Louise Redknapp

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Louise Elizabeth Redknapp (née Nurding; born November 4, 1974) is an English Dance-pop singer, usually referred to by her first name alone.

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[edit] Biography

Louise was born in Lewisham, London, but grew up in Eltham, London and Oxted, Surrey.

A graduate of the Italia Conti Academy stage school, she first came to prominence as a member of the all girl group Eternal. After a string of hits in 1993-4 from debut album Always & Forever (which became the first by an all girl group to sell over one million copies in the UK), she left the group in 1995 to pursue a solo career.

So far, Louise has registered twelve Top 20 hits, and earned herself several Brit Award nominations. Her debut solo album Naked sold over a million copies world wide as did the follow up 1997's Woman In Me. Both albums went Platinum in the UK. 1997 also saw Louise set off on her first UK tour. Playing at over 20 sell out venues across the country including Wembley Arena.

She married now-retired Liverpool and England football player Jamie Redknapp in the Caribbean on June 29, 1998. They have a son named Charley.

In 2001, after trying out a more grown up sound on her third LP Elbow Beach (named after the place where she got married), Louise left her record label and a "best of" album, Changing Faces, was released. This was followed by another "best of" collection from EMI (but with a slightly different tracklisting), Finest Moments, in 2002.

She has since completed a 2002 UK-wide tour, tried her hand at TV presenting (on CD:UK) and hit the UK Top 5 again with Pandora's Kiss in 2003.

In the July 2004 edition of FHM, she was named Sexiest Woman of the Decade.

Louise has said she is nervous about releasing new material as the music industry has changed so much to when she was at her peak. She has just signed to a new management company Merlin Elite. Five clips of new songs have been placed on the internet - Bounce Back, Slam, Lil' Lou, Don't Ever Change and Make It Fit (co-written by Jamelia). The songs which were originally recorded for Louise's never released 2004 album, have received a huge amount of praise and interest - many classing it as a fresh new sound for Louise.

While Louise has been quiet on the music scene for the last 2 years she has still remained in the public eye. Louise is currently sponsored by Boots to front their 'Safe And White' campaign, Flora to front their 'Omega 3' products and the new cosmetics company 'Think Happy: Organics'. She was voted the best footballer's wife of all time and presented ITV's Soccer Aid: Extra Time on ITV2.

The BBC have signed Louise to be one of the presenters of the new series of The Clothes Show. The BBC will re-launch the show for 10 weeks from October on digital channel UKTV Style.

[edit] Eternal

Aged 11, Redknapp joined the Italia Conti Academy stage school, where she completed eight years of performing arts and qualified as a dance teacher. On her first day at Italia Conti, Redknapp meets Kéllé Bryan - the pair will spend almost everyday day together for 10years, and remain friends today. While out illegally clubbing aged 16 one night, Louise meets music producer Denis Ingoldsby, who was forming a girl band - Redknapp introduces Ingoldsby to Bryan [1]

Bryan and Nurding, together with sisters Easther and Vernie Bennett became the early 1990's award-winning, multi-million selling, chart-topping British R&B girl group Eternal. At the time of their release, Eternal were different from other girl bands on the UK market. Their music was not mainstream pop but a mixture heavy R&B, soul and dance. Their image was not 'pretty' but rather 'street chic'

Their debut single 'Stay' shot straight into the UK charts at number 4, and their album, 'Always and Forever' sold over 1.5 million units in the UK alone (the first by an all girl group to do so in UK). Eternal were an instant success and the girls were touring and promoting all around the globe.

At the peak of their fame, it came as surprise to both fans and critics in June 1995 that Louise decided to leave the band - by coincidence, the same day Robbie Williams left Take That. Many saw Louise's decision as madness - she was part of the biggest girl band in Europe, breaking records and about to crack America. However Louise was not happy within the band; she felt alone and homesick on the increasingly longer world tours, missing her friends and family. Most importantly though she felt creatively and artistically restricted - not surprising considering Easther Bennett sang lead on virtually every Eternal song leaving Kéllé, Vernie and Louise with few solo vocal opportunities.

While Louise did not make it public she wanted to become a solo artist when she left the band she knew that was the direction she wanted to head [2]

[edit] Going Solo - 'Naked'

After leaving 'Eternal' Louise did not get back in the studio straight away. She took some time out of the public eye - she spent quality time with friends and family and got to know herself. It was in late 1995 that Louise's musical itch could be ignored no longer and she signed a solo record deal with First Avenue management and EMI records.

