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13

Adele

  • Adele released her debut album, 19, when she was just 19 years old. The album was named after her age at the time.
  • She’s got a sharp wit! Adele often cracks jokes during concerts and interviews. Her down-to-earth, funny personality is part of her charm.
  • In 2012, Adele swept the Grammy Awards, winning 6 out of 6 nominations, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year for 21.
  • Adele’s vocal style was heavily influenced by jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. Her ability to convey emotion through song is one of the hallmarks of her voice.
  • Adele's wax figure is styled to her red carpet look from the Brit Awards 2012. 

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Tom Jones

  • Tom’s voice is incredibly powerful, with a vocal range spanning four octaves. His deep, booming voice is one of his trademarks.
  • With over 50 years in the music business, Tom Jones has remained relevant with a string of hits across many decades, including “Delilah,” “What’s New Pussycat?,” and “She’s a Lady.”
  • In 2006, Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music. He’s Sir Tom Jones now!
  • Appeared as a judge on The Voice UK. 

MJ

Michael Jackson

  • Michael Jackson was the 8th of 10 children in the Jackson family. Michael began performing with his brothers in The Jackson 5 when he was just 6 years old.
  • He didn’t have formal music training, but he taught himself to play several instruments, including the piano, drums, and guitar.
  • He revolutionized the music video industry. His music videos were more like short films, with intricate choreography and storytelling.
  • Michael Jackson’s style was instantly recognizable. He wore military-style jackets, sequined gloves, and unique hats. His Thriller red jacket became iconic, as did his signature white socks and black shoes combo.

Dame Shirley Bassey

Dame Shirley Bassey

  • Bassey’s voice has been described as one of the most powerful in pop music history, often with comparisons to opera singers due to its dramatic range and intensity. She is known for her incredible vocal technique and emotional delivery.
  • Shirley Bassey is best known for performing the iconic theme songs for three James Bond movies: Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). Goldfinger is arguably the most famous, and her powerful voice became synonymous with the Bond series.
  • Shirley Bassey is just as famous for her glamorous stage outfits as she is for her singing. She’s worn iconic gowns throughout her career, often sparkling and shimmering with rhinestones and sequins, making her a fashion icon.
  • In 1972, Shirley became the first woman to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London, one of the most prestigious venues in the world.

Britney Spears (2)

Britney Spears

  • Britney's debut album, ...Baby One More Time (1999), became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring her iconic hit single “...Baby One More Time.” She was just 17 when the album was released.
  • Britney is famous for her energetic dance routines and choreography. She’s often credited with bringing back dance-driven pop music and creating unforgettable performances like the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U” with a live snake.
  • She was considered the "Princess of Pop" during the late '90s and early 2000s.
  • The Circus tour (2009) marked a comeback for Britney after a tumultuous period in her life. The tour was a major success, with her performances being praised for their energy and precision.

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Freddie Mercury

  • Freddie Mercury’s musical talent was evident from an early age. He received formal training in classical piano and started composing his own music when he was a teenager.
  • Freddie was famous for his incredible vocal range, which spanned over four octaves. His powerful voice could hit high notes with perfect clarity and energy, making him a one-of-a-kind vocalist.
  • Freddie was responsible for writing some of Queen’s most iconic songs, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Don't Stop Me Now.”
  • He was a cat lover and had several pet cats throughout his life. He was known to be incredibly close to his cats, and they even inspired some of his music. His cat, Delilah, was the inspiration behind the song “Delilah” from Queen’s Innuendo album.
  • Freddie’s handlebar mustache became one of his signature looks. He started sporting it in the early '80s and it quickly became part of his rock star persona.

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The Beatles

  • The Beatles were pioneers in the studio, and they were among the first to experiment with feedback in their recordings, which you can hear in songs like “I Feel Fine.” This was a revolutionary technique at the time.
  • The iconic mop-top haircut that became a signature look for the band was inspired by Buddy Holly’s hairstyle. They started wearing it around 1961, and it quickly became their defining look.
  • John Lennon and Paul McCartney are credited with writing over 200 songs together during their time in The Beatles. Their songwriting partnership remains one of the most prolific in music history.
  • The Beatles created some of the first music videos with the groundbreaking clips for songs like “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane.” These videos were ahead of their time and played a huge role in the development of music video culture.
  • The Beatles’ last public performance was a rooftop concert on the roof of their Apple Records building in London in January 1969. It was unannounced and spontaneous, and it became one of the most iconic moments in rock history.

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