Del.icio.usShirley Bassey
Dame Shirley Bassey (born January 8, 1937) is a Welsh singer of mixed racial origins. She was born in the notorious "Tiger Bay" area of Cardiff. Her first UK hit single was the "Banana Boat Song" (1957), but she is probably best known for performing the theme from the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger. She also performed themes for two other Bond movies: Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.
Bassey is also known for her extravagant gowns. At the concert to celebrate the opening of the Welsh Assembly in 1999, she appeared in a dress made from the Welsh national flag.
Bassey was created a Dame Commander (the female equivalent of knighting a male) on December 31, 1999.