Births on April 11

Cerys Matthews

Born on April 11, 1969

Cerys Matthews, Welsh singer-songwriter

Who is Cerys Matthews?

Cerys Matthews, born on April 11, 1969, is a celebrated Welsh polymath who has carved out a distinctive and influential career across music, broadcasting, and literature. Her journey from fronting a chart-topping rock band to becoming a respected cultural commentator showcases a dynamic creative spirit and a deep connection to her Welsh heritage. She is renowned for her compelling vocals, engaging presence, and insightful contributions to various media platforms.

Musical Roots and the "Cool Cymru" Era

Matthews first captivated audiences as a founding member and the charismatic lead singer of the iconic Welsh rock band, Catatonia. During the late 1990s, Catatonia emerged as a leading light of the "Cool Cymru" movement, a vibrant cultural phenomenon that saw a significant surge in Welsh artistic talent gaining mainstream recognition. With their distinctive blend of poetic lyrics and powerful rock melodies, often delivered with Cerys’s unique vocal style, the band achieved considerable commercial and critical success, placing them at the forefront of this exciting period in British music history.

A Diverse Broadcasting Career

Beyond her musical endeavors, Cerys Matthews has cultivated a remarkably extensive and influential broadcasting career with the BBC, showcasing her broad musical knowledge and engaging personality. She hosts a popular weekly music show on BBC Radio 6 Music, where she curates an eclectic mix of sounds for a dedicated audience. Her passion for the genre extends to a weekly blues show on BBC Radio 2, delving into the rich history and modern expressions of the form. Furthermore, she shares diverse musical landscapes with an international listenership through a monthly show on the BBC World Service. Her talents aren't limited to audio; Matthews also produces compelling documentaries for both television and radio, demonstrating her storytelling prowess and insightful perspectives. Additionally, she contributes as a lively roving reporter for the popular magazine-style programme, The One Show.

Literary Contributions

Cerys Matthews has also firmly established herself as an accomplished author, with a range of publications reflecting her varied interests and passions. Her adult book, Hook, Line and Singer, published by Penguin Books, offers readers a personal and passionate journey through the enduring power and heritage of folk songs. For younger audiences, she has penned charming children's stories released by Gomer, including the imaginative Tales from the Deep and the heartwarming classic, Gelert, A Man's Best Friend, demonstrating her versatility in crafting narratives for different age groups and her ability to bring Welsh legends to life.

The Good Life Experience Festival

In 2014, Cerys Matthews co-founded 'The Good Life Experience', a unique and celebrated festival located in Flintshire, North Wales. Established alongside Charlie and Caroline Gladstone, this event is a testament to her commitment to fostering community, celebrating the great outdoors, and promoting a slower, more connected way of life. The festival offers a captivating blend of culture, music, food, literature, and hands-on activities, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Welsh countryside. It champions exploration, creativity, and connection with nature, embodying a philosophy that truly reflects Matthews' own ethos for living well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Cerys Matthews?: Cerys Matthews is a prominent Welsh singer, songwriter, author, and broadcaster, widely known for her multifaceted career in music, literature, and media.
What band was Cerys Matthews in?: She was the founding member and lead singer of the hugely successful Welsh rock band, Catatonia, a leading group during the "Cool Cymru" movement.
What is the "Cool Cymru" movement?: "Cool Cymru" was a cultural phenomenon in the late 1990s that saw a significant rise in Welsh artistic and musical talent achieving mainstream popularity and critical acclaim.
What radio shows does Cerys Matthews host?: She hosts a weekly music show on BBC Radio 6 Music, a weekly blues show on BBC Radio 2, and a monthly show on the BBC World Service.
Has Cerys Matthews written any books?: Yes, she is the author of the adult book Hook, Line and Singer (Penguin Books) and children's stories like Tales from the Deep and Gelert, A Man's Best Friend (Gomer).
What is 'The Good Life Experience'?: 'The Good Life Experience' is a festival of culture and the great outdoors, co-founded by Cerys Matthews in Flintshire in 2014, which celebrates music, food, literature, and nature.

References

Cerys Matthews

Choose Another Date

Events on 1969

2 Mar

Concorde
In Toulouse, France, the first test flight of the Anglo-French Concorde is conducted.
17 Apr

Robert F. Kennedy
Sirhan Sirhan is convicted of assassinating Robert F. Kennedy.
16 Jul

Apollo 11
Apollo program: Apollo 11, the first mission to land astronauts on the Moon, is launched from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Kennedy, Florida.
20 Jul

Apollo 11
Apollo program: Apollo 11's crew successfully makes the first manned landing on the Moon in the Sea of Tranquility. Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon (July 21 UTC).
30 Jul

Richard Nixon
Vietnam War: US President Richard Nixon makes an unscheduled visit to South Vietnam and meets with President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu and U.S. military commanders.