Heather Small facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Heather Small MBE
Small performing in Southport, 2008
Background information
Birth name	Heather Marguerita Small
Born	(1965-01-20) 20 January 1965 (age 60)
Origin	Ladbroke Grove, London, England
Genres	R&B dance house soul
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1986–present
Labels	BMG Arista P&C East West
Children	1 (James Small-Edwards)

Heather Small is a famous British soul singer. She was born on January 20, 1965. Heather is best known as the lead singer of the band M People. She also has a successful solo career. Her most famous solo song is "Proud," released in 2000.

Early Life of Heather Small

Heather Small grew up in Ladbroke Grove, West London. She lived on a council estate, which is a type of public housing.

Heather Small's Music Career

Starting Out: Hot House and M People (1987–1998)

Heather Small began her music journey as a teenager. Her first group was called Hot House. Later, she met DJ Mike Pickering from Manchester. This meeting led to her joining the band M People.

M People became very popular. They sold over 10 million albums worldwide. Some of their biggest hits include "Moving On Up", "One Night in Heaven", and "Search for the Hero".

In 1997, Heather sang in "Perfect Day." This song was a charity release for Children in Need. Many famous artists joined her, like Tom Jones. The song sold over a million copies and was number one in the UK.

After releasing The Best of M People in 1998, the band took a break. This allowed members to work on their own projects.

Solo Success with Proud (2000–2005)

In 2000, Heather Small released her first solo album, also called Proud. The song "Proud" became very special. It was used by the British Olympic team.

The song "Proud" became Heather's signature tune. It gained international fame. Oprah Winfrey even chose "Proud" as the theme song for The Oprah Winfrey Show. Heather performed the song on the show in 2005. "Proud" also became the theme for the TV show The Biggest Loser.

After this, Heather released another single, "Holding On." She also sang a duet with Tom Jones called "You Need Love Like I Do." Heather then took some time off to care for her new son. She still appeared on TV shows sometimes. She also sang at the Tsunami Relief Concert in Cardiff.

In 2005, M People released a new collection of their best songs. It included some of Heather's solo hits, like "Proud." M People also reunited for a tour that year.

New Music and Olympic Performances (2006–2008)

Heather released her second solo album, Close to a Miracle, in 2006. It included the single "Radio On." She also toured the UK.

In 2007, Heather worked with Icelandic singer Garðar Thór Cortes. They sang a song called "Luna." Heather also performed at a concert in London. This concert celebrated 200 years since the end of the slave trade.

In 2008, Heather performed at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. She also sang "Proud" at the Visa London 2012 Party. This event celebrated London becoming the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games. "Proud" was the unofficial song for Team GB at the 2004 Olympics. It became the official song for the London 2012 Games.

Dancing on Strictly Come Dancing (2008)

In late 2008, Heather Small joined Strictly Come Dancing. This is a popular BBC TV show where celebrities learn to ballroom dance. She danced with professional partner Brian Fortuna. They finished ninth in the competition.

Recent Years (2009–Present)

Heather Small performing in Cambridge, 2022

Heather Small continued to tour the UK in the years after Strictly Come Dancing. She sang her solo songs, M People hits, and some jazz covers. In 2010, she received a BASCA Gold Badge Award. This award recognized her important contributions to music.

In 2011, Heather performed at London's Twickenham Stadium. She sang "Proud" and "Search for The Hero." She also led a huge dance group of 546 students. This set a Guinness World Record for the largest backing dance troupe for a pop star!

In 2012, Heather sang "Proud" again at the Pride of Britain Awards. It was a special tribute to the athletes of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In 2017, Heather took part in a pilgrimage called the Camino de Santiago for the BBC. She walked with other celebrities. She said the trip made her faith even stronger.

In 2018, Heather celebrated 25 years of singing. She toured the UK to celebrate her music and M People's songs. She also planned to release a new album, but it was later cancelled.

In January 2022, Heather appeared on The Masked Singer in the UK. She was disguised as "Chandelier" and was the first singer to be unmasked.

Charity Work

Heather Small supports many charities. She works with groups like BeatBullying, the Aiden Cox Foundation, and Mencap. She also works regularly with Barnardo's, a children's charity.

Heather is an ambassador for Asthma UK. She had asthma when she was a child. She also supports the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Greenhouse Sports. She attended an anti-racism event at 10 Downing Street for "Show Racism The Red Card."

Personal Life

Heather Small lives in West London. She has a son named James Small-Edwards. James is a Labour Party councillor and a member of the London Assembly. This means he helps make decisions for London.

In 2012, Heather married a lawyer named David Neita. In 2024, she was given the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This honor recognized her volunteer and charity work.

Discography

Albums

Singles