Many fans have been asking what has happened to the 3 CD Set ‘Shirley’ that EMI were to release to celebrate Dame Shirley’s 75th Birthday in January. At first Dame Shirley blocked the release but after hearing the set she approved it and fans were hoping that it would get an early release.
It appears that the release is once again on hold due to the objection of Capitol Records in the USA. They have objected to the inclusion of the ‘live’ album. Although part of the EMI company they are not giving permission for it to be released. I cannot for the life of me understand why two departments of the same company cannot work together. When was the last time Capitol Records showed any interest in Dame Shirley and release anything by her? Once again EMI seem to be treating Dame Shirley’s fans with contempt. Cilla Black has had a 5 CD set released including DVD. What do Bassey fans get – rehash after rehash! EMI and the BBC were reported to be working together so why has there been no DVDs released along with CDs? Why is she constantly neglected? EMI released nothing when she celebrated her 60th Birthday, nor when she celebrated 50 years in show business nor for her 70th Birthday. BGO wanted to release ‘Live In Japan’77’ but have been refused by EMI and also there are the Italian recordings that need to be released on CD. If the tapes cannot be traced then why not transfer them from vinyl. May not be perfect but at least the fans get them. Her appearance at Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Concert showed the world that she can still knock the spots off many artists. EMI and Capital should get their act together and give her the attention she truely deserves.
Dame Shirley will have been in the business for 60 years in 2013. I feel she gets totally ignored by the record companies who have recordings by her. Once they are out of copyright then they get released numerous times on different labels and Dame Shirley probably never gets any royalties. Other artists get beautiful sets released on special occasions. Dame Shirley gets nothing!
While on about old tracks being reissued there is a 4 CD set due to be released on Real Gone Music label on 26th June. It contains both Philips and Columbia tracks – all I believe to be out of copyright. The title is ‘Five Classic Albums Plus’ and is available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk at £5.58. There are 85 songs in total. I cannot comment on the quality but it’s something for the collectors. It’s a shame it’s the same songs over again. I’ve obviously got it on order – I still buy them all.
For a complete list of the tracks included on this set CLICK HERE.
Dame Shirley Bassey Blog 
You said it, Capitol has done nothing for Dame Shirley in the US but release that truncated version of “This Is My Life – Greatest Hits” 10 years ago. I don’t know why they wouldn’t license this material out if they’re only going to sit on it.
But I’m really curious why Shirley’s “people” or management allows this. She has zero visibility in the US beyond her existing fans, and every opportunity for exposure is passed up (I was furious when Shirley was cut from the jubilee concert in the US broadcast). Doesn’t a legend of her stature have people that watch-dog these things? Can we start a petition or bombard them with emails or something?
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David B. Thank you for this information but I do have to think that Dame Shirley,and her legal council know better that us.
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I’m sorry but I just don’t see your point Jill! What has Dame Shirley or her legal team have to do with Capital now blocking the release? Dame Shirley approved the release. My article is complaining about EMI not working together and the way record companies neglect Dame Shirley. There is no argument with Dame Shirley or her legal team.
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At this point, why doesn’t EMI Gold in UK just release it as a 2 CD set and leave out the live disc? The fans get the rare tracks and everyone is happy.
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“She has zero visibility in the US beyond her existing fans, and every opportunity for exposure is passed up”—
Isn’t that the truth! “The Performance” received no advertising or publicity whatsoever here in the US!
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ABSOLUTELY ALL THE TRUTH! Over the years of listening to so many varied musical divas and other untalented “wish they knew how to wanna-be”, it’s always puzzled me to that this STAR of song has practically no real airtime here in the United States. Anytime people have heard her music played at any kind of gathering I’ve headed they always want to know ‘Who was that?!’ or ‘I’ve never heard a voice like that!’, etc. Not long ago I played her version of Pink’s “Get the party started” for a friend who adores Pink and he requested the song be played four times and then actually said, ” That woman has knocked Pink on her ass- she’s incredible!” needless to say he started buying Ms. Bassey cds old and new. Finally she received a Grammy nomination alittle over ten years ago once, after years of astounding work. I’ve been told by some in the bussiness that it’s beyond just the fact that Shirley Bassey is very low key apart from the stage- it’s some how a type of blackballing or personal, because they know she’s Ultimately the Greatest female Pop voice because of her diversity, and it erks them here in the States they can’t get much more out of her since she’s very private. I really wonder, because considering all we know and what’s out there that doesn’t compare, how can she be so overlooked! And yes once again as I commented earlier this month: How is it that Britain’s Greatest female vocalist was so badly cut out of the Queen’s 60th Bash on many American t.v.s, when she herself has been in the bussiness 60 years? RADICULOUS!!!!
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EMI own Capitol Records….both are owned by Universal….there is more to this story!
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>EMI own Capitol Records….both are owned by Universal….there is more to this story!
Also notice how Universal is no longer sponsoring her “official” website! (you are redirected to Universal’s homepage)
Yes, there may be more to this story!
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Perhaps (please keep an open mind) DSB could have done some good to the civil rights movement in America had she chosen to participate. I don’t think most Americans can identify with her since she hasn’t chose to embrace any racial identity. What has she done for Americans? Sometimes I wonder how a very public, powerful figure can remain very private. I’ve heard reports of DSB and her long-time friend, Joan Collins being extremely rude to people in America.
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Something else to mention: The Sir Billi animated feature film has no exposure…nothing in the newspapers, etc. We should have access to the film’s theme song. They are jealous of Dame Shirley, of course.
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^Generally speaking, people don’t like it when foreigners take one’s country to task.
It’s about the music, not race!!
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Capitol & EMI are part of the same company, but run as completely separate businesses – Odd but true! I have not been party to exactly why the holdup has happened but it is a contractual problem to do with the original concert. There is no conspiracy and nobody is being awkward for the sake of it. Capitol simply do not want to allow issue the concert and then be sued!
The issue of a 2 CD set is entirely possible.
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Lastly EMI/Capitol is not yet owned by Universal. It is still going through the European competition commission.
Richard Moore – Remastering engineer ‘Shirley’ CD set
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Thanks for the info Richard – fingers crossed!
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I wish we could have the vocal masters of ‘Bassey Sings Bond’ reorchestrated by David Arnold – would be pure class.
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