Rachel Stevens

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Rachel Stevens

Background information
Birth name Rachel Lauren Stevens
Born April 9, 1978 (1978-04-09) (age 30)
Southgate, London, England
Genre(s) Pop, Dance, Adult Contemporary
Instrument(s) Singing
Years active 1999–present
Label(s) Polydor (1999-2003 group), (2003-2005 solo)
Associated acts S Club
Website Official site

Rachel Lauren Stevens (born April 9, 1978) is an English singer, actress, and an occasional model. A former member of the successful pop group S Club (7), she launched a solo recording career and has released seven singles and two albums to date in the UK.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Born in Southgate, London, Stevens attended Ashmole School in London.[1] At the age of fifteen, she beat out 5000 competitors in a modeling competition sponsored by Just 17 magazine.[2] Following her first modeling jobs, she studied at the London School of Fashion and worked in public relations.[2]

[edit] Singing Career

[edit] S Club

Stevens in the music video for "Have You Ever"
Stevens in the music video for "Have You Ever"
Main article: S Club

At the age of nineteen, Stevens accompanied her brother to an audition in London for a new pop group, which was being put together by Simon Fuller, the one-time manager of the Spice Girls.[3]

After a successful audition, Stevens became a member of the British pop group S Club 7, which were a BRIT Award-winning English pop group created by former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller. The group rose to fame via their own BBC television programme and by selling 16 million records worldwide[1] and launching four number one hit singles in the United Kingdom. S Club disbanded in 2003.[4]

[edit] Solo

[edit] Funky Dory

After S Club broke up, Stevens signed a £1.5 million ($2.3 million) solo four-album deal with Polydor Records and re-signed with S Club manager, Simon Fuller.[5] Breaking out on her own after success with S Club was hard for Stevens, "I think we ended up conforming to what people's perceptions was," she said about the group. "This one was the ditzy one, this one was the singer, this one was the dancer. And to come out of that and be a whole person has been a real challenge for me. I didn't have my say, really, in the group. None of us did."[2]

Her first solo single, written by Cathy Dennis (who has also written for Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue) and produced by Bloodshy & Avant, was "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex", released in September 2003.[6]

Stevens in the music video for her hit single More More More (2004)
Stevens in the music video for her hit single More More More (2004)

Taking inspiration from R&B music most reminiscent of TLC and Sugababes, and adult-style pop music by Madonna, Stevens' debut solo album, Funky Dory was released later that month. The album was a minor hit, reaching number nine on the UK albums chart.[7] Although the album was not a huge commercial success, it did gain praise from pop critics. Jamie Gill, in a review for Yahoo! Launch, said that Stevens "eschews the cheap and cheerful approach of her old band for a slinky adult confidence and musical eclecticism."[8]

That December, the album's title track, "Funky Dory" was released as the second single. The song was hailed as being sophisticated and sexy, like its predecessor, and featured a sample of the David Bowie song "Andy Warhol" from his album Hunky Dory. Hopes were high that the single would be able to match the success of "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex", but like her album, the single made a low showing on the charts, peaking at number twenty four.[9] The song was given mixed reviews by pop-critics with some calling it "musically better than "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" with a hybrid of pop, Latin and even a hint of jazz infusion" but not a good choice as a single as it lacked anything special and different, as it did not live up to Stevens' previous single.[3]

In July 2004, Stevens released a brand new single, "Some Girls" which was produced by Richard X. After the commercial failure of both her album and previous single hopes were high for "Some Girls" to perform well on the charts, with critics calling the single her career make or break release. The single became a hit across Europe, and reached number two in the UK. All profits from the single went to the BBC Sport Relief charity. On its release HMV.co.uk called the single Stevens' "finest song to date",[4] and Yahoo! Launch commented "she came to save her career. She ended up saving pop."[5]

Due to the success of "Some Girls", Funky Dory was re-released to include "Some Girls" and another new track, a cover of Andrea True Connection's "More More More". "More More More" peaked at number three in the UK, giving Stevens her third top ten solo single in the UK.[10]At this point, Stevens stepped up promotion, inadvertently earning herself a Guinness World Record for “Most Public Appearances by a Pop Star in 24 Hours in Different Cities” (Seven on September 8-September 9, 2004).[11]

Guinness World Records Show
Guinness World Records Show

[edit] Come and Get It

Stevens and dancers in the music video for her top ten hit single "So Good" (2005)
Stevens and dancers in the music video for her top ten hit single "So Good" (2005)

In late 2004, Stevens began working on her second solo album with producers and songwriters Richard X, Alexis Strum, and Xenomania.[12] The following March she released the first single from her upcoming album, "Negotiate With Love". The song was a minor hit in the UK, reaching the top ten.[13]

"Negotiate with Love" was followed-up by the song "So Good", which was released in July and was another success when it peaked at number ten in the UK.[14] It was hailed as a good pop song that was "tastily produced and sassily delivered."[15]

