Dame Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer who has a net worth of $10 million. Shirley Bassey is widely known for singing the theme songs to the James Bond films “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Moonraker.” She has also released a number of hit albums over the decades, including “Something,” “I Capricorn,” “Get the Party Started,” and “I Owe it All to You.” Additionally, Bassey has had several television specials on the BBC, and hosted her own variety series in the 70s.
Who is Shirley Bassey?
Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer known for her powerful voice and dramatic stage presence. Born on January 8, 1937, she became famous for her renditions of movie themes like “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds Are Forever.” With a career spanning over six decades, Bassey has become an icon in music, particularly in the genres of pop and jazz. She’s celebrated for her strong, emotive performances and has earned numerous awards, including a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
Shirley Bassey Early Life
Shirley Bassey was born on January 8, 1937 in Cardiff, Wales as the youngest of six children of English mother Eliza and Nigerian father Henry. In addition to her own siblings, she lived with two of the four children her mother had from prior relationships. As a youth, Bassey went to Moorland Road School, where she sang in the school choir. She subsequently attended secondary modern school, but left at the age of 14 to work at the manufacturing company Curran Steels. In the evenings, Bassey sang at local clubs and pubs.
Shirley Bassey Career Beginnings
Bassey signed her first professional music contract in 1953 as a member of the “Memories of Jolson” variety show tour. Later in the year, she signed with Columbia Productions for a two-performance engagement. Bassey went on to tour with the show “Hot from Harlem.” Eventually, she was noticed by English impresario Jack Hylton, who invited her to appear in the West End show “Such is Life.” Bassey attracted a great deal of attention for her show-stopping performance in the production, and was subsequently offered a recording contract by Philips record producer Johnny Franz. She soon recorded her first single, “Burn My Candle,” which she had sung in “Such is Life.” However, the song was banned by the BBC for being too suggestive.
Shirley Bassey Personal Life
In 1961, Bassey wed her first husband, Kenneth Hume. The pair divorced in 1965 following Bassey’s affair with actor Peter Finch. Bassey next married Sergio Novak in 1968; they eventually divorced in 1979. Bassey had two daughters, Sharon and Samantha, whose fathers remain unknown. The latter child was found dead in the River Avon at the age of 21 in 1985. Bassey was named a Commander of the British Empire in 1994. Five years later, on New Year’s Eve in 1999, she became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Bassey has also been awarded the Legion d’Honneur, the highest order of merit in France.
Hits of the 60s and 70s
Bassey’s star continued to rise exponentially in the early 60s. In the first two years of the decade, she had top-ten UK hit singles with “As Long As He Needs Me,” “Reach for the Stars,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “I’ll Get By,” and “You’ll Never Know.” Bassey subsequently released the album “Let’s Face the Music”; a collaboration with Nelson Riddle and his orchestra, it spawned the hit single “What Now My Love.” In 1964, Bassey recorded perhaps her most famous song of all, the theme song to the James Bond film “Goldfinger.” Released the following year in the United States, it reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Also in 1965, Bassey released the live album “Shirley Bassey at the Pigalle.” A couple years later, she released the single “Big Spender.”
How Did Shirley Bassey’s Career Evolve in the 60s and 70s?
The 60s and 70s were golden decades for Bassey. She enjoyed numerous UK top-ten hits with songs like “As Long As He Needs Me” and “Reach for the Stars.” Her collaboration with Nelson Riddle on the album “Let’s Face the Music” produced the hit “What Now My Love.” Bassey’s albums “Something” and “I Capricorn” were significant successes, and her performances at prestigious venues like the Talk of the Town nightclub in London marked her as a premier live performer. Compilation albums like “The Shirley Bassey Singles Album” and the “25th Anniversary Album” further cemented her legacy.
Further Recording Career
In the 80s and 90s, while in what she called “semi-retirement,” Bassey recorded such albums as “All by Myself,” “I Am What I Am,” and “Keep the Music Playing.” Later, in 2003, she celebrated her 50 years in the industry by releasing the album “Thank You for the Years.” Four years after that, she had another hit album with “Get the Party Started.” Bassey’s subsequent albums have included “The Performance,” “Hello Like Before,” and “I Owe it All to You.” With the lattermost album, which peaked at number five in the UK, Bassey became the first female artist to have an album chart in the top 40 of the UK Albums Chart in seven consecutive decades.
BBC Television
Bassey has had numerous BBC television specials over the years. Her first, “Shirley Comes Home,” was broadcast in 1957. In the 60s, Bassey had five specials. She had seven specials in the 70s, and also hosted her own eponymous variety show from 1976 to 1979. Bassey continued to star in BBC television specials in the 90s and 2000s.
What Is Shirley Bassey’s Legacy?
Shirley Bassey’s legacy is marked by her unparalleled contribution to music and her enduring influence over multiple generations. Her powerful voice, dramatic stage presence, and the timeless appeal of her songs have made her a global icon. As she continues to inspire new artists and entertain fans, Dame Shirley Bassey remains a cherished figure in the world of music.
FAQs
What is Shirley Bassey best known for?
Shirley Bassey is best known for her iconic renditions of James Bond theme songs, particularly “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Moonraker.”
What is Shirley Bassey’s net worth?
Shirley Bassey has a net worth of $10 million, accumulated through her successful music career spanning over six decades.
Has Shirley Bassey had her own TV show?
Yes, Shirley Bassey hosted her own variety series, The Shirley Bassey Show, from 1976 to 1979.
What awards has Shirley Bassey received?
Shirley Bassey has been awarded numerous honors, including Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) and the Legion d’Honneur.
What is Shirley Bassey’s legacy?
Shirley Bassey’s legacy is defined by her powerful voice, dramatic performances, and her lasting influence on music, especially in pop and jazz.
In Short
Shirley Bassey is a legendary Welsh singer whose powerful voice and unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on music. With iconic hits, including James Bond theme songs, and numerous accolades, her influence spans generations. As a global icon, Bassey’s legacy continues to inspire both fans and artists alike.
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