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Kirsty MacColl was a British singer-songwriter who had a successful and diverse career in the music industry. She is best known for her collaborations with the Pogues, Billy Bragg, and the Kinks, as well as her solo hits such as “They Don’t Know” and “Days”. In this blog post, we will explore her origins, achievements, and legacy.
Origins
Kirsty MacColl was born on October 10, 1959, in Croydon, England, to a musical family. Her father was Ewan MacColl, a folk singer and songwriter, and her mother was Jean Newlove, a dancer and choreographer1. She grew up listening to a variety of music, from pop to punk to folk, and started writing songs at an early age. She made her debut as a backing vocalist for the punk band Drug Addix, under the pseudonym Mandy Doubt, in 19782. She then signed with Stiff Records as a solo artist, and released her first single, “They Don’t Know”, in 1979. The song was a catchy and clever pop tune, but it failed to chart due to a distribution strike. However, it became a hit in 1983, when it was covered by Tracey Ullman3.
Achievements
Kirsty MacColl released her first album, Desperate Character, in 1981, which featured a mix of pop, rock, and country styles. The album received positive reviews, but did not sell well. She then moved to Polydor Records, and released her second album, Kite, in 1989. The album was a breakthrough for MacColl, as it showcased her mature and versatile songwriting, blending pop, folk, and Latin influences. It included songs such as “A New England”, a cover of Billy Bragg’s song, which reached number 7 in the UK charts, and “Days”, a cover of the Kinks’ song, which reached number 124.
Kirsty MacColl continued to release acclaimed albums and singles throughout the 1990s, such as Electric Landlady (1991), Titanic Days (1993), and Tropical Brainstorm (2000). She also collaborated with many artists, such as the Pogues, Elvis Costello, Johnny Marr, and Morrissey. She is most famous for her duet with Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, “Fairytale of New York”, which was released in 1987, and became a Christmas classic. The song reached number 2 in the UK charts, and has been voted as the best Christmas song of all time by various polls5.
Kirsty MacColl was also a respected performer, who toured extensively and appeared in various festivals and TV shows. She was known for her charismatic and witty stage presence, as well as her vocal range and ability to sing in different languages. She was also a passionate activist, who supported causes such as animal rights, environmentalism, and human rights6.
Legacy
Kirsty MacColl’s life was tragically cut short on December 18, 2000, when she was killed by a speedboat while on holiday in Mexico with her two sons and her partner, James Knight. She was 41 years old. Her death sparked a campaign for justice, as the boat driver was never properly prosecuted, and the case was marred by corruption and cover-ups7.
Kirsty MacColl left behind a rich and diverse musical legacy, that has influenced and inspired many artists, such as Amy Macdonald, KT Tunstall, Lily Allen, and Ed Sheeran. She has also been honored and celebrated by various tributes, such as concerts, documentaries, books, and awards. Her music remains popular and timeless, as her songs are often played on radio stations, TV shows, and movies. Her fans also continue to cherish her memory and spirit, especially during her birthday and anniversary.