By October 1995 Louise was ready to release her debut solo single, the big orchestral ballad 'Light of My Life'. The single was generally critically praised and many saw it as a wise choice for Louise's debut single [citation needed]; as it was a different sound to that she made when in 'Eternal', it showed she could actually sing rather well and that she was dedicated to her music. Many, including at one point Louise herself, thought her debut single would be a cheap, up-tempo, 'manufactured' pop song [citation needed] - but by working hard on an orchestral ballad where her vocal abilities were raw and exposed (instead of manufactured and covered) this gained her critical respect. [citation needed]

When Louise's second single "In Walked Love" (previously a hit for Dance-Pop group, Expose), didn't chart as well as 'Light of My Life' there were doubts as to whether or not Louise would actually be successful as a solo artist. Her third single, the lyrically provocative 'Naked' would place all those doubts to rest. 'Naked' was a huge hit, arguably the biggest of her career, charting at number 5 in the UK (it remained in the top 20 for many weeks) and topping many charts in the rest of Europe. The video for 'Naked' would also have a huge effect on Louise's career. While the videos for 'Light of My Life' and 'In Walked Love' portrayed Louise as the pretty girl next door, 'Naked' showed us a more sexy and raunchy side to Louise - soon she would be voted 'The Sexiest Woman In The World'. 'Naked' established Louise as a solo artist in her own right.

Louise's debut solo album, also entitled 'Naked', was released shortly after the single. The album received mild reviews, many feeling they were not seeing the Louise who left Eternal for her artist freedom, rather a Louise who was playing it safe. Never the less, the album peaked at number 7 in the UK album charts, quickly received platinum certification and sold over a million copies (including sales for Europe). To push the album two further singles were released; 'Undivided Love' - a fun, up tempo track and the standout track of the album the sultry, R&B track 'One Kiss From Heaven'.

[edit] 'Woman In Me'

After the success of 'Naked' there was no doubt Louise would return with new material. In 1997 Louise returned with the single 'Arms Around The World', which offered a slightly different sound - still pop, yet not typically conventional, incorporating 'worldly' sounds. The single was a huge hit and until 2000's '2 Faced' was Louise's highest charting track reaching number 4.

Louise's second solo album, fittingly entitled 'Woman In Me', was more successful than her first. The album reached number 5 in the UK charts and also went on to chart in other European territories. The reviews from the album were generally very good, many classing it as a mature and diverse pop album. Louise, who was creatively heavily involved in the making of the album, herself said 'Woman In Me' was a true reflection of her development as an artist, whereas on 'Naked' she was trying to find her feet. [citation needed]

'Lets Go Round Again' (a cover of the original The Average White Band track) was the second single released on the album. While the song only reached number 10 in the charts it became Louise's biggest selling single, selling over 250,000 copies. [citation needed]

At the start of 1998 Louise seemed to do no wrong; she was the reigning UK pop queen. Her album 'Woman In Me' had gone platinum and sold over a million copies, she was on the cover of every magazine from 'Smash Hits' to 'GQ' and had been voted 'The Sexiest Woman In The World' by the readers of FHM magazine. What better than to top all that off with a UK wide tour. The 'Louise Soft and Gentle No Sweat Tour' was a sell out

While Louise was on tour the final single was released from 'Woman In Me', 'All That Matters'. The single's choice was the source of much controversy with fans and critics. Fans wanted the title track 'Woman In Me' or the pop anthem 'Shut Up And Kiss Me' to be released as they felt they were the best tracks on the album. [citation needed]Critics saw 'All That Matters' as a step backwards for Louise as the track was a lack less pop number that would have fitted in better on the 'Naked' album. [citation needed] The single charted at number 11.

[edit] 'Elbow Beach'

After the success of 'Woman In Me' Louise spent most of 1999 out of the public eye, as she married long-time boyfriend Jamie Redknapp. After the honeymoon, Louise spent just under a year making what she claimed was her most personal album to date. Titled 'Elbow Beach', the location of her honeymoon, the album served as a snap shot of Louise's life at that point. Creatively Louise was more involved in the process of this album than her previous two, co-writing all 12 tracks and co-producing most of them

In 2000 all looked ready for Louise to take over the UK charts again. The lead single from 'Elbow Beach', the RnB '2 Faced' rocketed straight in the charts at number 3, and became Louise's highest charting single. Despite the hype and receiving critical praise, sales for 'Elbow Beach' were weaker than the previous two productions, as the album peaked at number 12. To help push the album the critics’ favourite track was chosen, the dance/pop track 'Beautiful Inside' was released. While the single received a lot of airplay on radio and rotation on TV it missed the top ten and charted at number 13.

Louise was voted 'Sexiest Woman In The World' by the readers of FHM for the 3rd time in 2000, and also received the GQ award for 'Sexiest Woman In Britain'.

[edit] Changing Faces

After the 'Elbow Beach' period Louise was coming to the end of her 5-album deal with EMI (1 includes 'Always and Forever'). EMI were worried about releasing another studio album after the lack less sales of 'Elbow Beach'; [citation needed] and if Louise was to release another album under them they would want her to revert to her classic 'pop' sound heard on 'Woman In Me', which wouldn't have pleased Louise has she was heading another direction musically. Instead it was decided that a greatest hits package would be released; incorporating all of Louise's 15 top-10 hit singles. The greatest hits package, entitled 'Changing Faces: The Best Of Louise' would feature 3 new tracks and be Louise's final release under EMI. For the album Louise released a cover of 'Stuck In The Middle', which rocketed to number 4 in the charts. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 9 in the album charts and receiving gold certification. Before the albums release Louise was signed up to front ITV's Saturday morning mega hit TV show SMTV Live and CDUK with her friend Cat Deeley for the entire summer. She was then asked back Christmas the same year to present a further 3 shows.

Because of the success of the album Louise decided to take the album on the road with her second solo tour. Instead of playing the huge arenas she did with the 'No Sweat' tour; Louise wanted to perform in more intimate locations right across the country. [citation needed] The tour was another big success; with all the 36 dates becoming a 'sold-out' event.

After all the touring and promotion of 'Changing Faces' Louise had officially left EMI, which meant she was a free artist although she was still signed to her managing company First Avenue. It became clear that although EMI felt that Louise had lost her magic, many other major labels didn't [citation needed](and bearing in mind they would be receiving Louise's back catalogue, which is worth a lot in its self) and so a bidding war erupted to sign Louise. In 2002 Louise signed a £1.5 million contract to her manager Oliver Smallman's Positive Records, a division of Universal Music. Almost instantly Louise was rushed off to record her highly anticipated 4th solo album.

This was an exciting time for Louise as her new label were encouraging her to develop a fresh, new sound; and were prepared to spend the money to give her this. Louise worked with a whole host of A-list producers on both sides of the Atlantic including teams who had worked with the likes of Destiny's Child, Jamelia, Michael Jackson, Craig David and Sugababes - the result was a brand new style of sound for Louise. Fans are hoping it is released during 2007.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] As a member of Eternal

  • 1993 Always & Forever (#2) 5 x Platinum
  1. "Stay"
  2. "Crazy"
  3. "Save Our Love"
  4. "Oh Baby I..."
  5. "I'll Be There"
  6. "Sweet Funky Thing"
  7. "Just A Step From Heaven"
  8. "Never Gonna Give You Up"
  9. "Let's Stay Together"
  10. "This Love Is For Real"
  11. "So Good"
  12. "If You Need Me Tonight"
  13. "Don't Say Goodbye"
  14. "Amazing Grace"

[edit] Solo

  • 1996 Naked (#7) Platinum
  1. "Naked"
  2. "In Walked Love"
  3. "Light of My Life"
  4. "Best That You Bring"
  5. "One Kiss from Heaven"
  6. "Thinking About You"
  7. "Discussions"
  8. "Undivided Love"
  9. "Back to Love"
  10. "Never Too Late"
  11. "Goodbye to Love"
  12. "That's the Way I Like It"
  13. "I'll Fly Away"
  14. "I Gave You My Love"
    Japanese bonus tracks
  15. "All of You"
  16. "Real Love"
  • 1997 Woman In Me' (#4) 2 x Platinum
  1. "Arms Around the World"
  2. "All That Matters"
  3. "I Pray"
  4. "Let's Go Round Again"
  5. "Woman in Me"
  6. "Trust in You"
  7. "Reminds Me of You"
  8. "Shut Up and Kiss Me"
  9. "Healing Love"
  10. "When Will My Heart Beat Again"
  11. "New York Moon"
  12. "Happy Love"
  13. "Who Do You Love"
  14. "Don't Be Shy"
  15. "Running Back for More"
  16. "Love Will Bring You Back yo Me"
    Japenese Bonus Track
  17. "Distraction"
  • 2000 Elbow Beach (#12) Silver
  1. "Beautiful Inside"
  2. "First Kiss (The Wedding Song)"
  3. "2 Faced"
  4. "For Your Eyes Only"
  5. "Egyptian Queen"
  6. "Best Thing"
  7. "Bedtime"
  8. "That's What Friends Are For"
  9. "Take You There"
  10. "City Boy Fix"
  11. "In Our Room"
  12. "Lost"
    Japanese bonus tracks
  13. "Say Yes"
  14. "Better Back Off"
  • 2001 Changing Faces - The Best Of (#9) Gold
  1. "Naked"
  2. "Just a Step from Heaven" (Radio Mix) (Eternal)
  3. "Undivided Love" (Single Mix)
  4. "Stuck in the Middle With You"
  5. "Stay" (7" Mix) (Eternal)
  6. "Lets Go Round Again"
  7. "Light of My Life"
  8. "2 Faced"
  9. "The Slightest Touch" (Almighty 7" Radio Mix)
  10. "One Kiss from Heaven" (Remix)
  11. "In Walked Love"
  12. "Beautiful Inside"
  13. "Oh Baby I..." (Eternal)
  14. "Arms Around the World" (Radio Mix)
  15. "All That Matters"
  16. "Come and Get It"
    Japanese bonus tracks
  17. "First Kiss (The Wedding Song)"
  18. "Egyptian Queen"
  • 2002 Finest Moments (#6) (on budget album chart) (Released Stateside)
  1. "Naked"
  2. "That's the Way I Like It"
  3. "Never Too Late"
  4. "One Kiss from Heaven"
  5. "I'll Fly Away"
  6. "Arms Around the World"
  7. "All That Matters"
  8. "I Pray"
  9. "Woman in Me"
  10. "Who Do You Love"
  11. "2 Faced"
  12. "Beautiful Inside"
  13. "First Kiss (The Wedding Song)"
  14. "For Your Eyes Only"
  15. "In Our Room"
  16. "Medley"
  17. "In Walked Love" (Naked)
  18. "Let's Go Round Again" (Woman In Me)
  • Louise (yet to be released)
  1. "Bounce Back"
  2. "Pandora's Kiss"
  3. "Little Lou"
  4. "Slam"
  5. "Something More"
  6. "This Is Gonna Go Down"
  7. "Download"
  8. "Make It Fit"
  9. "Coffee"
  10. "Too Late"
  11. "Don't Ever Change"
  12. "Ace Of Hearts"
  13. "In Tears"
  • Unreleased Tracks*
  1. "Come The Day"

