Famous Musicians From Cardiff

Last Updated on June 27, 2023 by Josh McKenzie

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, has a rich and diverse musical heritage. It has been the birthplace and home to many musicians who have made their mark on various genres of music. Let’s delve into the lives and works of some of these notable artists who have put Cardiff on the global music map.

1. Shirley Bassey

Dame Shirley Bassey is one of the most famous singers to hail from Cardiff. Known for her powerful voice and glamorous image, Bassey has had a career spanning more than six decades.

• Genre: Pop, soul, show tunes
• Notable Works: ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’
• Fun Fact: Bassey is the only singer to record more than one James Bond theme song.

2. Charlotte Church

Charlotte Church started her career as a classical singer before transitioning to pop music. She became a global sensation at a young age with her angelic voice.

• Genre: Classical, pop
• Notable Works: ‘Voice of an Angel’, ‘Tissues and Issues’
• Fun Fact: Church hosted her own talk show, ‘The Charlotte Church Show’, from 2006 to 2008.

3. James Dean Bradfield

James Dean Bradfield is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the alternative rock band Manic Street Preachers.

• Genre: Alternative rock, hard rock
• Notable Works: ‘Everything Must Go’, ‘This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours’
• Fun Fact: Bradfield is known for his distinctive, emotive voice and energetic live performances.

4. Cerys Matthews

Cerys Matthews is a singer, songwriter, author, and broadcaster, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Catatonia.

• Genre: Alternative rock, indie pop
• Notable Works: ‘Road Rage’, ‘Mulder and Scully’
• Fun Fact: Matthews hosts a music show on BBC Radio 6 Music.

5. Shakin’ Stevens

Shakin’ Stevens, born as Michael Barratt, is a rock and roll singer and songwriter who achieved his greatest success in the 1980s.

• Genre: Rock and roll
• Notable Works: ‘This Ole House’, ‘Green Door’
• Fun Fact: Stevens is often known as the ‘Welsh Elvis’.

Here’s a table summarising these artists:

Artist	Genre	Notable Works	Fun Fact
Shirley Bassey	Pop, soul, show tunes	‘Goldfinger’, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’	Bassey is the only singer to record more than one James Bond theme song.
Charlotte Church	Classical, pop	‘Voice of an Angel’, ‘Tissues and Issues’	Church hosted her own talk show, ‘The Charlotte Church Show’, from 2006 to 2008.
James Dean Bradfield	Alternative rock, hard rock	‘Everything Must Go’, ‘This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours’	Bradfield is known for his distinctive, emotive voice and energetic live performances.
Cerys Matthews	Alternative rock, indie pop	‘Road Rage’, ‘Mulder and Scully’	Matthews hosts a music show on BBC Radio 6 Music.
Shakin’ Stevens	Rock and roll	‘This Ole House’, ‘Green Door’	Stevens is often known as the ‘Welsh Elvis’.

Cardiff’s music scene is as diverse as it is vibrant, with artists spanning a wide range of genres. These musicians have not only made a name for themselves but also put Cardiff onthe global music map. Their unique sounds and styles continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world. So, if you ever find yourself in Cardiff, why not immerse yourself in the city’s rich musical heritage? You might just discover your new favourite artist!

Cheers, Josh