Twentieth-Century Divas: Shirley Bassey - Dominic Broomfield-McHugh

The Black Welsh singer started out recording cover versions of American songbook classics but rose to international fame after her performance of the title song of Goldfinger. Movie songs, successful albums and popular television specials followed, but so too did personal tragedy and a highly critical (and gendered) reputation of her professional behaviour in the media.
The word ‘diva’ has been applied both admiringly and misogynistically to her life and work, typifying her experience as a Black British woman.
This lecture was recorded by Dominic Broomfield-McHugh on 21st March 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London
Dominic is Visiting Professor of Film and Theatre Music.
He is also Professor of Music at the University of Sheffield.
The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:
www.gresham.ac...
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[@MrDavey2010]

John Barry & Shirley Bassey were an item in 1963 which accounts for her getting the gig!

[@katiekatconway1880]

I’m surprised she had time to sing ! She had fling with her first manager as a teenager! No wonder she’s never authorised an official biography ( read 5 unofficial). I adore her! She’s had a fuller life than most can dream about. I’d have loved the life but sadly not exceedingly talented and charismatic. She is definitely a Diva!

[@johnthekeane]

Bassey! Bam! Brilliant!

[@Johnnycdrums]

Although of a different generation, Shirley Bassey is the vocal equivelent of Buddy Rich.

[@Johnnycdrums]

This guy confuses "a step down" with a minor third, yet, apparently talking music.