In 1985 Shirley Bassey gave a performance to help raise money for the 1986 Commonwealth games that were held in Edinburgh in Scotland. Shirley sang four songs: Nobody Does It Like Me, Arthur’s Theme, You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet & This Is My Life.
The songs You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet was written for Shirley by her musical director at the time Michael Alexander.
You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet
Music by Michael Alexander, Lyrics by Tony (Wiz) Withers
This song has been released on live videos only and a studio recording of the song doesn’t exist. The first release was in 1985 on the video You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet and it is also on the 1993 video Shirley Bassey Live In Cardiff. Shirley Bassey has performed this song in other concerts and shows, which have sadly not been released. A great rendition was that 1985 at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games Gala.
A song of the same title was made famous by Al Jolson. Though in fact a different song, some video sleeves mention this song in relation to Shirley’s performance. The title of the song was one of Al Jolson’s famous catchphrase. Shirley’s song was in fact written for her by her musical director Michael Alexander, and Shirley mentioned and thanked him for the song after performing it at some concerts. The lyrics were written by Tony (Wiz) Withers.
Michael Alexander
Biography From Norwell Lapley Associates Ltd
Mike, throughout his 30 years experience in the music business, has covered many facets of this entertainment sector, from 3 piece jazz combos, to Symphony orchestras. He has worked in almost every country in the world for some of the business’s top stars, culminating in the role of Musical Director for Shirley Bassey from 1980 to 1995.
As musical arranger, Conductor and Director for Shirley, he has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls such as: The London Palladium, The Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Sydney Opera House, etc, alongside international artists including: Liza Minnelli, Ray Charles, George Shearing and many others.
In 1984 he arranged several songs for Shirley’s album I Am What I Am and conducted the London Symphony Orchestra for the title track. In 1991 he produced, arranged and conducted Shirley’s album Keep The Music Playing. He can be seen as Musical Director on a number of television shows, including A Special Lady, Standing Room Only and Live In Cardiff.
During his career he has acted as M.D. for other celebrities on TV, Radio and live performances. Among the artists who have benefited from his experience are: Mel Torme, Randy Crawford, Peters and Lee (MD for 4 years), Freddie Starr (MD 4 minutes!), Cannon & Ball (MD for various shows, including a 3 month season at the London Palladium), Brian Conley (M.D. Birmingham Hippodrome Panto), Danny La Rue, Marti Webb etc. In addition, he has had extensive TV coverage and has worked for practically every major TV company in the U.K.
Mike also runs his own Music Company called Output Music. Amongst his TV credits are: Family Fortunes (Central), Beadles Box of Tricks (London Weekend), Gas Street (Central), What’s Your Story (BBC), World Boxing Theme (London Weekend) and Steal (Central).
Mike was Musical Director for Pebble Mill and as such, he was required to write and arrange music and provide backing for many of today’s Pop Stars as well as up and coming new talent. He has also been featured in his own right as a performer many times on the Pebble Mill Show.
Mike’s ‘skill sets’ encompass a great deal of ‘man-management’ in that he is renowned for achieving excellent results, from what may start as a ‘less than satisfactory’ orchestra. He has always prided himself on getting the best from people who are working for him. This is made easier by the fact that his talent and his working methods are held in high regard by the musicians he is managing.
As can be seen from the above overview, his musical experience and skills cover a very broad spectrum from arranging for and conducting Symphony Orchestras, thro’ light entertainment, jazz, theatre, radio and live television.
He is regarded by his peers and the celebrities he has worked with over the years, as one of the most accomplished, versatile and experienced musical directors in the international music related business.
Other work includes a national tour of The Goodbye Girl, with Gary Wilmot and Marty Webb, Musical Director for the launch of the new Peugeot 206 Spectacular, a further tour with Gary Wilmot in ‘Music To Watch Girls By’ with the Mike Alexander Quartet. A national tour with Jane McDonald and Adam Watkiss. Mike has also directed, produced and arranged an album, The Last Serenade – A Tribute to Mario Lanza.
Lyrics:
There were times when life seemed so empty to me
But things are changing, now I’m free as a bird
You ain’t heard nothing yet
There were times when I felt like running away
But that’s too easy, so now I’m here to stay
You ain’t heard nothing yet
If you think
I’ll never sing another song
Never shed another tear
Then wait, you could be wrong
If you think
I’ll never break another heart
This is now my brand new start
And I’ll prove you wrong
I’ve known it all along
There were times when I wished I’m somebody else
Someone who’d do better, now I don’t care
You ain’t heard nothing yet
All my life I’ve known that I wasn’t alone
Luck’s on my side
Baby I’ll carry on
You ain’t heard nothing yet
If you think
I’ll never sing another song
Never shed another tear
Then wait, you could be wrong
If you think
I’ll never break another heart
This is now my brand new start
And I’ll prove you wrong
I’ve known it all along
If you think
I’ll never sing another song
Never shed another tear
Then wait, you could be wrong
If you think
I’ll never break another heart
This is now my brand new start
And I’ll prove you wrong
I’ve known it all along
‘Cause baby
You ain’t heard nothing yet
Today a few random articles from 1986. There are not so many newspaper articles from that year. Shirley did a tour though and a few TV performances and that year also saw the recording of the single and video of There’s No Place Like London. Shirley Bassey was also on Des O’Connor’s Christmas Show that year with Tom Jones. Below you can watch the video of that show.
Dame Shirley was among celebrities present today at a garden party hosted by HRH Princess Anne for the Not Forgotten Association.
Serving personnel and veterans of every conflict from the 2nd World War to Afghanistan attended the event in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
@jiveaces at #BuckinghamPalace for the great charity @nfassociation garden party w Dame #ShirleyBassey & my… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…—
Grazia Clarkson (@GraziaMusicPR) June 07, 2018
Today is the day! This afternoon some 2500 #veterans, WIS serving personnel and NFA beneficiaries will be hosted by… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…—
The Not Forgotten Association (@nfassociation) June 07, 2018
Today's 2,500 guests represent over 120 military organisations & charities, and 32 different military association c… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…—
The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 07, 2018
The Princess Royal hosted the annual Not Forgotten Association Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
H… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…—
Royal Circular (@Royal_Circular) June 07, 2018
Dame Shirley Bassey Blog 
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