• April 11, 1966
• She's from Manchester, England, known in the '70s and '80s as the epicenter of British rave culture (the "Madchester" scene). By the late '80s that scene had coalesced into more straightforward dance music that suited Stansfield well - her soulful vocals paired very well with the beats.
• She got her start competing in local talent shows in Manchester. When she was 14 she won a contest that earned her a TV appearance; in second place was a stand-up comedian named Derek Ryder, the father of Happy Mondays founders Shaun and Paul Ryder.
• Stansfield is best known for her 1989 hit "All Around The World" from her debut album, "Affection." It went to #1 in her native UK and (fittingly) reached the charts around the world.
• Before she was a solo artist, Stansfield was in a trio called Blue Zone with Andy Morris and Ian Devaney. They were signed to Arista records and and put out an album in 1988. When it underperformed, Stansfield became a solo artist with Arista, with Morris and Devaney working with her on songwriting and production. She and Devaney got married in 1998.
• A career highlight for Stansfield was the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992 at Wembley Stadium, where she joined the remaining members of Queen to sing on "I Want to Break Free" and "These Are The Days Of Our Lives."
• Stansfield had three #1 R&B hits - "All Around The World," "You Can't Deny It" and "All Woman" - making her the first white woman to top that chart more than once (Teena Marie went to #1 with "Ooo La La La" in 1988).
• Stansfield is fun a parties. "I'm a real trouper," she told the Daily Mail. "If everyone's energy is waning because it's getting late, even if I have to do a little tap-dance or show my bum to make everybody wake up, I'll do it. I like to keep everyone happy."

Comments

More Songfacts:

Boom ClapCharli XCX

Before recording "Boom Clap" herself, Charli XCX offered the song to Hilary Duff, but her people turned down the tune because it "wasn't cool enough for Hilary."

Uncle John's BandGrateful Dead

There's a lot of Americana in "Uncle John's Band" by the Grateful Dead, including references to "Buckdancer's Choice" (an Appalachian folk song) and "Fire And Ice," a Robert Frost poem.

It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)R.E.M.

"It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" was inspired by a dream where Michael Stipe conjured up images of people with the initials L.B.: Lester Bangs, Leonid Breshnev, Lenny Bruce and Leonard Bernstein.

Take Me Home Country RoadsJohn Denver

"Take Me Home Country Roads" is set in West Virginia, but John Denver had never been there when he recorded the song. The country roads represent a sense of belonging.

Gives You HellThe All-American Rejects

The first US Top 10 hit with the word "hell" in the title was "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects in 2008.

Light of DayBruce Springsteen

Back To The Future wasn't the only movie where Michael J. Fox rocked out: He sang with Joan Jett in the 1987 movie Light Of Day, with a title track written by Bruce Springsteen.

Editor's Picks

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

In The CardsSong Writing

Songwriters have used cards and card games to make sense of heartache, togetherness, and even Gonorrhea.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.