For a time in 1982, and again in 1987, it looked like Kim Wilde might break out and become a pop star in the U.S., but unfortunately the stars did not align for her. However, she did carve out a long career in Europe and the UK, as well as two breakthrough hits in the U.S.
Wilde was basically born into the music business; her father (Marty Wilde) had several hits in the 1950s and early 1960s before transitioning to a career as an entertainer. By the early 1980s, Marty was working with his son Ricky. Kim offered to sing backup vocals in the studio with Ricky, and drew the attention of Mickie Most, the head of RAK Records. Ricky and Marty recognized that this could be a big break for Kim and wrote a song for her: "Kids in America."
The song became a hit in the UK and Europe in 1981, but it was the video, shown on the fledgling MTV cable channel that really drove Wilde's U.S. success. "Kids in America" peaked at #25 in August 1982 - roughly eighteen months after its UK peak (at #2 in February 1981). However, Wilde's other singles did not do well in the U.S.; none broke the top 40. In contrast, from 1981-86, she had nine top 40 hits in her native UK.
Surprisingly, in 1987 Wilde broke through again, this time with a cover of The Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On," which went to number 1. Although Wilde never had another top 40 hit in the U.S., her career remain strong in the UK throughout the 1990s. She later became a DJ and TV presenter which continues to the present day.
No comments:
Post a Comment