Bonnie Tyler
Biography
Bonnie Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins on June 8, 1951, in Skewen, Wales, is a singer known for her distinctively husky voice. She grew up in a music-loving family, and her earliest influences included artists like Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. After spending several years performing in local clubs and pubs, she was discovered by a talent scout in 1975 which led to a record deal with RCA Records.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Her career began to take off with the release of "Lost in France" in 1976, which became a Top 10 hit in the UK. However, it was the 1977 single "It's a Heartache" that brought her international fame, reaching number three in the US and selling over six million copies. A notable event in her early career was undergoing surgery to remove vocal nodules, which resulted in her signature raspy singing voice.
The Jim Steinman Era and Global Success
In the 1980s, Tyler's collaboration with songwriter and producer Jim Steinman propelled her to even greater heights. The album "Faster Than the Speed of Night," released in 1983, made her the first British female artist to debut at number one on the UK Albums Chart. This album featured the monumental power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart," which topped the charts in numerous countries, including the UK and the US. Another major hit from this partnership was "Holding Out for a Hero," featured on the soundtrack of the 1984 film "Footloose."
Continued Success and Later Career
Throughout the 1990s, Tyler enjoyed continued success in mainland Europe, working with producer Dieter Bohlen on hit albums like "Bitterblue." In 2003, she re-recorded "Total Eclipse of the Heart" as a bilingual duet with French singer Kareen Antonn, which topped the charts in France. She has continued to release albums and tour, including "Between the Earth and the Stars" (2019) and "The Best Is Yet to Come" (2021). In 2013, she represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Personal Life
In 1973, Bonnie Tyler married property developer and former Olympic judo competitor Robert Sullivan. They do not have any children. The couple has invested in various properties and owns a home in Portugal where they spend a significant amount of time.