A Short Biography
The Inspiration
I believe I was born to sing – 77 years ago, and I believe I will leave this world with a song on my lips. All my life, I have taken every opportunity to sing to because I truly love to entertain people. As a child, I learnt how to sing from listening to the very powerful and beautiful voice of my father, John Wade, as he sang lovely traditional Scottish, Irish and English songs.
I was 19 when I moved to the West Country and the 60s folk era was just beginning. Writers and musicians like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Baez shaped my interest in New Age music. At the same time brilliant groups like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Peter Paul & Mary were all part of the growing scene and the fusion of folk and pop culture seemed inevitable. Groups such as The Seekers and The Springfields influenced me as their music spanned both the folk and pop.
The Spark
The inspiration I received from these bands was lucky for me, for when Judith Durham, lead singer with The Seekers took ill on their world tour, their manager spotted me while I was singing at a club in London and he thought my voice could replace hers with the group while she recovered. I joined The Seekers while they were at Bournemouth and was deemed a success and a worthy singer to follow Judith, one of my musical heroines.
I had already appeared at The London festival Halls alongside performers like Cy Grant, Johnny Dankworth, Vanessa Redgrave and Nadia Cattouse. Shortly after appearing with The Seekers, I recorded my first album ‘This Year’s Lovers’ for World Record Club and a single was planned with EMI.
Then and Now
I noticed that as the years passed, although I was growing older, my voice did not seem to age and recently I wondered if I might still appeal to a wide audience. Now, with the emotional and practical support of my two daughters, Kim and Julie, and Julie’s partner, Alex, I present my latest CD ‘Then and Now’, mainly folk and folk ballad with a touch of all the other music genres I have sung and loved throughout my life.
I have been singing all of my life. Music and singing have sustained me in my darkest moments and strengthened the enjoyment of my happiest times. I know that it always will. I offer this music to you with the hope you will enjoy and love the songs I have chosen as much as I do regardless of your age or whatever genre appeals to you.
Albums
