Biography
Shirley Bassey, born on January 8, 1937, in Cardiff, Wales, is one of the most celebrated British vocalists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The youngest of seven children, she began performing as a teenager and quickly gained attention for her powerful, emotive voice. Her professional career was launched in the mid-1950s after being discovered by bandleader Jack Hylton, leading to her first single, 'Burn My Candle (At Both Ends),' in 1956. Despite early controversy over the song's suggestive lyrics, Bassey's bold style and vocal range set her apart, and her breakthrough came with 'The Banana Boat Song' in 1957, followed by her debut album 'Born to Sing the Blues.'
Bassey's career soared in the 1960s, marked by her iconic performances of James Bond theme songs: 'Goldfinger' (1964), 'Diamonds Are Forever' (1971), and 'Moonraker' (1979). These tracks, along with hits like 'Big Spender' and 'This Is My Life,' established her as a global star known for dramatic flair and emotional depth. Over seven decades, she has sold over 140 million records, making her one of the best-selling female artists in history. Bassey is also the first woman to have an album in the UK Top 40 in seven consecutive decades, a testament to her enduring appeal and versatility.
Her legacy is further cemented by numerous honors, including being named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2000. Bassey's influence extends beyond her music, as she broke barriers for Black British artists and inspired generations of performers with her commanding stage presence and vocal prowess. She remains a cultural icon, celebrated for her contributions to music and her trailblazing role in entertainment.
Fun Facts
- Shirley Bassey is the only artist to record more than one James Bond theme song, performing three in total: 'Goldfinger,' 'Diamonds Are Forever,' and 'Moonraker.'
- She was the first Welsh artist to have a number-one single in the UK, with 'As I Love You' in 1959.
- Her song 'Goldfinger' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Bassey became the first female artist to have an album in the UK Top 40 in seven consecutive decades, with her 2020 album 'I Owe It All to You.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jack Hylton - Discovered Bassey and offered her first professional contract, launching her recording career. (Early singles including 'Burn My Candle (At Both Ends)') [mid-1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Johnny Franz - Record producer who signed Bassey after seeing her on television, producing her early hits. (First recording contract, early singles) [1956–late 1950s]
- Propellerheads - Collaborated on the hit single 'History Repeating,' blending Bassey's vocals with electronic music. ('History Repeating') [1997]
- Gary Barlow, Pet Shop Boys - Wrote songs for Bassey's album 'The Performance.' ('The Performance' album) [2009]
Artists Influenced
- Aretha Franklin - Cited Bassey as a significant influence on her own vocal style. (General influence on vocal approach) [1960s onward]
- Numerous contemporary British and international vocalists - Inspired generations with her powerful voice, stage presence, and success as a Black British artist. (General influence across pop, soul, and jazz genres) [1960s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Something Else | 1971 | Album |
| Let Me Sing and I'm Happy | 1998 | Album |
| Something | 1970 | Album |
| Never, Never, Never | 1973-01-01 | Album |
| Essential | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| The Remix Album: Diamonds Are Forever | 2000-08-07 | Album |
| Sings the Movies | 1995 | Album |
| And I Love You So | 2000-08-07 | Album |
| 15 Classic Tracks: Shirley Bassey | 2013-05-03 | Album |
| The Performance | 2009-01-01 | Album |
| Goldfinger | 2020-04-17 | Album |
| The Magic Is You | 1979-01-01 | Album |
| I Capricorn | 1972 | Album |
| Shirley / Let's Face the Music | 1962 | Album |
Top Tracks
- (Where Do I Begin) Love Story - 1994 Remaster (Something Else)
- Diamonds Are Forever (Let Me Sing and I'm Happy)
- Never, Never, Never (Grande, Grande, Grande) (Never, Never, Never)
- History Repeating - Knee Length Mix (Decksandrumsandrockandroll 20th anniversary)
- Goldfinger
- Moonraker
- Light My Fire - 1994 Remaster (Something)
- Goldfinger - Propellerheads Mix (The Remix Album: Diamonds Are Forever)
- Yesterday, When I Was Young - 1994 Remaster (Something)
- Jezahel - 2000 Remaster (And I Love You So)
External Links
Tags: #big-band, #british, #classic-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Shirley Bassey has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2025 | 00:21 | One Less Bell to Answerfrom I Capricorn | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Nov 17, 2025 | 00:23 | Slave to the Rhythmfrom Get the Party Started | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |