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Shakin Stevens is a Welsh singer and songwriter who became one of the most popular and successful artists in the UK in the 1980s. He is best known for his rock and roll songs that revived the sound and style of the 1950s. In this blog post, we will explore his origins, achievements, and musical influences.
Origins
Shakin Stevens was born as Michael Barratt on March 4, 1948, in Cardiff, Wales1. He grew up in a working-class family that faced discrimination and financial struggles. He developed a passion for music at an early age, and started singing in talent shows and nightclubs as a teenager. He joined a band called the Backbeats, which later changed its name to Shakin Stevens and the Sunsets. He also adopted the stage name Shakin Stevens, inspired by a school friend2.
Achievements
Shakin Stevens and the Sunsets released several albums and singles in the 1970s, but they did not achieve much commercial success. They were mainly known for their live performances, which featured energetic and charismatic vocals, flashy costumes, and acrobatic moves. They also toured extensively in Europe and Australia, and supported acts such as the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, and Bo Diddley3.
Shakin Stevens launched his solo career in 1980, and signed with Epic Records. He released his first solo album, Take One, which featured a mix of original songs and covers of rock and roll classics. He had his first UK hit with a cover of “Hot Dog”, which reached number 24 on the charts. He followed up with more hits, such as “Marie, Marie”, “This Ole House”, and “Green Door”. He also released his second album, Shaky, which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and sold over a million copies4.
Shakin Stevens continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1980s, such as Give Me Your Heart Tonight (1982), The Bop Won’t Stop (1983), Lipstick Powder and Paint (1985), and Let’s Boogie (1987). He also collaborated with artists such as Bonnie Tyler, Roger Taylor, and Hank Marvin. Some of his most famous songs from this period are “Oh Julie”, “You Drive Me Crazy”, “A Rockin’ Good Way”, and “Merry Christmas Everyone”. He became the UK’s biggest-selling singles artist of the decade, with 33 Top 40 hits, including four number ones. He also won two Ivor Novello Awards and a Brit Award5.
Shakin Stevens faced some challenges and difficulties in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as legal disputes, health problems, and changing musical trends. He released his last album with Epic Records, There Are Two Kinds of Music…Rock ‘n’ Roll, in 1990, which was a commercial flop. He then took a break from the music industry, and focused on his personal life and family6.
Shakin Stevens made a comeback in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a new musical direction and style. He released his first album in eight years, Now Listen, in 2006, which featured a blend of rock, blues, and soul. He also released his autobiography, Shaky, in 2009, which revealed his life story and struggles. He also performed in various concerts and festivals, such as Glastonbury, Hyde Park, and the Royal Variety Performance7.
Shakin Stevens released his latest album, Singled Out, in 2020, which was a collection of his singles from 1970 to 2020. The album reached number 10 on the UK Albums Chart, and received positive reviews from critics and fans. He also released a new single, “I Need You Now”, in 2021, which was a duet with Bonnie Tyler. He also announced a UK tour for 2022, to celebrate his 40th anniversary as a solo artist8.
Musical Influences
Shakin Stevens has cited various artists as his musical influences, such as Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, and Gene Vincent. He is also inspired by rock and roll, rockabilly, country, and blues music, and incorporates them into his own style. He is known for his vocal technique, which includes a tenor range and a raspy tone. He is also known for his songwriting, which often reflects his personal experiences, emotions, and humor. He has influenced many artists, such as Robbie Williams, Olly Murs, and Amy Macdonald.
Conclusion
Shakin Stevens is a legendary and iconic artist who has made a lasting impact on the music industry and pop culture. He has a loyal fan base and a huge social media presence, especially on Facebook and Twitter. He is constantly evolving and reinventing himself, and has proven himself to be a versatile and resilient singer, songwriter, and performer.
