In a career spanning 70 years, Dame Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer who has sung the theme song for three Bond movies (Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Moonraker (1979)). She has had numerous TV specials, and hosted a variety show from 1976-1979. Some of her many awards include an NME Favorite British Female Singer (1959), a BRIT Award fr Best British Female Solo Artist in the previous 25 years (1977) and a Guiness World Records: Most Successful British Female Singer (2000).
Ideas for discussion questions:
How does Bassey make this performance dramatic?
How can you tell that this performance is from 1974?
She says that Goldfinger has the Midas touch - what does that mean?
At 1:38, it looks like Bassey is singing to a dark room. How might not seeing the audience affect her performance?
Can you name any other musicians who sing in a similar style?