Bonnie Tyler was born in Wales in 1951 and launched her career at eighteen rdoing a version of Mary Hopkin's "Those Were the Days" in a talent contest in Wales. (She came in second.)
After some work as a lead singer with a band, she started getting some success on the charts in Germany and the UK. In 1977 she had to have surgery to remove nodules from her vocal cords. She started singing and using her voice too early afterwards--the result was that her voice gaineda husky quality that she thought might imperil her career. Litle did she know that the next album she came out with would contain her first major international hit. I had a heartache myself back 30 years ago so I could relate to this one. Heart restored, it still stands out as one of the best of the Seventies in terms of post-partum break-up songs.
Her voice was very unique. I like it in short bursts. I am not sure I would have survived twenty years of listening to her. Twenty minute would be fine
ReplyDeleteWell, a whole album might be a bit much for me as well. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is also a great song. I'm glad to hear Ms. Tyler still performing--mainly in Europe-- and working on an album . The lady knows how to "deliver" a song.
ReplyDeletespeaking "Of The Total Eclipse of the Heart"...was that song, done with the singer "Meatloaf", whose songs were written by Jim Steinman?...My spouse has always liked him...I , as well, but i never bought much music, could never justify an album for one song, especially if done by a band that you would consider as a "one hit wonder" group... Thanks again for the memory!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Total Eclipse of the Heart" was my favourite. I too only like her in short bursts. However, there is no denying, she is very popular...
ReplyDelete'Lost In France' was a classic Bonnie Tyler anthem to that great British propensity to be confused by all things foreign.
ReplyDeleteWhy the hell can't they have road signs in English?
Why do they insist on driving on the wrong side of the road?
They can all speak English perfectly well you know, they just jabber away in French to confuse us, downright rude I call it!
Getting lost is what Brits do best..whether we are trying to navigate the Zambezi River or visit Euro-Disney.
Who hasn't confidently caught the Paris Metro to Gare du Nord only find themselves unceremoniously pitched out at La Défence?
Anyway Doug, I mostly remember Bonnie Tyler for 'Lost in France' and the boyhood fantasy of rescuing some Welsh bird from their Gallic détresse et confusion in deepest darkest Pas de Calais like a knight of old only to live happily ever after in a fromer slate quarry near Blaenau Ffestinog (with me reaping the benefit of a lifetime of selfless gratitude).....funny what effect Bonnie Tyler could have on an impressioable lad like me?
They can all speak English perfectly well you know, they just jabber away in French to confuse us, downright rude I call it!
ReplyDeleteHahaha, they also do that in some parts of Wales.
I loved her husky voice!! Gee, this brought back memories.... nice song!!
ReplyDeleteThe song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" was indeed written by Steinman, Catherine. From what I could find Meatloaf was the producer of the video to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" . I'm not sure they did a duet, but I could be wrong.
ReplyDeleteTotal Eclipse..." indeed went though to the top of the charts all over the world. I was glad to have a song from Bonnie Tyler in 1978 to share. She made the top three for me from that very easily, although it was not a good year for top hits.
ReplyDelete