What is Shirley Bassey's Net Worth?
Dame Shirley Bassey is a renowned Welsh singer with a net worth of $10 million. She is globally celebrated for her powerful voice and iconic performances of the James Bond theme songs, including "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever," and "Moonraker." With a career spanning several decades, Bassey has produced numerous hit albums such as "Something," "I Capricorn," "Get the Party Started," and "I Owe it All to You." She has also captivated audiences through her multiple television specials on the BBC and her variety series in the 70s.
Early Life
Born on January 8, 1937, in Cardiff, Wales, Shirley Bassey was the youngest of six children of Eliza, an English mother, and Henry, a Nigerian father. Raised in a bustling household that included her mother’s children from previous relationships, Bassey showcased her musical talents early by singing in her school choir at Moorland Road School. After leaving secondary modern school at 14, she worked at Curran Steels while singing in local clubs and pubs by night.
Career Beginnings
In 1953, Bassey embarked on her professional music career, initially signing up for the "Memories of Jolson" tour. She soon caught the attention of Columbia Productions and performed in "Hot from Harlem." English impresario Jack Hylton, impressed by her performance in the West End show "Such is Life," facilitated her subsequent recording contract with Philips. Her first single, "Burn My Candle," recorded under Philips, faced censorship from the BBC for its suggestive lyrics. In 1957, Bassey achieved her first hit single, "The Banana Boat Song," and made her American debut in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
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In 1958, Bassey released notable singles such as "As I Love You" and "Hands Across the Sea," followed by another hit, "Kiss Me, Honey Honey, Kiss Me." Her signing with Columbia led to the success of "The Fabulous Shirley Bassey" album.
Hits of the 60s and 70s
The early 60s saw Bassey’s meteoric rise with iconic UK hit singles such as "As Long As He Needs Me," "Reach for the Stars," and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." Her album "Let's Face the Music," a standout collaboration with Nelson Riddle, included the hit single "What Now My Love." Her fame soared with the 1964 James Bond theme "Goldfinger," reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Further successes included the live album "Shirley Bassey at the Pigalle" and the single "Big Spender."
Bassey returned to the spotlight in 1970 after a brief hiatus, headlining at London’s Talk of the Town and producing the hit album "Something." In 1971, she returned to the James Bond franchise with "Diamonds Are Forever" and enjoyed substantial success throughout the decade with albums like "Something Else," "I Capricorn," and "25th Anniversary Album." She capped the 70s with her third Bond theme, "Moonraker."
Further Recording Career
Though she referred to the 80s and 90s as "semi-retirement," Bassey continued to produce notable albums such as "All by Myself," "I Am What I Am," and "Keep the Music Playing." In 2003, she commemorated her 50-year mark in the industry with the release of "Thank You for the Years." This was followed by the successful album "Get the Party Started" in 2007. Her later works include "The Performance," "Hello Like Before," and "I Owe it All to You," the latter securing her a spot as the first female artist to chart an album in the UK’s top 40 over seven consecutive decades.
BBC Television
Bassey's long-standing relationship with the BBC began with her first special, "Shirley Comes Home," in 1957. She went on to produce five specials in the 60s, seven in the 70s, including her self-titled variety show from 1976 to 1979, and continued her television presence through the 90s and 2000s.
Personal Life
Shirley Bassey married her first husband, Kenneth Hume, in 1961, but they divorced in 1965 following her affair with actor Peter Finch. She later married Sergio Novak in 1968, with their marriage ending in 1979. Bassey had two daughters, Sharon and Samantha, with her daughter Samantha tragically passing away in 1985.
Bassey’s remarkable career and contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including being named Commander of the British Empire in 1994 and subsequently a Dame Commander in 1999. She has also received the Legion d'Honneur from France, acknowledging her enduring legacy and contributions to music and culture.
