From:   "Dik de Heer" 
Date:  Mon Mar 4, 2002  1:17 am
Subject:  Born To Be With You : Shakin' Stevens
 
SHAKIN' STEVENS (By Shaun Mather)

Born Michael Barratt, 4 March 1948, Ely, South Glamorgan, Wales

Shakin' Stevens was one of the most popular artists in Europe during the
1980's, a rare feat for a singer steeped in the rockabilly sounds of the
'50's. With a dynamic live show and Elvisy good looks, he was able to enjoy
28 Top 30 hits in the UK, firstly with covers (Hot Dog, Marie Marie, This Ole
House, Green Door, It's Raining) and later with original self-written numbers
(Oh Julie).
Born in the Ely district of Cardiff, South Wales, he was the youngest of
eleven children. His earliest bands were the Cossacks, Olympians and
Denims, but it was the forming of Shaky Stevens and the Sunsets that
saw him reach a wider audience. The next ten years saw constant touring
across the UK and European mainland, as well a couple of classic albums
(Legend is now a very collectable LP). He left the band in '77 to join the West
End musical, Elvis, produced by music impresario Jack Good. He recorded a
solo album for Track Records (Play Loud), but the label went bankrupt.
His fortunes turned upwards again, when he became a featured performer
on the television shows Oh Boy and Let's Rock. He joined the Epic label
and once he finally hit the charts in 1980, he remained in them for the next
decade and a half. Following a period of inactivity, he has returned to touring
and it is hoped that a studio album will be out in the next year.

Official website: http://www.shakinstevens.com
RABHOF page: http://www.rockabillyhall.com/ShakinStevens.html