Kiki

Born Pauline Matthews on 6 March 1947 in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, Kiki Dee emerged from a modest working‑class background to become one of Britain’s most recognizable pop vocalists. Her early fascination with music was sparked by listening to American soul records on the family’s radio, and by her teenage years she was performing in local clubs under the nickname “Kiki”, a moniker that would later define her stage persona. In 1964 she signed her first recording contract with Fontana Records, releasing the modest hit “Don’t go breaking my heart” which, while not a chart‑topper, showcased her powerful, raspy timbre and hinted at a promising future. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s she honed her craft on the UK cabaret circuit, collaborating with songwriters such as John Cameron and building a reputation for soulful ballads and energetic live performances. The turning point arrived in 1976 when she joined Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour, a partnership that culminated in the 1979 worldwide smash “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, a duet that vaulted her to international fame and won a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. Beyond that iconic hit, Dee released a string of successful solo singles, including “Star” and “Amoureuse”, and her 1973 album Loving and Free remains a cult favourite among collectors of British pop‑rock. Known for her distinctive husky tone and charismatic stage presence, she has continued to tour extensively, appearing on television specials, reality‑show judging panels, and participating in charitable concerts, thereby maintaining a vibrant presence in the music industry well into the 21st century. Her influence can be traced in the work of contemporary British singers who admire her blend of soulful grit and pop sensibility, and she remains a beloved figure in the annals of UK music history.