b. Aimee Anne Duffy, 1 June 1984, Nefyn, Gwynedd, Wales. Although this Welsh singer’s first foray into the music industry was in 2003 on the reality television show Wawffactor, by the time she released her debut album five years later she was being fêted as one of the UK’s brightest new soul talents. After studying at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Wales, she relocated across the border to Chester to complete her education. During this period she began performing in jazz and blues clubs and made her ill-fated appearance on Wawffactor. Duffy’s strong, black-sounding vocals, reminiscent of UK soul grandee Dusty Springfield, made her something of a word-of-mouth sensation and she was asked to sing on the Mint Royale’s See You In The Morning.
By 2005, Duffy had relocated to Crouch End in London, where she was put in contact with ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler who was impressed enough to forge a writing partnership. The duo’s demo recordings led to a contract with A&M Records, and Butler’s frequent collaborator David McAlmont was also roped in to help on the recording of Duffy’s debut album. Released at the start of 2008, Rockferry was a beautifully produced showcase for Duffy’s voice that was occasionally let down by jejune lyrics. The single ‘Mercy’ reached the top of the charts in February, a position the album quickly replicated. Rockferry also broke into the US Top 5 in the summer. (NB: Not to be confused with the UK folk pop band led by Stephen Duffy.)
