Keren Jane Woodward, a celebrated English singer-songwriter, was born on April 2, 1961, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical journey that would eventually lead to her becoming a household name.
Alongside her close friends and fellow talented musicians Sara Dallin and Siobhan Fahey, Woodward co-founded the iconic girl group Bananarama in 1979, a partnership that would go on to shape the course of their illustrious careers.
Throughout the years, this trio of talented ladies has consistently pushed the boundaries of their art, delivering hit after hit, and solidifying their position as one of the most beloved and enduring girl groups of all time.
Their remarkable journey reached new heights in 1986 when they topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with their captivating rendition of the classic song "Venus", a testament to their undeniable talent and dedication to their craft.
Throughout their illustrious 40-year career, Woodward and Dallin have been the only constant members of Bananarama, a remarkable feat that speaks to their enduring bond and commitment to their art.
Woodward's illustrious musical odyssey commenced with her early exposure to classical piano, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for music. This nascent interest in piano playing was complemented by her involvement in various choral ensembles and amateur dramatic productions, where she had the opportunity to share the stage with Dallin, a childhood acquaintance. Following the completion of her formal education, Woodward embarked on a professional career, securing a position as a pensions clerk at the renowned BBC headquarters in Portland Place, London.
Dallin, Woodward, and Fahey, the original founding members of the iconic British girl group Bananarama, launched their illustrious music career with the release of their debut single "Aie a Mwana" in 1981, setting the stage for a long and storied discography.
As their popularity continued to soar, Bananarama went on to rack up an impressive string of UK top-ten hits, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the music industry. But it was their 1986 hit single "Venus" that truly cemented their place in the annals of music history, as it reached the pinnacle of success by topping the American charts.
However, the group's lineup underwent a significant change in 1988, as Fahey departed, paving the way for Jacquie O'Sullivan to join the group. Although O'Sullivan's tenure with Bananarama was relatively short-lived, lasting only until 1991, her contributions to the group's music and legacy are still widely recognized and appreciated today.
John Fahey, a renowned American fingerstyle guitarist, has had a long-standing professional relationship with the duo composed of Peter Dallin and Woodward, dating back to 1991. Throughout their collaborative journey, the trio has occasionally reunited, with the most recent instance being a tour that spanned across the UK and North America in 2017. This remarkable endeavor culminated in the receipt of the prestigious Icon Award at the Glamour Awards, a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry.
Woodward's personal life has been a complex tapestry of various significant relationships, each one leaving an indelible mark on her life. Among the most notable of these relationships is the one that resulted in the birth of her son, born on December 31, 1986, to model David Scott-Evans. This union produced a child, whose arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in Woodward's life.
As her son grew, Woodward's personal life continued to evolve, with the introduction of a new significant other, Andrew Ridgeley, formerly of the iconic duo Wham!. The two began dating in 1990 and went on to share a life together, residing in a 15th-century converted barn in Wadebridge, North Cornwall, where they raised Woodward's son. This period of her life was marked by a sense of stability and contentment, as Woodward navigated the challenges and joys of parenthood alongside her partner.
However, as the years passed, Woodward and Ridgeley's relationship eventually came to an end, with the couple parting ways in November 2017. Despite this, Woodward's personal life has continued to be marked by a sense of resilience and determination, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and personal life with grace and poise.
Keren Woodward's extraordinary narrative is a resplendent illustration of her unwavering commitment to her artistic pursuits, her enduring bonds of camaraderie, and her profoundly uplifting odyssey of self-discovery and personal growth.
