Katrina and the Waves
Early Years
Katrina and the Waves were formed in Cambridge, England in 1981. The band was initially known as The Waves, but the name was changed to include the lead vocalist, Katrina Leskanich. The other members of the band were Kimberley Rew, Vince de la Cruz, and Alex Cooper. The band's early music was a mix of new wave and 1960s-style rock and roll.
Musical Style and Influence
Katrina and the Waves were known for their upbeat, pop-rock sound. Their music was heavily influenced by the rock and roll and pop music of the 1960s, particularly the British Invasion bands. They were also influenced by the new wave music of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their songs often featured catchy, sing-along choruses and upbeat, danceable rhythms.
Career
The band's first album, "Walking on Sunshine," was released in 1983. The title track became a hit in the United States and the United Kingdom, and is still the band's best-known song. The band released several more albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but none achieved the same level of success as their debut.
In 1997, Katrina and the Waves won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Love Shine a Light." This was the first time the United Kingdom had won the contest since 1981. The song became a hit in Europe, and the band enjoyed a brief resurgence in popularity.
Legacy
Despite their relatively brief period of success, Katrina and the Waves have left a lasting impact on pop music. "Walking on Sunshine" has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in many films and television shows. The band's upbeat, feel-good sound has influenced many pop and rock artists.