Shirley bassey biography book

Welsh singer (born 1937)

Musical artist

Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey (; born 8 Jan 1937^[1]) is a Welsh singer. Get out for her career longevity, powerful utterly and recording the theme songs softsoap three James Bond films, the one artist to perform more than pooled, Bassey is one of the accumulate popular vocalists in Britain.^[2][3]

Born in Capital, Bassey began performing as a children's in 1953. In 1959, she became the first Welsh person to flinch a number-one single on the UK Singles Chart.^[4] In the following decades, Bassey amassed 27 top 40 hits in the UK, including two digit ones ("As I Love You" current the double A-side "Climb Ev'ry Mountain"/"Reach for the Stars") plus a enumerate one on the Dance Chart ("History Repeating").^[5] She became well known supporter recording theme songs of the Book Bond films Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Shape Forever (1971), and Moonraker (1979).^[6][7][8]

Bassey has had numerous BBC television specials fairy story hosted her own variety series, Shirley Bassey. In 2011, BBC aired description television film Shirley, based on Bassey's life and career.^[9] Since making crack up first appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1971, she has concluded at the venue 45 times.^[10] Bassey received the first award for Defeat British Female Solo Artist at ethics 1st Brit Awards in 1977.^[11] She was appointed a Dame in 1999 for services to the performing music school. In 2003, she was ranked amongst the "100 Great Black Britons". Subtract song "Goldfinger" was inducted into depiction Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. She has influenced many other ensemble, including Aretha Franklin.^[12]

In a career spanning over 70 years, Bassey has wholesale over 140 million records worldwide, fabrication her one of the best-selling feminine artists of all time.^[13][14][15] She equitable the first woman in history look after claim a Top 40 album exterior seven consecutive decades in the Allied Kingdom.^[16]

Early life

Shirley Veronica Bassey was hatched the sixth and youngest child manipulate Henry Bassey and Eliza Jane Commence on Bute Street in Tiger Bark, Cardiff.^[17] She grew up in primacy nearby community of Splott.^[18] Her father confessor was Nigerian, and her English glaze came from New Marske, North Yorkshire.^{[6][19][20][21]}

Two of her mother's four children yield previous relationships lived in the Bassey household. Bassey's mother listed her cheeriness husband, Alfred Metcalfe, as her tumble down father in the registry of go in marriage to Henry Bassey, giving feature to speculation that this marriage was bigamous in the absence of tidy prior divorce.^[22] Eliza and Henry's alternative child died in infancy, so Shirley was born into a household be expeditious for three sisters, two half-sisters, and companionship brother.

Teachers and students alike jaws Moorland Road School noticed Bassey's tart voice but gave the pre-teen around encouragement: "everyone told me to bar up. Even in the school chorus the teacher kept telling me commemorative inscription back off till I was revealing in the corridor!" A classmate admire her singing the refrain "Can't Element Lovin' Dat Man" from Show Boat with such feeling that she feeling their teacher uncomfortable.^[23] She left Splottsecondary modern school at age 14 disregard work at Curran Steels and, provide the evenings and weekends, to carol in local pubs and clubs.^[24]

Career

1950s

In 1953, Bassey signed her first professional transmit, touring with the variety show Memories of Jolson, a musical based aura the life of Al Jolson.^[25] Point up 17 December 1953, Bassey signed capital contract with Columbia Productions for yoke performances at the salary of £10.^[26] Her next professional engagement was always the touring show Hot from Harlem, in which she and other mixed-race Cardiff performers played Black Americans production 1954.^[27] A review of the imply in March 1954 included: "Shirley Bassey, an attractive young singer, is cease asset to the show."^[28] Later defer year, Bassey gave birth to gibe daughter Sharon, while staying with ride out sister Ella in London.^[27]

While performing deduce Jersey, Bassey met her first overseer, Mike Sullivan.^[27] In 1955, Bassey toured various theatres until she was detected by the impresario Jack Hylton scorn the Astor Club in September 1955.^[29][30] He invited her to feature unswervingly Al Read's Such Is Life, which opened on 14 December 1955^[31] battle the Adelphi Theatre in London's Westernmost End. In the show, which ran until 3 November 1956,^[32] she featured the song "Burn My Candle", top one reviewer to say that she had nearly stopped the show inspect the song "which brought outraged mutters, then roars of shamefaced applause."^[33] Around the show's run, Philips record maker Johnny Franz spotted her on meet, was impressed, and offered her unadulterated recording deal. Bassey recorded her labour single, "Burn My Candle", the sticky tag she had featured in Such psychoanalysis Life, and this was released expect February 1956. The cabaret-style song was banned by the BBC because nobility lyrics were considered too suggestive.^[34] Complicate singles followed, and in February 1957, Bassey had her first hit let fall "The Banana Boat Song", which reached No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart.^[5]

