Miss Shirley Bassey

I imagine that most of you are aware that a new biography has been published on Dame Shirley. Entitled ‘Miss Shirley Bassey’ and written by John Williams it covers Shirley’s early life and rise to international stardom by the year 1967.

This book has already courted controversy in the press. Yes it does reveal the terrible truth of her natural father and the fact he was deported in 1943 back to Nigeria after he had served his sentence for the crime which he was convicted of. There are also facts given regarding her mother which Dame Shirley has never spoken of. The author states these facts but does not use them for sensationalism or dwell on them. The book also reveals the extreme poverty in which Dame Shirley was brought up in and the struggles her family endured. It charts how against all odds she worked hard and her determination to get to the very top paid off. It wasn’t an easy road at all and in all honesty although Dame Shirley says it was hard she never really stresses just how difficult it was. It is obviously well researched and I’m pleased I have read it. I will read it again in a few days as with all things new I didn’t take it all in on the first read.

When I had finished the book my admiration for Dame Shirley had increased if that is possible. To achieve what she had by the time the book ends in 1967 at the early age of 30 years is incredible considering the kind of background she was brought up in. Some fans have already condemned it without even reading it. None of the book reflects badly on Dame Shirley and it is obvious that the author’s admiration of her increases as the book progresses. John Williams has written of things Dame Shirley probably would rather not be in the public eye but it’s all there on public record anyway. So often we fans have said that the other two books published about Shirley were a waste of time and her upbringing was white washed over and now someone has researched the facts and written about them fans are complaining. Has reading this book made me think any less of Dame Shirley? The answer is a resounding NO! Dame Shirley reached the very top and has stayed there and for that she is one remarkable woman. This book underlines the struggles she had to endure to get there.

9 thoughts on “Miss Shirley Bassey”

Bravo, David, totally agree!

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I never tire of reading about Dame Shiirley. I do love her so. It is apparent that she has survived agaiinst all odds. Not only survived, but thrived. I respect her tremedously. I love her even more, and ever deeper as I read the other two books. I even read Michael Sullivan’s book too. Since they are all unofficial, I take them as such, as their opinions. I really have wondered what shaped the phenomenal woman, I heard last fall and have been so taken with ever since. So i look forward to reading this book too. Thanks for letting me know about it, and also your take on it. As I said, I love reading about Dame Shirley. My conscience did bother me at first, because I have seen interviews where Dame Shirley said she will never write a book herself, because she does not believe in the kiss and tell bit, so I figured I would not support them since she did not write them. But then I reasoned that she is in the public eye by choice, at least to some degree, so to read a public opinion would not represent a betrayal of Dame Shirley on my part. I just have to take it as that, someone’s opinion, and not as fact but probably in part fiction. I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks again!

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I have not read this book, and, to be honest I doubt I ever shall. Having said that I truly have the comments made by David and Lydia of interest. I have great discomfort in, well,yes, “facts” may be in public domain, being unearthed. Dame Shirley is/was probably very unaware about her Dad. Having said that as I understand, her Mum was very, very dear to her. DSB must be hurting so very badly and I feel for her. Jill

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I have this book on order and am awaiting delivery soon – like all the other books I have read about Dame Shirley I shall read them through – but take what is wriitten with a pinch of salt as they say – probably no one will never really know the real Dame Shirley – except Dame Shirley herself and if by chance she ever does decide to write her own book then that obviously will be of much greater interest to the general public – but somehow I have trhe feeling that this will never happen, we should all just keep the wonderful memories and excitement that this fantastic singer has brought us over years firmly in our minds forever,and like those Diamonds that Dame Shirley sings about – those memories will be forever!

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I have just today read an article about the book and nature of the things uncovered about Dame Shirley’s parents. I can only imagine how hurtful that must have been for her to have in the public, whether true or untrue. I am so sorry for her. I will not be readiing this book as I thought I would and stated earlier. My heart hurts for her, just reading the article. She LOVED her mother so much, so to have personal things in the public eye about her must be almost unbearable for her. Shirley is in the public eye, not her parents. I don’t really think that is fair. She is not in politics, there is no reason to delve that deep into her family tree. I wonder what demons one would find in the authors family, or any of us for that matter. Long live Dame Shirley!

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Shirley did speak of the early days on tour…1953-54…
At some lodging places,as soon as they saw that Shirley was mixed race,they said ( No Room ) Shirley said she shrugged it off,otherwise it would have driven her mad !
Shirley had to fight the bitches back stage,and fight to be( Herself )
She Won….she was born to sing,she was born to stand above everyone else in the business. I think the Lady has never stopped hurting,and We…are the arms around her.!
John.

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Thanks John for reminding me what a fighter our Dear Dame Shirley is! She is truly a shining STAR! I am glad she spoke of it back then so it would not drive her mad. I am also glad to be among the arms of love around her. She surely deserves it.

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