In the summer of 2005, Channel 4 broadcasted a documentary which followed Stevens through the summer as she promoted "So Good". After the singles and the documentary appeared, Stevens released Come And Get It in October 2005. The album was, like her previous effort, a minor success peaking at number twenty eight in the UK.[14] The album was also released as a special 'Limited Edition' CD and DVD. Two years the album's release, The Guardian placed it in their article "1000 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" list.[16]

The last single released from the album was "I Said Never Again (But Here We Are)", released in October 2005 the song peaked at number twelve in the UK.[14] The single received some of the best reviews of Stevens' career with it being hailed by HMV.co.uk for its "astonishingly flawless vocal performance" and as Stevens' "most commercially accessible and quirky single since "Some Girls"."[6]


[edit] Acting career

While Stevens was a member of S Club 7, she appeared in four series of S Club shows Miami 7, L.A. 7, Hollywood 7, and Viva S Club. The group also starred in the feature film, Seeing Double. In 2004, Stevens appeared in Suzie Gold, followed by a role in Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005).[17]

In December 2007 it was announced that Stevens will be transformed into a nine-inch high plasticine character for Glendogie Bogey, a new animated comedy for BBC Scotland.[18]

[edit] Personal life

On Valentine's Day in 2002, Stevens became engaged to her longtime boyfriend, actor Jeremy Edwards.[19] The couple broke up in early 2004 after they had been dating for over three years.[20]

After the breakup, she dated Gavin Dein, son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.[21] The relationship did not last long, with the couple splitting up in August 2005.[22]

Stevens has also been linked to actor Steven Dorff[23]and American-based British singer Oli Trevena (Oli T).[24]

[edit] Awareness campaigns

Stevens in the Everyman Testicular Cancer Awareness campaign commercial
Stevens in the Everyman Testicular Cancer Awareness campaign commercial

In 2005, Stevens fronted the Everyman Testicular Cancer Awareness campaign. Stevens' role was notable as she was the first woman to represent this campaign. Her television commercial raised eyebrows with its suggestive content that included her telling men to "put one hand down their trousers and give their testicles a good feel". On the commercial, Stevens commented, "Sometimes men need a little encouragement to think about their health. This is a funny way of raising awareness about a serious subject."[7]

In 2005, Stevens also took part in the Make Poverty History campaign, which aims to eliminate poverty in developing countries by cancelling old debts, improving the way aid is given and removing barriers, so these countries can trade more effectively with the rest of the world. Stevens donated an undisclosed amount of money to the campaign, and also starred in television and magazine advertisements supporting the cause. Her official Web site also displayed the campaign's official online banner.[8]

[edit] Endorsement deals

While in S Club 7, Stevens fronted the World Wide Fund for Nature. More recently, she has been the front woman for Pretty Polly[25], Sky Sports, Marks & Spencer[26], Focus Dailies[27] amongst others.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] Singles

Year Single Chart positions[14] Album
UK IRL DEN NOR SE BEL SUI GER EU WW
2003 "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" 2 2 2 5 24 25 63 64 7 — Funky Dory
"Funky Dory" 26 24 — — — — — — 82 —
2004 "Some Girls" 2 1 — — — — — — 10 53 Funky Dory
(re-release)
"More, More, More" 3 5 — — — — — — 8 60
2005 "Negotiate with Love" 10 27 — — — — — — 53 53 Come And Get It
"So Good" 10 27 — — — — — — 51 69
"I Said Never Again (But Here We Are)" 12 34 — — — — — — 65 91

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Films

Year Title Character
2003 Seeing Double Rachel Stevens (herself)
2004 Suzie Gold Girl from M5
2005 Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo Louisa, the Dirty Girl

[edit] Television

Year Title Character
1999 Miami 7 Herself
2000 L.A. 7 Herself
S Club 7 Go Wild! Herself
2001 Hollywood 7 Herself
2002 Don't Stop Movin' Herself
Viva S Club Herself
2005 Spider-Plant Man (for Comic Relief 2005) Jane-Mary
2008 Glendogie Bogey Patricia

[edit] Awards

Year Group Award Result
2003 Smash Hits Poll Winners Party Best Dressed Star Won
2004 Smash Hits Poll Winners Party Best Dressed Star Won
2004 Smash Hits Poll Winners Party Most Fanciable Female Won
2005 Smash Hits Poll Winners Party Most Fanciable Female Won
2003 National Music Awards Favourite UK Female Singer Won
2004 Celebrity Awards Sexiest Female Celebrity Won
2004 NME Awards Best Female Artist Won
2004 Disney Channel Kid's Choice Awards Best Female Artist Won
2004 52nd Annual Showbusiness Awards Recording Artist Of The Year Won
2005 Glamour Awards Woman Of The Year Won
2006 Jammy Awards Most Outstanding Female Singer Won