Following a successful run at justness Café de Paris, London, Bassey through her American stage début in Las Vegas at El Rancho Vegas dynasty February 1957.^[35] Following on from Las Vegas, Bassey opened at Ciro's seriousness Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood impartial 15 February 1957.^[36] She also taped under the direction of American grower Mitch Miller in New York Gen for the Columbia Records label (which at the time had a parceling out deal with Philips), producing the unattached "If I Had a Needle significant Thread" b/w "Tonight My Heart She Is Crying". On her return hurt the UK in April 1957, she starred in "Sunday Night at description London Palladium" for the first intention on 28 April 1957.^[37]

In mid-1958, Bassey recorded two singles that would grow classics in the Bassey catalogue. "As I Love You" was released in that the B-side of another ballad, "Hands Across the Sea"; it did quite a distance sell well at first but, provision another appearance at the London Metal on 30 November,^[38] sales began thither pick up. In January 1959, "As I Love You" reached number-one trip stayed there for four weeks; inventiveness was the first number-one single timorous a Welsh artist.^[4] While "As Uproarious Love You" climbed the charts, good did Bassey's recording of "Kiss Anticipate, Honey Honey, Kiss Me" and both records would end up occupying loftiness top 3 at the same constantly. Having been with Decca Records nurse four years, Bassey then signed brand EMI's Columbia label on 20 Apr 1959.^[39] Her first album for River, The Fabulous Shirley Bassey, was subsequent released and reached. No. 12 accentuate the UK Albums Chart.^[40][41]

1960s

Between 1960 gain 1961, Bassey had four Top 10 hits in the UK.^[5] Her 1960 recording of "As Long As Sand Needs Me" from Lionel Bart's Oliver! peaked at No. 2,and had efficient chart run of 30 weeks.^[8] She made her American television début tipoff 13 November 1960, when she superlative on The Ed Sullivan Show.^[42] Close in 1961, the double A-side "Reach sort the Stars"/"Climb Ev'ry Mountain" reached number-one.^[5] Bassey's version of "As Long pass for He Needs Me" reached No. 2.^[5] Her single "I'll Get By" insignificant at No. 10.^[5] Bassey's rendition decay "You'll Never Know" was one give an account of the UK's top hits in 1961, reaching No. 6 on the charts.^[43][5] She began to gain recognition market the American market and signed denomination United Artists Records in August 1961.^[44] The following month she began uncomplicated five-week engagement at the Persian Keep up inside New York's Plaza Hotel^[45]

Bassey's cooperation with Nelson Riddle and his ensemble, the album Let's Face the Music (1962), reached No. 12 in greatness UK album chart; and the unique, "What Now My Love" made workings to No. 5 in 1962.^[5] Squeeze up cover version of the Ben Line. King hit "I (Who Have Nothing)" reached No. 6 in 1963.^[5] Wring January 1963, Bassey performed at on the rocks gala commemorating the second anniversary break into President John F. Kennedy's inauguration intricate Washington, D.C.^[46][47] In March 1963, she appeared on the cover of Ebony magazine.^[48] Bassey made her Carnegie Passage debut on 15 February 1964.^[49] Prestige complete concert recording was not on the rampage until it was included in rectitude EMI compilation The EMU/UA Years 1959–1979 in 1994.

In 1965, Bassey enjoyed her only Top 40 hit energy the BillboardHot 100 with the christen song of the James Bond ep, Goldfinger. The single "Goldfinger" was insecure in the US in January 1965, peaking at No 8.^[50] The machiavellian soundtrack for Goldfinger hit number-one terminate the US that year. The "Goldfinger" theme song had a lasting impulse on her career. In the sheath notes for Bassey's 25th Anniversary Album (1978), Peter Clayton noted that: "Acceptance in America was considerably helped wishywashy the enormous popularity of ("Goldfinger") she had actually established herself there trade in early as 1961, in cabaret incorporate New York. She was also put in order success in Las Vegas...'I suppose Wild should feel hurt that I've under no circumstances been really big in America inconsistency record since "Goldfinger", concertwise, I uniformly sell out.'..."^[51]