[edit] Singles

As a member of Eternal
  • 1993 "Stay" (#4)
  • 1994 "Save Our Love" (#8)
  • 1994 "Just a Step from Heaven" (#8)
  • 1994 "So Good" (#13)
  • 1994 "Oh Baby I..." (#4)
  • 1994 "Crazy" (#15)
Solo
  • 1995 "Light of My Life" (#8)
  • 1996 "In Walked Love" (#17)
  • 1996 "Naked" (#5)
  • 1996 "Undivided Love" (#5)
  • 1996 "One Kiss from Heaven" (#9)
  • 1997 "Arms Around the World" (#4)
  • 1997 "Let's Go Round Again" (#10)
  • 1998 "All That Matters" (#11)
  • 2000 "2 Faced" (#3)
  • 2000 "Beautiful Inside" (#13)
  • 2001 "Stuck in the Middle" (#4)
  • 2003 "Pandora's Kiss/Don't Give Up" (#5)
  • 2007 "Bounce Back"? (TBC)

[edit] B-sides and other tracks

As a member of Eternal
  • 1993 "Don't Say Goodbye" ("Stay" B-side/Always & Forever album track)
  • 1994 "If You Need Me Tonight" ("Save Our Love" B-side/Always & Forever album track)
  • 1994 "I've Got To Be With You" ("Just a Step From Heaven" B-side)
  • 1994 "Fantasy" ("Just a Step From Heaven" B-side)
  • 1994 "Ain't No How I'm Steppin" ("So Good" B-side)
  • 1994 "Loving You" ("So Good" B-side)
  • 1994 "Decisions" ("Oh Baby I..." B-side)
  • 1994 "Something Inside (So Strong)" ("Crazy" B-side)
  • 1994 "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" ("Crazy" B-side)
  • 1994 "Amazing Grace" ("Crazy" B-side)
Solo
  • 1995 "Real Love" ("Light of My Life" B-side)
  • 1996 "All of You" ("In Walked Love" B-side)
  • 1996 "Do Me Right" ("Naked" B-side)
  • 1996 "Keep the Lovin' In" ("Naked" B-side)
  • 1996 "How in the World" ("Undivided Love" B-side)
  • 1996 "Better Next Time" ("Undivided Love" B-side)
  • 1997 "Don't Be Shy" ("Arms Around the World" B-side/Woman In Me album track)
  • 1997 "Intimate" ("Arms Around the World" B-side)
  • 1997 "Just When I Thought" ("Let's Go Round Again" B-side)
  • 1997 "How You Make Me Feel" ("Let's Go Round Again" B-side)
  • 1998 "Woman In Me (Live)" ("All That Matters" B-side)
  • 1998 "When Will My Heart Beat Again (Live)" ("All That Matters" B-side)
  • 1998 "If I Can't Have You" (A Tribute To The Bee Gees album track)
  • 2000 "Say Yes" ("2 Faced" B-side)
  • 2000 "Lost" ("2 Faced" B-side)
  • 2000 "Clear Water" ("Beautiful Inside" B-side)
  • 2001 "Better Back Off" ("Beautiful Inside" B-side)

[edit] External links

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