Kiki Dee

Born Pauline Matthews in 1947 in Little Horton, Bradford.

From an early age, she was encouraged by her father to sing and she began entering and winning local talent contests. leaving school at 16, she started singing in dance bands around Leeds. She adopted the name Kiki Dee from the style of knee-high boots 'kinky boots' and added the last name of an American actress called Sandra Dee.

In 1964 she was scouted by the Phillips / Fontana record label and made her first debut album 'I'm Kiki Dee' in 1968.

In 1973 Elton John signed her to his Rocket label and the single 'Amoureuse'  was released. In 1976 she recorded a duet with Elton John ' Don't go breaking my heart' which was a worldwide hit.

Kiki is still performing today with her musical partner, guitarist, and songwriter Carmelo Luggeri.

The daughter of a Weaving Overlooker, Pauline Matthews turned her back on a job as a counter assistant at Boots and became a well-known singer and performer across the world.

Kiki wrote the foreword for ' When Bradford Rocked' and attended the book launch with fellow Bradfordian and musician John Verity.

 www.kikiandcarmelo.com/