Stacey Lynn Swain, professionally known as Stacey Q, is a multifaceted American artist who has garnered widespread recognition within the music industry for her impressive array of skills, including pop singing, songwriting, dancing, and acting. Born on November 30, 1958, in Fullerton, California, Swain is the youngest of three siblings, and her mother was a breeder of Cardigan Welsh Corgis, a breed that has made appearances in numerous Hollywood films and television shows.
Swain embarked upon a rigorous dance training regimen at a remarkably young age, commencing with classical ballet instruction at the tender age of five. This marked the beginning of an 11-year odyssey in the realm of ballet, during which time she honed her skills and developed a profound appreciation for the art form. Additionally, she took the opportunity to explore the intricate and passionate world of flamenco dancing, further expanding her technical proficiency and artistic expression.
As her skills continued to evolve, Swain had the privilege of taking the stage at multiple Disneyland Christmas Fantasy on Parade events, delighting audiences with her captivating performances. Furthermore, she had the opportunity to study at the prestigious Community Theatre of Performing Arts and the esteemed Wilshire Theatre of Arts, allowing her to refine her craft and gain valuable insights from esteemed instructors.
Notably, following her high school graduation in the year 1976, Swain embarked on a remarkable journey by joining the esteemed Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Initially, she took on the captivating role of a showgirl, captivating audiences with her energetic and lively performances during her inaugural year. Subsequently, she progressed to the esteemed position of an elephant rider, honing her skills and building upon her experience during her second year within the circus.
Furthermore, Swain's nascent foray into the world of music began with a Los Angeles radio spot, where she demonstrated her versatility by introducing and announcing programs while impressively impersonating the iconic members of the renowned pop-rock band, The Go-Go's.
It was the year 1981 that marked the beginning of a significant encounter for the accomplished artist, as she crossed paths with Jon St. James, the esteemed proprietor of Fullerton's renowned Casbah Recording Studio. This serendipitous meeting led to a fortuitous introduction to the synthpop group Q, whose music would soon be enriched by her involvement.
As the assistant producer, she played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the band's four tracks for The Q EP, a collaborative effort that would ultimately culminate in her emergence as the lead singer of Q. Her ascent to stardom was swift and spectacular, with the release of her breakout single, "Two of Hearts", in 1986, achieving remarkable success on the global charts.
In Canada, the song reached the pinnacle of success, claiming the number one spot, while in the United States, it climbed to a respectable number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Moreover, it also secured a top ten position in five other countries, a testament to the song's universal appeal and the artist's remarkable talent.
Stacey Q's formative years in the music industry were characterized by a distinctive aesthetic that was shaped by her profound admiration for the innovative and boundary-pushing styles of David Bowie, The B-52's, and the groundbreaking electronic group Kraftwerk.
Her fashion sense, which was a defining aspect of her persona, often featured unconventional and bold clothing choices that deviated from the norm.
Noted for her remarkable adaptability and remarkable artistic aptitude, Swain has garnered widespread acclaim throughout her illustrious professional journey, and has subsequently emerged as a cherished and esteemed personality within the music sector.
