Annie Lennox, the Greatest White Soul Singer
April 6, 2010 by marcome
Filed under New Age Music
Listening to an old Eurythmics album of mine recently brought back a lot of treasured memories of the 80’s. Who could forget Annie Lennox’s deep and soothing voice in hit songs like “Here Comes the Rain Again”, “The Miracle of Love” and “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”?
Annie Lennox in concert 1986
Photo: Helge Øverås
Few are aware that Eurythmics was Annie Lennox’s second band, admittedly way more successful than The Tourists, her first collaboration with Dave Stewart, founded in 1977. Bang at the start of the 80’s, the duo formed Eurythmics, a band prominently featuring the synthesizer alongside Lennox’s distinctive voice.
Eurythmics’ breakthrough came with their second album Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) that catapulted the band to the top of the charts worldwide. Though the band never officially disbanded, Stewart and Lennox parted ways and Lennox started a successful solo career. Described as soul pop, Lennox debut album Diva immediately entered the charts in 19992 and featured hits like “Walking on Broken Glass”, “Why” and “Little Bird”. The albums Medusa, Bare and Songs of Mass Destruction followed in 1995, 2003 and 2009, respectively.
Annie Lennox in concert in 2004
Photo: nemahziz
Lennox is an inspiration not only as a singer and songwriter but also as an activist. For almost two decades, Lennox has been campaigning for HIV and AIDS awareness, even donning a t-shirt with the words “HIV positive” at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival of Politics that caused much speculation and excitement. Admirable is also the fact that Lennox never played into the cute singer stereotype but has followed her own style throughout – from her androgynous 80’s persona to today’s activism.
In concert at Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Concert in London, 2008
Photo: Paul Williams
Fact is that Lennox has won, among others, eight BRIT awards – five with Eurythmics and three as a solo artist – more than any other female artist to-date. And one can’t say that her career was cut out for Lennox – the only child of a father who worked at the Aberdeen shipyard and a mother who was a cook and housewife was a shy, introvert teenager. In the 1970s, Lennox received a scholarship from the Royal Academy of Music in London where she studied the flute and classical music for three years. Throughout, Lennox had to support herself by taking on various odd jobs – a fact that hasn’t deterred her from making it big.
Related posts you might also enjoy: Sade, Soldiers of Love, Music for a new World, Love Songs you’ll love.
I love and i mean love Annie Lennox,
but the greatest white soul singer as a female is and was Tina Marie.
Tina had the [power,soul and classic blk gospel runs that really is the difference.
Tina Marie wrote as if she was a Black artist, and her fan base was about 80% African-american
best blue eyed male soul singers would be
1.Michael Mcdonald
2. Darryl Hall
3.Van Morrison.
4.Robin Thicke.
5.Frankie Paris
6.Rod Steward
7.Righteous Brothers
8.George Michael.
9.Elvis Presley
10.Mick Jaggar
I say this all the time I think that she is one of the most amazing singers. The fact that she does not make albums for the sake of making album and makes them when she feels they are right is even better. She get major props from most recording artist as well. The song “sing” she pulled out some “top” stars because she is so well respected by her peers. I can listen to any of her albums for hours. Her music always relates to me and any time in my life.
Music if life! I totally relate to you in this. Annie has such a special voice too. I wish you more musical discoveries! Have a more relaxing day today… Marcomé Tks!
She i so hot!!! a male singer friend and I did a cover of “WHY” just cuz we love her. Turned out great. mark
Why is my favorite song from Annie! I’ve worn the cd!
Спасибі, солодка Людина! Травень ангелів мудрості та внутрішнього миру буде з нами ще трохи кожен день! Благословень Вам, Marcomé
I remember MAKE ME FEEL LIKE AT SEVENTEEN AGAIN. These lines became my hymn till the recent days. After these her words i have decided to keep my soul at young state. New-age music helps me in it but origins i see in Annie’s song and ALPHAVILLE’S ‘FOREVER YOUNG’. My thanks to Annie for new type of thinking:-)
classical music is always the best, it is relaxing and very rich in melody ,;~
Without classical music, we would not have the today’s music! Although it’s not in fashion as it was at some point, classic music is tremendously powerful and unequaled when it comes to expressing strong emotions.
Classical music is the king, i like Maria Callas and operatic arias :
I agree! Classic music is the source of great musics, it’s a profound music which is essential to my life! Tks and I hope you’ll find some time to do nothing and just sit listening to some sweet melodies!
Annie has such a soulful voice, it is always a pleasure listening to Ms. Lennox.
Try to make a sweet & lovely songs to impress the youth