Gay Divas - Shirley Bassey

By Cat Walk |

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Born in January 1937 in Tiger Bay, Wales, daughter of a Nigerian sailor and an English woman, Shirley had a difficult childhood. After finishing school, she found a job at a local factory, and earned extra money singing at men's clubs after-hours.Traveled around the country in revues during the early '50s, and made her big breakout in 1955 at a London Christmas Show. At a nearby Albany Club she caught attention of Jack Hilton and her career sprout world wide. Shirley Bassey becomes an international super star and a massive icon for the gay community.Semi-retired to Switzerland by 1981, she nevertheless emerged quite frequently, spurred by the recording of several television specials and participation with several pop bands.