What is Shakin' Stevens' Net Worth?
Shakin' Stevens is a Welsh rock and roll singer and songwriter who has a net worth of $20 million.
Michael Barratt, better known as Shakin' Stevens or "Shaky," was born in Cardiff, Wales, on March 4, 1948, into a large, working-class family. He was the youngest of 13 children and grew up in a poor household in the Ely district of the city. His early life was marked by the hardships common to post-war Britain, but these humble beginnings would later influence his musical style and appeal.
In the late 1960s, Stevens formed his first band, Shakin' Stevens and the Sunsets. The group gained a following in the South Wales area, playing rock and roll covers and developing Stevens' distinctive performance style, which was heavily influenced by Elvis Presley. The band released several albums and became known for their energetic live performances, though mainstream success eluded them during this period.
Stevens' breakthrough came in 1977 when he was cast in the role of Elvis Presley in the West End musical "Elvis!" This exposure helped launch his solo career, though it would take several more years before he achieved major commercial success. The early 1980s marked the beginning of Stevens' golden period, with his signature hit "This Ole House" reaching number one in the UK charts in 1981.
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The 1980s saw Stevens become one of the UK's most successful recording artists. He achieved an impressive string of hits including "Green Door," "Oh Julie," "You Drive Me Crazy," and "Merry Christmas Everyone," the latter becoming a perennial festive favorite. Between 1980 and 1986, Stevens scored 33 Top 40 hit singles in the UK, making him the most successful charting British male solo artist of the 1980s.
What set Stevens apart was his ability to update classic rock and roll for a contemporary audience while maintaining its authentic feel. His performances were characterized by his distinctive voice, energetic dance moves, and trademark denim outfit. Despite being sometimes dismissed by critics as a revival act, Stevens brought genuine enthusiasm and credibility to his interpretation of rock and roll classics.
The 1990s saw a decline in Stevens' commercial success, though he continued to record and perform. He experienced personal challenges, including health issues in the mid-2000s when he suffered a heart attack. However, this setback didn't end his career; instead, it led to a period of reinvention.
In recent years, Stevens has experienced something of a renaissance, releasing new material that shows his evolution as an artist while maintaining his rock and roll roots. His 2016 album "Echoes Of Our Times" revealed a more personal side to his music, exploring his family history and incorporating elements of blues and roots music.
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Throughout his career, Stevens has sold over 20 million records worldwide. While he is often associated with the rock and roll revival movement of the 1980s, his influence extends beyond that era. He helped keep rock and roll relevant for a new generation and demonstrated how the genre could be successfully updated without losing its essential character.
Today, Shakin' Stevens remains an active performer and recording artist, his career spanning over five decades. His contribution to British popular music has been significant, and his ability to maintain a career through different eras of popular music demonstrates both his adaptability and the enduring appeal of his musical style.
