Births on April 11

Lisa Stansfield, English singer-songwriter and actress

Born Lisa Jane Stansfield on 11 April 1966, this esteemed English singer, songwriter, and actress carved out a distinctive place in the music industry with her powerful, soulful voice and timeless blend of R&B, soul, and dance-pop. Her remarkable journey began in the vibrant music scene of the early 1980s, setting the stage for a career spanning decades and achieving global recognition.

From Competition to Collaboration: The Genesis of a Star

Stansfield's initial foray into the spotlight commenced in 1980, when her exceptional vocal talent shone through, leading her to victory in the popular singing competition, Search for a Star. This early triumph provided a significant platform, paving the way for subsequent appearances on various television shows and the release of her first few singles. Demonstrating a collaborative spirit, Stansfield, alongside her creative partners Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, formed the band Blue Zone in 1986. The trio released several singles and one album, establishing a foundation for their musical exploration. However, a pivotal moment arrived in 1989 when Stansfield lent her distinctive vocals to Coldcut's groundbreaking house track, "People Hold On." The track became a significant success, highlighting her undeniable star quality and ultimately shifting the focus towards what would become her hugely successful solo career.

Solo Stardom and Global Acclaim: The Affection Era

The year 1989 marked a monumental breakthrough for Stansfield with the release of her debut solo album, Affection. This record, infused with her signature blend of pop, soul, and R&B, swiftly captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. Its lead single, "All Around the World," became an instant global phenomenon, topping charts across continents and solidifying her status as an international superstar. The song's iconic saxophone riff and Stansfield's emotive delivery resonated deeply with audiences, making it one of the defining tracks of the era. The immense success of Affection earned her two prestigious Grammy Award nominations and remains her best-selling album to date, a testament to its enduring appeal and critical acclaim.

A Rich Discography and Diversified Talents

Following the triumph of Affection, Stansfield continued to grace the music scene with a string of well-received albums. These included the soulful Real Love (1991), the introspective So Natural (1993), and the self-titled Lisa Stansfield (1997), each showcasing her evolving artistry and vocal prowess. As the millennium turned, she further expanded her creative horizons, making her acting debut in 1999 in the film Swing, for which she also contributed to the soundtrack. Subsequent musical offerings included Face Up (2001), the comprehensive compilation Biography: The Greatest Hits (2003), and The Moment (2004). After this period, Stansfield consciously decided to take a temporary hiatus from music, dedicating her talents to her burgeoning film career. During this time, she delivered notable performances in films such as The Edge of Love (2008) and the critically acclaimed Northern Soul (2014), demonstrating her versatility as an entertainer.

Return to Music and Recent Triumphs

Fans eagerly awaited her return to the musical spotlight, which materialized with the release of her seventh studio album, Seven, on 31 January 2014. The album was preceded by its catchy lead single, "Can't Dance," digitally released on 16 October 2013. To celebrate and promote the new material, Stansfield embarked on the highly successful European Seven Tour throughout 2013 and 2014, reaffirming her magnetic stage presence. Her most recent album, Deeper, launched on 6 April 2018, continued to showcase her signature sound with a contemporary edge. Following a series of sold-out European tour dates in June 2018, Stansfield extended her reach to North America, embarking on a tour that commenced in October 2018, much to the delight of her dedicated fanbase across the Atlantic.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Lisa Stansfield's illustrious career has been adorned with a multitude of accolades, reflecting her profound impact on the music industry. Her impressive collection of awards includes three prestigious Brit Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting and composition, a Billboard Music Award, a World Music Award, an ASCAP Award, a Women's World Award, a Silver Clef Award, and two DMC Awards. These honors underscore her artistic merit and widespread recognition. Beyond critical acclaim, Stansfield has achieved phenomenal commercial success, selling over 20 million albums worldwide, with five million copies attributed solely to her groundbreaking debut, Affection. Her significant contribution to dance music was further cemented in December 2016 when Billboard magazine ranked her as the 46th-most-successful dance artist of all time, a testament to her enduring legacy and influence within the genre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Lisa Stansfield best known for?

Lisa Stansfield is primarily celebrated for her distinctive, soulful voice and her global hit song "All Around the World." She is known for blending R&B, soul, and dance-pop, establishing herself as a prominent figure in British music.

What was Lisa Stansfield's first major hit song?

Her first major and most iconic hit song was "All Around the World," released in 1989 from her debut solo album Affection. It became a worldwide chart-topper and defined her early solo career.

How many albums has Lisa Stansfield sold worldwide?

Lisa Stansfield has sold over 20 million albums globally throughout her career, with her debut album Affection alone accounting for five million of those sales.

Has Lisa Stansfield won any significant awards?

Yes, she has won numerous prestigious awards, including three Brit Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards, a Billboard Music Award, a World Music Award, and several others, recognizing her contributions to music.

Is Lisa Stansfield still actively making music and touring?

Yes, Lisa Stansfield remains active in the music industry. Her most recent album, Deeper, was released in 2018, and she regularly undertakes tours, engaging with her dedicated fanbase across Europe and North America.