Michael Barratt, a talented Welsh singer and songwriter, entered the world on March 4, 1948, and has since made a lasting impact on the music industry, earning the esteemed title of the UK's biggest-selling singles artist of the 1980s, a testament to his enduring popularity and remarkable talent.
Biography:
Michael Barratt, known professionally as Shakin' Stevens, is a renowned Welsh singer and songwriter, born on March 4, 1948.
The illustrious career of Cat Stevens, a British singer-songwriter and musician, commenced in the late 1960s, with a gradual ascent to mainstream recognition that ultimately culminated in his commercial breakthrough in the year 1980.
Shirley Ann Clarkson Stevens, a renowned British singer-songwriter, has achieved an impressive feat in the UK music scene, boasting an impressive 33 Top 40 hit singles, including four chart-topping hits that have left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Among his most notable chart-topping hits are "This Ole House", a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, "Green Door", a song that has captured the hearts of many with its infectious melody, "Oh Julie", a love song that has become an anthem for couples everywhere, and "Merry Christmas Everyone", a festive tune that has become a staple of the holiday season.
Aside from "Merry Christmas Everyone" continuing to spread joy and cheer during the Christmas season, Stevens' last Top 40 single was "Trouble", a song that resonated with audiences in 2005.
Michael was born to Jack and May Barratt, the youngest of eleven siblings, in a family where the patriarch, a veteran of the First World War, had previously toiled in the coal mines before transitioning to a career in the building trade. By the time of Michael's arrival, several of his older siblings had already tied the knot and started their own families, thus creating a lively and dynamic household.
Noted Welsh musician, Stevens, embarked on his musical journey in his hometown of Ely, Cardiff, where he collaborated with schoolmates to form his initial amateur rock and roll ensemble, assuming the role of vocalist and frontman. Throughout his formative years, the band underwent multiple name transformations, ultimately rebranding as the Denims and performing at various local venues. During the late 1960s, Stevens' musical endeavors became intertwined with the Young Communist League (YCL),as his band frequently played at YCL-sponsored events.
Stevens' primary vocation was that of a milkman, a profession he pursued with dedication, and he resided in a flat situated within an office block located in the heart of Cardiff's inner city, a location that would eventually meet its demise as the block was demolished. In addition to his roles as an upholsterer and milkman, Stevens also showcased his talents on weekends by performing at local clubs and pubs. His musical endeavors caught the attention of the existing band, the Backbeats, which was based in Penarth, and he subsequently joined the group as their lead singer. Not long after, Stevens' remarkable vocal abilities were spotted by the astute South Wales impresario, Paul "Legs" Barrett, who envisioned the potential for the band to be rebranded as a 1950s-inspired rock 'n' roll ensemble, with a new name that would reflect their updated musical direction.
