Rowetta 'Rowetta' album

Manchester born Rowetta began singing as a child, performing in talent competitions before progressing to singing in clubs professional as a teenager. Married young and with two children, her musical career went on hold until 1987 when she sang with Vanilla Sound Corps on Dave Rofe's label DFM and released two tracks 'Back Where We Belong' & 'Passion'.

A management deal with Simply Red's management, So What, followed and Rowetta recorded 'Stop This Thing' with Dynasty Of 2 (Mike Pickering & Graeme Park) and featured on Simply Red's 'Stars' album on backing vocals. Rowetta has appeared on numerous other records as a backing vocalist, "far too many to mention, or remember", her favourites being Inner City, Billy Ocean, Rebel MC, Julia Fordham, Brooklyn's Poor & Needy and PJ Proby.

In 1989 Warner Chappell signed Rowetta for a publishing deal and she started to write and record with other artists including Andy Rourke, Mick Jones, Youth, KLF and Stereo MCs. Later that year Rowetta's life took a major turn when she saw the Happy Mondays perform a song called 'Performance' on the television show The Other Side Of Midnight. She was hooked and went to see them play in Widnes "at that moment I knew I'd end up singing with them".

Rowetta pestered the Mondays' manager Nathan McGough, who was not convinced until he saw her performing with another band. Suitably impressed McGough asked Rowetta to sing on the next Mondays' single Step On. Within a matter of weeks Rowetta was performing on Top of the Pops, playing Wembley Arena and G-Mex and enjoying a UK Top 5 single.

Now a part of the Happy Mondays team Rowetta featured on many songs on the critically acclaimed, 'Pills, Thrills N Bellyaches'. A European tour was followed by a US tour, the Rock In Rio festival and headline gigs at Elland Road and Cities In The Park. During recording and touring the next album "Yes Please" the band came to a well publicised end.

In order to sing with the Mondays, Rowetta had given up any chance of having a solo career, despite the urging of record companies and managers. Following the band's split she took some time off to spend some much needed time with her children and write songs.

The turn of the century saw Rowetta playing herself in Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People alongside Steve Coogan and appearing on the Playgroup album with Trevor "The Underdog" Jackson. Further session work and song-writing continued, in particular with Graeme Park, 2 ex Mondays (Paul Ryder & Paul Davis) and Groove Armada.

In 2004 Rowetta entered ITV's XFactor and millions of homes and hearts. Her enormous voice set her apart from the other 50,000 entrants and established her as Simon Cowell's favourite. The last woman standing, Rowetta came third to Steve Brookstein and G4.

Since the TV show Rowetta has been writing and recording with Ian Levine and signed a record deal with Gut Records. Her debut solo album has been released in October 2005.

In her own words

1. Hello Detroit
This song was originally recorded by Sammy Davis JR. As soon as I heard it, I had to do it. I have always been a massive fan of Sammy. This is one of the most uplifting songs I've ever heard. I wanted to make a diverse album, covering many genres. This happy, big band song was the only contender to start the album.

2. The Look Of Love
I've always loved this song. It's a very sensual song. I really got into this when I was singing it and pictured all the favourite men in my life.

3. Fly
Fly is the first of my original songs on the album. It's all about my favourite word, "Hope". Never give up your dreams, even if it means sacrifice.

4. Stop Crying Your Heart Out
I wanted to sing a song from a Manchester band as I am Mancunian through & through. This was the obvious choice for me. I've wanted to sing it for a long time. I love the lyrics. I love the Gallaghers.

5. Higher Ground
Stevie Wonder is a legend. I chose this song of his because the lyrics are so apt for today with all that's going on in the world. It has a great groove.

6. Thunder & Lightning
This is another of my own songs. I co-wrote all of my original songs with Ian Levine & Clive Scott. Ian is a northern soul legend and we wrote a few tunes in that vein and this was our favourite. It's a fun tune, one that always makes me smile.

7. If Ever I Would Leave You
This song is from the musical Camelot. It brought out the most emotion from me. It is such a beautiful song to sing and I really did give it everything.

8. Pure, Faithful & True
I wanted to write a bluesy song. This is the result. I am so proud of it. The music, the lyrics, everything. It's what I'm all about. I'm pure, I am faithful and I'm true.

9. Just A Little Bit
I love Etta James. The obvious song to have done would have been "At Last", which I also recorded, but then I remembered this song. I used to play this song when I was down and it would always pick-me-up. Now I play my version when I'm getting ready to go out.

10. The Greatest Performance Of My Life
Singing this song on stage with an audience watching is one of the most amazing feelings ever. This disco version is wonderfully kitsch. I think it's one of the best vocals I've done.

11. It Should Have Been Me
I decided long ago that if I was lucky enough to have my own album out one day, this would have to be on it. I love singing old soul songs and this one has been requested by a lot of people. I love it.

12. Eleanor Rigby
One of the greatest songs ever written. It's my tribute to The Beatles. This is a funky version and an absolute joy to sing. I love the contrast between the verse & chorus.

13. Somewhere
From the musical West Side Story and one of the most requested songs from the X Factor. An inspired choice from Mr Cowell. I love this version, the flute solo in the middle is breathtaking.

14. Under The Boardwalk
This one is for my mum. They all are really, but I wanted to dedicate one especially for my mum, and to all the men she's loved before. I wanted to do a gentle version of this with beautiful Spanish guitars. I love the way it's turned out.

15. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going
This song is from the musical Dreamgirls. It's a big diva song with a great disco beat. I love the energy and the passion.

16. Over The Rainbow
I had to end my first album with the song that really started it all off for me. It is a timeless, classic that means so much to me now. And it just goes to show that the dreams that you dare to dream really can come true. I dared to dream....and I'm still dreaming.

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Rowetta - Rowetta