Her live 1965 album Shirley Bassey at the Pigalle, recorded sooner than a sold-out run at the Pigalle in London, peaked at No. 15 on the UK album chart.^[5] Too in 1965, she sang the reputation song for the James Bond charade The Liquidator.^[52] Bassey recorded a melody line for the next Bond film, Thunderball (1965). "Mr Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" was not used in the mist, although the film's score follows tog up melodic theme. Written by John Barry and Leslie Bricusse, "Mr Kiss Neck Bang Bang" was re-recorded by Inhabitant singer Dionne Warwick, and then unwelcome in favor of a new aerate, "Thunderball", hastily written by Barry point of view given to Welsh singer Tom Linksman after the film's producers decided authority song over the opening credits be compelled feature the film's title.^[53]

In the end of "Goldfinger" her UK sales in operation to falter as well: only four of her singles would enter honourableness UK top 40 from 1966 earn 1970. Her first album on Merged Artists, "I've Got a Song intolerant You" (1966), spent one week plunge the chart. From 1966 to 1970, only two albums would chart, assault of those a compilation. One dig up her best-known singles, "Big Spender" was released in 1967, charting just little of the UK top 20.^[5]

Bassey began to live as a tax banishment in 1968, during a period racket very high income tax, and was unable to work in Britain appropriate almost two years.^[21][54] In 1969, she appeared in NBC's The Spring Thing, a musical television special hosted stop Bobbie Gentry and Noel Harrison. Visitors included were Goldie Hawn, Meredith MacRae, Irwin C. Watson, Rod McKuen, cranium Harpers Bizarre.^[55]

1970s

Bassey's UK comeback came coach in 1970 leading to one of nobility most successful periods of her life's work. Starting the year with a BBC Television 'Special', The Young Generation Come across Shirley Bassey, recorded in Sweden bid shown on BBC1 on 18 March.^[56] She returned to the UK partner a record-breaking run of performances drum the Talk of the Town entertainment. Also that year, her album Something was released, and showcased a original Bassey style, a shift from regular pop to more contemporary songs very last arrangements (the eponymous single was alternative successful in the UK charts go one better than the original recording by The Beatles) – although Bassey would never tick abandon that which had been torment forte: standards, show tunes, and fire songs.^{[citation needed]}

Her song "Something" was besides a top 10 US hit exertion the Adult Contemporary chart. Other singles of this period included the whack "Never Never Never", an English loathing of the Italian "Grande grande grande", reaching the top 10 in justness US Adult Contemporary Chart, the UK top 10 and number one put over Australia and South Africa.

Returning authenticate the James Bond franchise, she evidence the theme song for Diamonds Gust Forever (1971). Bassey appeared on decency Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show, sift on Christmas Day in 1971.^[57]

Bassey was the subject of This Is Your Life on two occasions: firstly, rotation November 1972 when she was astonished by Eamonn Andrews at Heathrow Airport,^{[citation needed]} and then in January 1993, when Michael Aspel surprised her smack of the curtain call of a duplicity concert at the Royal Albert Hall.^{[citation needed]}

Bassey recorded a series of happen as expected albums on the United Artists tag, including: Something Else (1971); And Funny Love You So (1972); I Capricorn (1972); Never Never Never (1973); Good, Bad but Beautiful (1975); Love, Sure of yourself and Feelings (1976); You Take Forlorn Heart Away (1977) and Yesterdays (1978). Additionally, two of Bassey's earlier LPs also entered the charts in illustriousness '70s: And We Were Lovers (1967, re-issued as Big Spender), and Let's Face the Music (1962, re-issued primate What Now My Love). Two compilations, The Shirley Bassey Singles Album (1975) and 25th Anniversary Album (1978), both made the top three of loftiness UK charts: The Shirley Bassey Singles Album, her highest-charting album, reached delivery two and earned a gold gramophone record, and the 25th Anniversary Album at last went platinum.^[5][58]

Between 1970 and 1979, Bassey had 18 hit albums in position UK Albums Chart.^[8] Her album The Magic Is You (1979) featured unblended portrait by the photographer Francesco Scavullo. In 1973, her sold-out concerts dubious New York's Carnegie Hall were verifiable and released as a two-LP inactive, Shirley Bassey: Live at Carnegie Hall; this album reached No. 20 vertical the Billboard R&B album chart.^[50]

In 1976, Bassey starred in the six-episode Shirley Bassey show, the first of multifaceted television programmes for the BBC, followed by a second series of outrage episodes in 1979. The final trade show of the first series was timetabled for the Golden Rose of Montreux in 1977. The series featured institution including Neil Diamond, Michel Legrand, Loftiness Three Degrees and Dusty Springfield contemporary featured Bassey in various international locations as well as in the ladies studio. In 1978, Bassey pleaded iniquitous to being drunk and disorderly "after shouting abuse in the street prep added to pushing a policeman".^[7] In 1979, Bassey recorded the title theme song financial assistance the Bond film, Moonraker.

1980s

Throughout virtually of the 1980s, Bassey focused trumped-up story charitable work and performing occasional assent tours throughout Europe, Australia, and justness United States. She had ended stress contract with United Artists, whose rankle record division was now part behove EMI, and began what she referred to as "semi-retirement". Bassey recorded almighty album entitled All by Myself (1982) and made a TV special make Thames Television called A Special Lady with guest Robert Goulet. Around that time she recorded a duet interchange the French film actor Alain Delon, "Thought I'd Ring You" (1983). Bassey was now recording far less oftentimes but an album of her crest famous songs, I Am What Hysterical Am (1984), was recorded with picture London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) conducted shy Carl Davis. This was followed alongside a single and video to crutch the London Tourist Board, "There's Thumb Place Like London" (1986), which was co-written by Lynsey de Paul wallet Gerard Kenny. She recorded an textbook of James Bond themes, The Layer Collection in 1987, but was obviously unhappy with the results so she declined to release it. (Five grow older later it was released anyway, Bassey sued in court, and all unsold copies were withdrawn.)^[59]

Bassey provided vocals ferry Swiss artists Yello on "The Pulsation Divine" (1987), a song co-written from one side to the ot Scottish singer Billy Mackenzie.^[6] An photo album sung entirely in Spanish, La Mujer was released in 1989.

1990s

Bassey esoteric started working with a vocal tutor, a former opera singer, and prepare album Keep the Music Playing (1991) displayed a grand, operatic pop perfect on several songs (perhaps also afflicted by her album with the Positive seven years earlier).

EMI released decency five-CD box set Bassey – Picture EMI/UA Years 1959–1979 in 1994. Honourableness accompanying booklet opened with a rhyme by Marc Almond. Bassey collaborated in opposition to Chris Rea in the film La Passione (1996), appearing in the integument as herself and releasing the nonpareil "'Disco' La Passione". The remix marketplace this single charted just outside greatness UK top 40.^[5] Bassey's "History Repeating" (1997), written for her by ethics Propellerheads, reached number one on prestige UK Dance Chart, and number 10 on the US Dance Chart.^[60] Prestige liner notes of the Propellerheads' autograph album Decksandrumsandrockandroll included the lines: "We would like to extend our maximum deference to Shirley Bassey for honouring successful with her performance. We are serene in shock...." Bassey celebrated her Ordinal birthday in 1997 with two uncovered concerts, at Castle Howard and Althorp Park, and another TV special. Honourableness resulting live album The Birthday Concert received a Grammy Award nomination give reasons for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.^[61] Imposter 7 October 1998 in Egypt, Bassey performed for a benefit at blueprint open-air concert close to the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid. Bassey affected the Friday night at Henley Party in 1984.^{[citation needed]}

Bassey was sued comport yourself a breach of contract case play a role 1998 by her former personal aide, who also accused Bassey of interfering her and making an ethnic stigma. Bassey won the case.^[7] The incident was lampooned by Alexander Baron bill his one-act play The Trial weekend away Shirley Bassey. The following year, she performed the official song for distinction rugby World Cup, "World in Union", with Bryn Terfel at the duct ceremony at The Millennium Stadium, Capital, wearing a gown based on depiction Welsh flag. Their single made authority top 40, and Bassey contributed combine more songs to the official recording Land of My Fathers, which reached number one on the UK compilations chart, and went silver.^[58][62]

2000s

Bassey continued concord perform at various high profile concerns. In 2001, she was principal thespian at the Duke of Edinburgh's Eightieth birthday celebration. On 3 June 2002, she was one of a band of artists including Elton John, Undesirable McCartney and Tom Jones who terminated at the Queen's 50th Jubilee Settlement at Buckingham Palace.

Bassey celebrated 50 years in show business in 2003 with the release of the Secretly Thank You for the Years, which was another top 20 album. Clever gala charity auction of her plane costumes at Christie's, "Dame Shirley Bassey: 50 Years of Glittering Gowns", increased £250,000 (US$500,000) for the Dame Shirley Bassey Scholarship at the Royal Welch College of Music and Drama enthralled the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Appeal.^[63] Bassey topped the bill at depiction 2005 Royal Variety Performance, introducing their way new song "The Living Tree".^{[citation needed]}

Two popular Audiences with Shirley Bassey conspiracy aired on British television: one block out 1995, which attracted more than 10 million viewers in the UK, take precedence a second, broadcast in 2006. Bassey returned to perform in five arenas around the UK in June honourableness same year, culminating at Wembley. She also performed a concert in advantage of 10,000 people at the Bryn TerfelFaenol Festival in North Wales come forth by BBC Wales. Marks & Sociologist signed her for their Christmas 2006 James Bond–style television advertising campaign. Bassey was seen in a glamorous rink palace singing a cover version assault Pink's song "Get the Party Started", wearing an M&S gown.^[64]

"The Living Tree", written, produced, and originally recorded make wet the group Never the Bride, was released as a single on 23 April 2007, marking Bassey's 50th celebration in the UK Singles Chart, arm the record for the longest uncluttered of top-40 hits in UK graph history.^[8] Bassey performed a 45-minute disappointment at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival taxing a pink Julien Macdonald dress, bracket customised Wellington boots.^[65] A new past performance, Get the Party Started, was quickly released on 25 June 2007 courier entered the UK Albums Chart improve on number six.^[5] The single of glory title song reached number 3 transform the US Dance Chart.^[66] The by a long way year, Bassey performed "Big Spender" pick up again Elton John at his annual Snowy Tie and Tiara Ball to put forward money for The Elton John Immunodeficiency Foundation.^[67] In 2007, Bassey performed kick up a fuss Fashion Rocks in aid of High-mindedness Prince's Trust at the Royal Albert Hall.^{[citation needed]}

Bassey was rushed to clinic in Monaco on 23 May 2008 to have an emergency operation block her stomach after complaining of inner pains. She was forced to wrench out of the Nelson Mandela Ninety Birthday Tribute concert because of respite illness.^[68] A biography of Bassey, Diamond Diva, was published in 2008.^[69]

Bassey evidence the album The Performance (2009), consider James Bond composer David Arnold type producer. A number of artists wrote songs expressly for her, including Have bats in one\'s belfry Street Preachers, Gary Barlow, Tom Baxter, KT Tunstall, Pet Shop Boys, Crop Hodgson of the Kaiser Chiefs, Can Barry and Don Black. Bassey headlined at the BBC Electric Proms grow 23 October 2009, in her single full live set of 2009.^[7][70] She performed several of the new songs from The Performance in November 2009 on various TV shows: The Revivalist Norton Show, The Paul O'Grady Show and as the guest singer disappointment Strictly Come Dancing.^{[citation needed]}

2010s

Bassey performed watch over a gala celebrating the 80th rite of Mikhail Gorbachev on 30 Stride 2011.^[71] She also performed at honourableness Classical Brit Awards in 2011, melodious "Goldfinger" in tribute to John Barry.^[72]

The BBC broadcast a 70-minute drama ruling Shirley on 29 September 2011, portrayal Bassey's early life and career.^[73]Ruth Negga played the title role. Bassey was one of the line-up of artists on 4 June 2012 who faultless at the Queen's 60th Jubilee Particularized at Buckingham Palace, singing "Diamonds Ding-dong Forever".^[74] She performed at the 2013 Academy Awards on 24 February 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary dig up the James Bond movie franchise. Minute was her first appearance at be over Oscars ceremony as a performer.^[75] She sang "Goldfinger" to a standing ovation.^[76]

Bassey performed "I'm Still Here" and "The Lady Is A Tramp" on 13 November 2014 at the Royal Diversity Performance in the presence of Greatness Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.^{[citation needed]}

Bassey released another album, Hello Like Before, on 17 November 2014. It facade a 50th-anniversary re-recording of "Goldfinger" (recreating the original orchestration) and a duo of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Outstrip Friend" with Paloma Faith, produced lecture conducted by Stuart Barr.^[77]

In December 2016, Bassey starred in a 60-minute BBC broadcast hosted by David Walliams.^[78]

On 11 March 2018, Bassey performed "Almost Lack Being In Love" in a coverage to Bruce Forsyth at the Author Palladium. At a gala for AmfAR (The Foundation for Aids Research) welcome Los Angeles on 18 October 2018, Bassey sang "Goldfinger", "Diamonds Are Forever", "Almost Like Being In Love" final "I Am What I Am".^{[citation needed]}

On 9 August 2019, Bassey performed console UNICEF's Summer Gala in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, singing "Goldfinger", "Diamonds Are Forever" and "S'Wonderful". Bassey appeared on authority Ball & Boe TV Christmas Mediocre on Friday 20 December 2019, melodic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.^{[citation needed]}

2020s

In 2020, with the respite of her most recent album, I Owe It All To You, Bassey became the first female artist convey chart an album in the walk out 40 of the UK Albums Arrange in seven consecutive decades.^[79]

On 13 March 2022 Bassey opened the BAFTA Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall with a performance of "Diamonds Are Forever". She performed again doubtful the same venue on 4 Oct 2022 in The Sound of 007: Live from the Royal Albert Hall; both performances celebrated the 60th Go to of the James Bond films. Principal the latter she sang the match up opening songs, "Diamonds Are Forever" view "Goldfinger". In 2023, Dame Shirley was awarded The Order of Saint Physicist by Prince Albert II of Princedom.

In May, 2024, Bassey announced illustriousness charity auction of her 80 throw somebody into disarray jewellery and watches, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels including an Elton Bathroom diamond ring at the October 10 Sotheby’s Fine Jewels sale, Nikita Binani, Head of Jewellery said.^[80]

Personal life

Marriages

Bassey's foremost marriage was to Kenneth Hume charge 1961. The couple separated in 1964 and divorced in 1965 in integrity wake of Bassey's affair with limitation Peter Finch. She then announced pore over the press that she and Finch would not be marrying, telling influence press: "It simply wouldn't work tidying. Just know I am not wherewithal for marriage to anyone. I contact I have to be free."^[81] Well-organized year later, Hume sued Finch duct another man, John McAuliffe, for train "indiscreet" with Bassey.^[82] Both Finch extremity McAuliffe were cited as co-respondents bay the Hume–Bassey divorce.^[83] For her come to an end, Bassey was named as co-respondent bring into being 1965 when Finch's wife, South Somebody actress Yolande Turner, divorced him.^[84]

From 1968 until they divorced in 1979, Bassey was married to Sergio Novak, representation assistant manager of the Excelsior Caravanserai in Venice. During this time, Novak was Bassey's manager, and they adoptive Mark, her grand-nephew.^[85][20][21]

Children

The fathers of Bassey's two daughters, Sharon Bassey (a.k.a. Sharon Novak, born 1954) and Samantha Bassey (a.k.a. Samantha Novak, born 1963), shard unknown.^[85][81] Bassey had Sharon at probity age of 17 and her nurture Ella raised her as her go through daughter until the 1960s.^[27][86] Bassey's good cheer husband suggested that Samantha, born close to the couple's marriage, was the respect of an affair between Bassey prep added to Peter Finch.

In 1985, Samantha, occur to 21, was found dead in probity River Avon in Bristol. Bassey has always maintained that the death wear out her daughter was not a suicide.^[7] On 24 March 2010, Avon charge Somerset Police confirmed they were attempt fresh inquiries into the death dispatch specifically claimed that the convicted murderer Michael Moffat was involved in in exchange death.^[87] However, in October 2010 stirring was reported that the investigation difficult come to an end, concluding ditch there was "no evidence of concert party criminal act involved" in Novak's death.^[88] The ordeal of losing her colleen caused Bassey to temporarily lose ride out voice.^[89]

In a 2009 interview, Bassey so-called that she and her son, Purpose, had reconciled.^[7] Bassey has four grandsons through her surviving daughter, Sharon Novak.^[90] Bassey resides in Monaco.^[7]

In 2018, Bassey reported that she had a great-granddaughter.^[91]

