in 1968, designing clothes, accessories, and shoes.
- After her pop career, she became a qualified psychotherapist and founded the Arts Clinic to support psychological health in the arts.
Associated Acts
- Winjama
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Adam Faith - Discovered Shaw after a charity concert and introduced her to manager Eve Taylor, launching her professional career. (N/A (career mentorship, 1963-1964)) [1963-1964]
- Eve Taylor - Managed Shaw's early career, secured her Pye Records contract, and shaped her public image. (Early singles and albums) [1964-early 1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Chris Andrews - Primary songwriter for Shaw's 1960s hits. (Girl Don't Come, Long Live Love, I'll Stop At Nothing, Message Understood) [1964-1968]
- The Smiths - Collaborated on a cover of 'Hand in Glove,' leading to Shaw's chart comeback in the 1980s. (Hand in Glove (1984)) [1984]
Artists Influenced
- The Smiths - Cited Shaw as an inspiration; collaborated with her and appeared barefoot on stage in homage. (Hand in Glove (cover, 1984)) [1980s]
- Eurovision artists - Inspired future UK Eurovision contestants and winners through her pioneering 1967 victory. (N/A (influence on Eurovision legacy)) [1967 onward]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sandie (Deluxe Edition) | 1965-02-01 | Album |
| Love Me, Please Love Me (Deluxe Edition) | 1967-01-01 | Album |
| The Sandie Shaw Supplement (Deluxe Edition) | 1968-01-01 | Album |
| Me (Deluxe Edition) | 1965-11-01 | Album |
| Hello Angel (Deluxe Edition) | 1988-02-01 | Album |
| Reviewing The Situation (Deluxe Edition) | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| Me | 2021-01-06 | Album |
| Sandie | 2021-01-06 | Album |
| Reviewing The Situation (Mono Version) | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| The Sandie Shaw Supplement | 2019-01-01 | Album |
| Love Me, Please Love Me | 2019-01-01 | Album |
| UK Hits 1965 Volume 1 | 2017-02-19 | Album |
| サンディ | 2016-12-19 | Album |
| Music of Quality & Distinction Volume 3 - Dark | 2013-06-11 | Album |
| Reviewing the Situation | 2013-06-03 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Puppet On A String (Love Me, Please Love Me (Deluxe Edition))
- (There's) Always Something There To Remind Me (Sandie (Deluxe Edition))
- Long Live Love - Mono Mix (Sandie (Deluxe Edition))
- Monsieur Dupont (The Sandie Shaw Supplement (Deluxe Edition))
- Those Were The Days (The Sandie Shaw Supplement (Deluxe Edition))
- Girl Don't Come (Sandie (Deluxe Edition))
- Rose Garden
- Tell the Boys (Love Me, Please Love Me (Deluxe Edition))
- Message Understood (Me (Deluxe Edition))
- Love Me, Please Love Me (Love Me, Please Love Me (Deluxe Edition))
External Links
Tags: #british, #classic-pop-and-rock, #english
References
Heard on WWOZ
sandie shaw has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | 19:50 | junk. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri |