Shirley Bassey
Known for ActingBorn 1937-01-08Butetown, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales, UK
Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer known for both her powerful operatic voice and for recording the theme songs to the James Bond films 'Goldfinger' (1964); 'Diamonds Are Forever' (1971) and 'Moonraker' (1979).
Born on Bute Street in Butetown (also known as 'Tiger Bay') in the docklands area of Cardiff, she was was the sixth and youngest child of Henry Bassey, from Nigeria, and Eliza Jane Start, from the north-east of England, but grew up in the adjacent community of Splott.
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After leaving Splott Secondary Modern School at the age of 14, Bassey found work at the local Curran Steels factory, while singing in public houses and clubs in the evenings and on weekends. In 1953, she signed her first professional contract and went on to work for the impresario Jack Hylton. She recorded her first single in 1956.
Known for
The Sound of 007
2022 · as Self (archive footage)
Everything or Nothing
2012 · as Self (archive footage)
60 Songs: BBC Two at 60
2024 · as Self (archive footage)
The Missing Crown Jewels
2017 · as Self
The World of James Bond
1995 · as Self
Saturday Knight Takeaway
2018 · as Self
Party at the Palace: The Queen's Concerts, Buckingham Palace
2002 · as Self
St David's Day at the BBC
2021 · as Self
…Sings Neil Diamond
2010 · as Self (archive footage)
The Diamond Jubilee Concert 2012
2012 · as Self - Performer
La Passione
1997 · as Shirley Bassey
I Can't Give You Anything But Love: The Jimmy McHugh Story
2024 · as Self
Shirley Bassey: A Special Lady
1980 · as Self
Shirley Bassey: Divas Are Forever
2000 · as Self
…Sings Musicals
2012 · as Self (archive footage)
The Sound of 007: Live from the Royal Albert Hall
2022 · as self
Children in Need Rocks the Royal Albert Hall
2009 · as Self
Eric & Ernie: Behind the Scenes
2011 · as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)