Shirley Bassey Facts & Worksheets

Shirley Bassey is a British singer well-known for her powerful and distinctive voice. She gained international fame with her performances of the theme songs for three James Bond films: “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Moonraker.”

See the fact file below for more information about Shirley Bassey, or you can download our 21-page Shirley Bassey worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

• Shirley Veronica Bassey was born in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, Wales, on January 8, 1937, and grew up in a working-class neighborhood. The family experienced financial difficulties.
• Her childhood involved much adversity, including the death of her father when she was just two years old. Despite the difficulties, Bassey’s innate ability for singing was evident at a young age, and she began performing in local clubs and pubs to support her family. Her beautiful, strong voice rapidly drew people in with its depth and emotional impact.
• Bassey’s formal education, on the other hand, was limited due to her family’s financial predicament, and she dropped out of school when she was 14 years old. 
• Her natural musical skill and desire to pursue a singing career drove her to devote herself to honing her craft via practical experience. As a young Black woman in a mainly white industry, she encountered extensive challenges, but her undeniable talent and charisma propelled her forward.
• Shirley Bassey’s upbringing and little formal education did not discourage her from pursuing her musical love. Instead, her early experiences in Tiger Bay’s bustling music scene provided the groundwork for her incredible career, which saw her climb to international recognition as one of the world’s most iconic and enduring voices.

MUSIC CAREER

• Shirley Bassey’s singing career demonstrates her exceptional talent, variety, and enduring appeal. Her breakthrough occurred in 1957 when she won a local talent contest, which led her to a recording deal with Philips Records. 
• Her debut track, “Burn My Candle,” drew recognition for its sensual and unusual singing style, laying the groundwork for her incredible journey in the music industry.
• Bassey’s career took off in the 1960s when she sang the theme songs for the James Bond films “Goldfinger” (1964), “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), and “Moonraker” (1979).
• These classic Bond themes not only cemented her international recognition but also demonstrated her ability to pour drama and emotion into her performances, a trademark aspect of her vocal style. 
• Her dominating stage presence, powerful voice, and compelling delivery made her a sought-after singer in music halls and television shows all over the world.
• Bassey was known for her flexibility, seamlessly moving between genres, including pop, ballads, show tunes, and soulful interpretations. Her rendition of “Big Spender“ became a defining moment in her repertoire, and her chart-topping successes like “I Who Have Nothing” and “Never, Never, Never” demonstrated her ability to connect emotionally with audiences.
• Throughout her career, Bassey has played for royalty, world leaders, and crowds from all around the world. 
• Her live performances highlighted not only her singing abilities but also her dynamic stage presence and penchant for theatrical attire. She became noted for her gorgeous dresses and ornate headpieces, establishing her international diva status.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Shirley Bassey’s remarkable career is studded with countless accomplishments that cement her status as a great musical legend. She has sold over 135 million records worldwide with 45 studio albums, demonstrating her ongoing success and international appeal. 
• Throughout her career, she has garnered various major prizes and medals, including three Grammy Award nominations. Bassey was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2000 for her extraordinary services to music and entertainment. 
• Her list of accomplishments also includes being the first musician in the UK to have a Top 10 hit in five successive decades.
• Her pompous and engaging stage persona has made an everlasting impression on the world of performing. Her extravagant headpieces and gorgeous costumes have influenced generations of artists and designers. Bassey’s ability to communicate emotion and drama through her singing has garnered her a global following.
• Bassey broke through boundaries and opened possibilities for future generations as a pioneer for Black musicians in the entertainment sector. 
• Her tenacity, charisma, and outstanding singing ability have changed the landscape of popular music and cemented her place among the musical greats. Shirley Bassey’s accomplishments, both on and off the stage, remain a tribute to her enduring legacy and impact on the world of music and culture.

LEGACY

• Shirley Bassey’s legacy is one of enduring and profound musical achievements, as well as her irrepressible personality and trailblazing presence in the entertainment world.
• Bassey has made an unmistakable impression on pop, jazz, and soul music as a vocalist with a voice that oozes power, emotion, and variety. 
• Her renowned James Bond theme song performances have become embedded in popular culture, reinforcing her place as a timeless and iconic figure.
• Beyond her music, Bassey’s legacy is defined as a trailblazing artist who broke down racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black musicians.
• Her accomplishment in a field that was typically hostile to artists of color served as an example, demonstrating that talent and determination could overcome prejudice. 
• Bassey’s theatrical and grandiose stage persona, along with her daring wardrobe choices, cemented her reputation as a trailblazer who embraced individualism and challenged conventions.

• Her influence stretches beyond her native Wales to the global stage. Her concerts and albums continue to enthrall audiences of all ages, and her continued popularity attests to her ageless appeal. 
• Bassey’s influence on dress, performance, and vocal technique remains today, as current artists frequently draw inspiration from her distinct aesthetic and vital presence.
• Shirley Bassey left a legacy of strength, artistry, and empowerment. Her journey from obscurity to international popularity is one of tenacity and accomplishment, and it speaks to numerous people who want to overcome obstacles and pursue their aspirations. 
• Bassey’s legacy, spanning generations, is an extraordinary example of how one woman’s passion and talent can make an unforgettable impression on the world of music and beyond.

PERSONAL LIFE

• Throughout her life, Bassey maintained a certain level of secrecy, rarely discussing her personal concerns in public. She had several high-profile personal affairs, including a divorced marriage to Kenneth Hume. Bassey’s personal experiences surely affected her stunning performances, pouring heart and honesty into her lyrics.
• Despite her stage elegance, Bassey stayed grounded in her roots and Welsh background. She kept her ties to Cardiff and a sense of connection to her history, frequently returning to perform and participate in community events.

Shirley Bassey Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Shirley Bassey across 21 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Shirley Bassey. She gained international fame with her performances of the theme songs for three James Bond films: “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Moonraker.”

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Shirley Bassey Facts
2. Musical Life of Shirley
3. The Bassey Effect
4. “Goldfinger”
5. “Diamonds are Forever”
6. “Moonraker”
7. Lyrical Messages
8. Revival Album
9. Becoming a Singer
10. A Song for Shirley
11. My Kind of Music

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shirley Bassey?

Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer known for her powerful and distinctive voice. She was born on January 8, 1937, in Cardiff, Wales. Bassey is renowned for her contributions to the world of popular music, especially for her iconic James Bond theme songs.

What are some of Shirley Bassey’s most famous songs?

Some of Shirley Bassey’s most famous songs include “Goldfinger,” the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Big Spender.” These songs are considered classics and have left a lasting impact on the music industry.

How many James Bond theme songs did Shirley Bassey sing?

Shirley Bassey recorded three James Bond theme songs. In addition to “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” she also sang “Moonraker” for the James Bond film of the same name. Her powerful voice and dramatic style made her a perfect fit for these iconic Bond themes.

What awards and honors has Shirley Bassey received in her career?

Shirley Bassey has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She has been nominated for Grammy Awards several times and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Bassey was also made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in recognition of her services to the music industry.

How long has Shirley Bassey been active in the music industry?

Shirley Bassey’s career spans several decades. She began singing professionally in the mid-1950s and achieved international fame in the 1960s with her Bond themes. She continued to perform and release music into the 21st century, making her one of the enduring figures in the world of music.

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