The unique Kate Bush turns 66
A look back at the career of the influential singer-songwriter that earned her first big hit at age 19 with “Wuthering Heights”
The unique Kate Bush turns 66
Catherine “Kate” Bush was born on July 30, 1958, in Bexleyheath, Kent, England. Raised in a musical family, her father, Robert Bush, was a doctor and pianist, and her mother, Hannah Daly, was a former dancer. This nurturing environment allowed Kate to explore her artistic talents from a young age. She began writing songs and playing the piano as a child, showcasing a unique flair for storytelling and musical composition and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour produced her first demo tape which earned her a record contract with EMI.
Kate Bush’s big break came in 1978 when she released her debut single “Wuthering Heights” at the age of 19. Inspired by Emily Brontë’s novel of the same name, the song’s haunting melody and Bush’s ethereal voice quickly captivated audiences. “Wuthering Heights” soared to the top of the UK charts, making Bush the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a self-written song.
Her debut album, “The Kick Inside,” followed, solidifying her place in the music industry. Bush’s early career was marked by a string of successful albums, including “Lionheart” (1978), “Never for Ever” (1980), and “The Dreaming” (1982). Her music, characterized by its eclectic mix of rock, pop, and avant-garde elements, set her apart as a truly innovative artist.
In 1985, Bush released “Hounds of Love,” considered by many to be her magnum opus. The album featured the hit single “Running Up That Hill,” which became one of her most iconic songs. “Hounds of Love” showcased Bush’s ability to blend complex musical arrangements with deeply personal and imaginative lyrics.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Bush continued to push artistic boundaries with albums like “The Sensual World” (1989) and “The Red Shoes” (1993). Her work often incorporated literary references, experimental sounds, and intricate production techniques, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
After a hiatus from the music scene, Bush made a triumphant return in 2005 with the double album “Aerial.” This period marked a more reflective and mature phase in her career, with themes of nature, family, and spirituality taking center stage. In 2011, she released “50 Words for Snow,” an album that further cemented her reputation as a masterful and innovative artist.
In 2014, Bush surprised fans by announcing a series of live performances titled “Before the Dawn” at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. These shows, her first full concerts since 1979, were met with widespread acclaim and showcased her enduring stage presence and artistic vision.
Kate Bush lives in relative seclusion in Southwest England with her husband, guitarist Danny McIntosh, whom she married in 1992. The couple has one son, Albert “Bertie” McIntosh, born in 1998, who has occasionally appeared in her work.
Bush’s reclusiveness and aversion to the spotlight have only added to her mystique, allowing her to focus on her music and artistic pursuits without the pressures of celebrity life. Despite her reserved nature, she remains a beloved and influential figure in the music industry.
Awarded throughout her career, among her achievements and awards are 13 British Phonographic Industry accolades nominations and a win in 1987, three Grammy Awards nominations, an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music in 2002 and October 2017 she was nominated for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Kate Bush was also appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to music. On 6 December 2018, Bush published her first book, a compilation of lyrics, “How to Be Invisible: Selected Lyrics”. More recently, Kate had a resurgence in her popularity when her song “Running Up That Hill” was featured on the Netflix hit series “Stranger Things.” Today she turns 66.
Look back at the 1978 iconic music video “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush
Also watch the 1980 music video “Babooshka” by Kate Bush
Also watch the 1985 music video for one of Kate Bush’s biggest hits “Running Up That Hill”
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