[edit] Notes

  1. ^  Dan Cairns. "She's Movin' On Up". Sunday Times Culture. Feb. 13, 2005.
  2. ^  Dan Cairns. "She's Movin' On Up". Sunday Times Culture. Feb. 13, 2005.
  3. ^  Jamie Gill. Rachel Stevens 3. Rachel Stevens Online - originally from Yahoo! Launch. Oct. 7, 2003. Retrieved Feb. 5, 2006.
  4. ^  Azeem Ahmad. Rachel Stevens 5. MusicOMH. Dec. 8, 2003. Retrieved Feb. 5, 2006.
  5. ^  Rachel Stevens 6. Rachel Stevens Online - originally from HMV.co.uk. June 2004. Retrieved Feb. 5, 2006.
  6. ^  Rachel Stevens 7. Rachel Stevens Online - originally from Yahoo! Launch. July 2004. Retrieved Feb. 5, 2006.
  7. ^  Rachel Stevens 8. Rachel Stevens Online - originally from London News Review. Sept. 23, 2004. Retrieved Feb. 5, 2006.
  8. ^  Rachel Stevens 9. Virgin.net. 2005. Retrieved Feb. 6, 2006.
  9. ^  Rachel Stevens 10. HMV.co.uk. Aug. 2005. Retrieved Feb. 6, 2006.
  10. ^  Rachel Stevens 12. Rachel Stevens Online. 2006. Retrieved Jan. 29, 2006.
  11. Rachel Stevens 16. The Daily Record. 2006. Retrieved May 1, 2006.
  12. ^  Rachel Stevens 17. Everyman. 2005. Retrieved Jan. 29, 2006.
  13. ^  Rachel Stevens 18. RSO: Make Poverty History. 2005. Retrieved Jan. 29, 2006.
  14. ^  [9]. The Daily Mirror. 2006. Retrieved November 11, 2006.
  15. ^  [10]. The Daily Mirror. 2006. Retrieved November 11, 2006.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Jewish princess gone bad. ajn.com.au (2008-02-08). Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  2. ^ a b Rachel Stevens biography
  3. ^ Simon Fuller: Guiding pop culture
  4. ^ "S Club to split up", BBC.co.uk, 2003-04-21. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  5. ^ "S Club's Rachel signs £1m deal", BBC.co.uk, 2003-06-26. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  6. ^ Rachel Stevens: Biography. billboard.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  7. ^ Sexton, Paul (2004-10-06). Peas, Dido Top U.K. Charts. billboard.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  8. ^ Gill, Jamie (2003-10-07). Rachel Stevens - 'Funkydory'. uk.launch.yahoo.com.
  9. ^ Rachel Stevens - Music Charts. acharts.us. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  10. ^ Sexton, Paul (2004-10-11). Robbie, R.E.M. Overtake U.K. Charts. billboard.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  11. ^ Club class. arts.guardian.co.uk (2005-06-10). Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  12. ^ Petridis, Alexis (2005-10-15). Rachel Stevens, Come And Get It. arts.guardian.co.uk. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  13. ^ Sexton, Paul (2005-04-04). Christie Rules U.K. Charts Again. billboard.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  14. ^ a b c d Rachel Stevens - Music Chart. acharts.us. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  15. ^ Rachel Stevens - So Good. virginmedia.com.
  16. ^ 1,000 Albums To Hear Before You Die: Artists beginning with S (part 2). guardian.co.uk (2007-11-22). Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  17. ^ Rachel Stevens at the Internet Movie Database
  18. ^ Trio of talent get animated in Glendogie Bogey
  19. ^ "S Club's Rachel to wed Holby City star", BBC.co.uk, 2002-02-18. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  20. ^ "Rachel Stevens splits with fiance", BBC.co.uk, 2004-01-10. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  21. ^ Stoneman, Justin. "Rachel Stevens Interview", Virginmedia.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  22. ^ "Sun, Sea and Man For Rachel", Digital Spy, 2006-05-01. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  23. ^ Heartbreaker Rachel Stevens can't keep her hands off her new man, Themailonsunday.co.uk
  24. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "Rachel Stevens dates Van Outen's ex", Digital Spy, 2006-10-01. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  25. ^ "Why the bottom has fallen out of stocking sales", thisislondon.co.uk, 07-07-18. Retrieved on 2008-05-19. 
  26. ^ Julia, Pearlman (2005-10-11). Marks & Spencer's sales increase fuelled by Twiggy ad campaign. brandrepublic.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  27. ^ Clark, Nicola (2007-08-29). Media: Focus Dailies in ITV dating shows deal. brandrepublic.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.

[edit] External links


v • d • e
Rachel Stevens
Studio albums
Singles
Related topics
v • d • e
S Club
Tina Barrett · Paul Cattermole · Jon Lee · Bradley McIntosh · Jo O'Meara · Hannah Spearritt · Rachel Stevens
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Singles
Movies
Back to the 50s (TV) · Boyfriends & Birthdays (TV) · Christmas Special (TV) · Artistic Differences (TV) · Seeing Double
Television
Miami 7 · L.A. 7 · Don't Stop Movin' · Hollywood 7 · Viva S Club · S Club 7 Go Wild!
Tours
Related articles


Persondata
NAME Stevens, Rachel
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Stevens, Rachel Lauren
SHORT DESCRIPTION English singer, actress
DATE OF BIRTH April 9, 1978
PLACE OF BIRTH Southgate, London, England
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH