Sandie Shaw
Early Life
Sandie Shaw was born as Sandra Ann Goodrich on 26th February 1947 in Dagenham, Essex, England. She was the eldest of three children in a working-class family. Her interest in music was apparent from a young age, and she often performed at school functions and local events.
Career
Shaw's career began in 1963 when she was discovered by singer Adam Faith while working at the Ford Dagenham factory. She was subsequently signed by Pye Records, and her first single, "As Long as You're Happy Baby", was released in 1964. However, it was her second single, "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me", that catapulted her to fame. The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, establishing Shaw as a prominent figure in the British pop scene.
Shaw continued to enjoy success throughout the 1960s, with hits like "Girl Don't Come", "I'll Stop at Nothing", and "Long Live Love". Her distinctive voice, combined with her fashion-forward image, made her a popular figure among the youth of the time.
In 1967, Shaw represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Puppet on a String". She won the contest, becoming the first UK artist to do so. The song became a major international hit and remains one of Shaw's most recognized songs.
Later Life and Legacy
In the 1970s, Shaw's popularity began to wane as musical tastes changed. However, she continued to perform and record, experimenting with different musical styles and working with various artists. In 1988, she collaborated with the band The Smiths, which led to a resurgence in her popularity.
Shaw officially retired from performing in 2013 but continues to be involved in the music industry. She is recognized as a pioneer of the British pop scene and has influenced many artists. Her contribution to music has been acknowledged with several awards, including a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 2017.