BBC Strictly Come Dancing: Who is Lady Blackbird as singer performs on results show
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have a special evening to look forward to tonight as the renowned 'Grace Jones of jazz', Lady Blackbird, is lined up to perform in the ballroom during the pre-recorded results show on Sunday. Alongside her act, the professional dancers will showcase a routine inspired by Beetlejuice.
Lady Blackbird, born Marley Munroe, has been professionally making music since she was just 12 years old. The American singer-songwriter was under contract with a Christian record label until she turned 18, at which point she chose not to extend her agreement.
The 39-year-old signed a new record contract in 2014 and put out two pop-soul singles. However, she parted ways with the label not long after because of differences in artistic vision. Now known as Lady Blackbird, she found her major breakthrough in 2020 with the release of her song "Nobody's Sweetheart" and her take on Nina Simone’s classic 1966 track, "Blackbird."
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Blackbird came out in May 2020, around the same time as the killing of George Floyd by the white police officer Derek Chauvin. Although the song had been recorded a year prior, it took on a serious and relevant meaning as it addressed the experiences of Black women in the United States.
Her first album, Black Acid Soul, has been showcased on The Graham Norton Show, The Jonathan Ross Show, and Radio 2's Piano Room. It reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and debuted at number 1 on the Official Jazz Chart.
Launched just last month, Blackbird's newest album, Slang Spirituals, captures the spirit of Lady Blackbird's expressive and lively sound. It also features heartfelt lyrics that reflect the singer's difficult journey to becoming a music sensation.
In her 11 tracks, Lady Blackbird showcases her stunning, cinematic voice on a variety of musical styles. From the soulful, orchestral sounds of "Let Not (Your Heart Be Troubled)" to the folk-inspired storytelling in "Man On A Boat" with its intricate finger-picking, and the uplifting gospel vibes in "Like A Woman," she covers a wide range. The album also features the seven-minute psychedelic soul instrumental "When The Game Is Played On You," highlighting her diverse talents.
Lady Blackbird will be taking her latest album, Slang Spirituals, on tour across Europe and the UK, continuing through 2024 and into 2025. Tonight, October 27, the Week Six Results Show of Strictly Come Dancing will be broadcast at 7:20 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