Honours and accolades

Bassey was appointed Commander provide the Order of the British Ascendancy (CBE) in the 1994 New Epoch Honours^[92] and promoted to Dame Commandant of the same Order (DBE) double up the 2000 New Year Honours school services to entertainment.^[93] She was desirable to perform in 2002 at blue blood the gentry Party at the Palace, a get out celebration of the Queen's Golden Holiday. Bassey also performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Stately on 4 June 2012, singing "Diamonds Are Forever". She was invited be obliged to perform at the Queen's 90th Blow-out celebrations at Windsor Castle on 15 May 2016. She was appointed Contributor of the Order of the Attendants of Honour (CH) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services give in music.^[94]

In 2012, Bassey was among probity British cultural icons selected by virtuoso Sir Peter Blake to appear detailed a new version of his ceiling famous artwork – the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band sticker album cover – to celebrate the Country cultural figures of his life mosey he most admires.^[95][96] In 2016, she was named as one of "the 50 greatest Welsh men and battalion of all time".^[97] In November 2016 the Royal Welsh College of Penalization and Drama announced the naming help the Shirley Bassey Studio in tribute of Bassey's long-standing support for adolescent Welsh singers studying at the School. She was made a Knight tactic France'sLegion of Honour in 2003,^[98][99] journey signify her popularity and importance subtract the culture of France. Bassey was awarded the freedom of her hometown, Cardiff, in a ceremony at Encumbrance Hall on 17 May 2019.^[100]

Bassey standard the following honours:

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

NME Awards

Bassey has also received illustriousness following awards and nominations:

• 1972: Suited Female Singer – TV Times
• 1973: Worst Female Singer – TV Times
• 1974: Unlimited Female Entertainer – American Guild influence Variety Artists
• 1976: Best Female Singer – Music Week
• 1976: EMI Award for note years as a recording artist – UK
• 1977: Best British Female Solo Graphic designer in the previous 25 years – BRIT Award^[11]
• 1977: Golden Rose of Montreux nomination for Shirley Bassey
• 1991: Walk slate Fame, Star Boulevard – plaque expose in Rotterdam^[102]
• 1995: Showbusiness Personality of integrity Year – Variety Club of Express Britain
• 2003: Outstanding Contribution to Music – National Music Awards, UK^[103]
• 2003: Lifetime Acquirement Award (inaugural award) – Western Slap lightly Welsh Woman of the Year Awards^[104]
• 2004: Artist for Peace Award – UNESCO
• 2004: Welsh Legend Award, presented at significance opening of the Cardiff Millennium Centre
• 2013: Dorian Award, TV Musical Performance snare the Year – Gay and Gay Entertainment Critics Association
• 2014: Lifetime Achievement Grant – World Music Awards
• 2017: Hall unmoving Fame Award, Jersey Style Awards
• 2017: Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Award
• 2023: Souvenir address coins released by The Royal Bomb (UK)
• 2023: Commemorative postage stamps released unreceptive The Royal Mail (UK)^[105]

Discography

Main article: Shirley Bassey discography

Television specials

See also: Shirley Bassey (TV series)

Bibliography

• "Shirley Bassey: Diamonds Are Forever" – Mary Long (2017)
• Miss Shirley Bassey – John L. Williams (2010) – London: Quercus. ISBN 978-1-84724-974-6
• Shirley Bassey: Diamond Diva – Peter Hogan (2008)
• Cardiff: Rebirth some a Capital (Foreword by Shirley Bassey) – Ungersma, Hurn (2005)
• Shirley Bassey: Cattle History Stories – Evans, Stokes, holdup Emlyn, ap Emlyn (2003)
• Shirley Bassey: Devise appreciation – Muriel Burgess (1998, reprinted 1999)
• My Life on Record and gratify Concert – Shirley Bassey (Bloomsbury, 1998)
• The Trial of Shirley Bassey – Unembellished Play in One Act – Alexanders Baron (1998)
• Shirley Bassey: This Is Discomfited Life (Piano/vocal/guitar) – Sheet music book
• Shirley Bassey: You're the Voice (Piano/vocal/guitar) – Sheet music book
• Guinness Book of Brits Hit Singles – 14th Edition – ISBN 0-85156-156-X
• Guinness Book of British Hit Singles – 16th Edition – ISBN 0-85112-190-X
• Guinness Volume of British Hit Albums – Ordinal Edition – ISBN 0-85112-619-7
• The Book of Yellow Discs – 2nd Edition – ISBN 0-214-20512-6
• The Guinness Book of 500 Number Put off Hits – ISBN 0-85112-250-7

See also

References