Shirley Bassey's Greatest Hits

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Shirley Bassey's Greatest Hits

she did big spender the james bond themesong diamonds are forever also goldfinger.

She was born and raised in Tiger Bay, Wales a working class area. Her

father was a West Indian seaman and died when she was only two. She

later helped to support her family by working in an Enamel factory.

She made her professional debut at 16 appearing in a touring review

"Memories of Al Jolson". Her first major hit was "The Banana Boat

Song" and she later sang "Goldfinger" in the James Bond movie of the

same name. Her daughter died of drowning in 1985 and the british

tabloid newspapers reported there were implications of neglect for her

daughter. She currently lives in Switzerland.

Shirley Bassey

The 61-year-old star had her first Number One hit with As I Love You

in January 1959.

More recently she sang at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup

at the Millennium Stadium in her home town.

She also recorded the World Cup theme with opera singer Bryn Terfel.

Last month she unveiled her wax double at the famous Madame Tussaud's

waxworks in London.

She was born Shirley Veronica Bassey on January 8, 1937, the youngest

of seven children.

Vocal talents

She grew up in Cardiff, the daughter of a ship's fireman, Henry

Bassey, and his wife Eliza Jane.

In 1952, Shirley left school to work in the packing department of a

sausage factory, all the while singing at local clubs.

It was not long before Shirley turned professional, and even though

she quit show business to become a waitress, her talent would not be

ignored.

In 1955, Shirley appeared at the Astor Club in London, and the world

began to take notice of her vocal talents.

'Disco diva'

Her first single was Burn My Candle, but her first real hit was Banana

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