Mary Hopkin was born on May 3, 1950, in Pontardawe, Wales, and began her music career as a Welsh folk singer in her teenage years. Her life took a dramatic turn on May 4, 1968, when she turned 18 and appeared on the television talent show Opportunity Knocks, which showcased up-and-coming performers competing for audience votes.
Mary's first appearance on the show was a resounding success, as she sang the folk song "Turn, Turn, Turn" and instantly captured the hearts of the audience. This marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable ascents in show business history.
While competing on Opportunity Knocks, Mary was spotted by Twiggy, the renowned 1960s supermodel and actress, who convinced Paul McCartney to audition her. Without even hearing her sing, McCartney was impressed enough to invite Mary to sign with the Beatles' newly formed Apple label.
Paul McCartney arranged and produced Mary's first single, "Those Were the Days," which was released on August 31, 1968, and became an international number one hit, catapulting her to stardom. Less than a year later, her debut album, "Postcard," was released, solidifying her status as an international singing sensation.
Over the next four years, Mary Hopkin was an unstoppable force in the music industry, releasing hit after hit and cementing her position as one of the greatest singing stars of her time. However, her reluctance to conform to the rock-and-roll craze of the early 1970s marked the beginning of her decline from stardom.
