Liz Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Liz Mitchell
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Liz Mitchell performing in Kiel, (Germany), in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Elizabeth Rebecca Mitchell |
| Born | 12 July 1952 Clarendon, British Jamaica |
| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | Boney M. |
Liz Mitchell, born Elizabeth Rebecca Mitchell on July 12, 1952, is a British singer. She is most famous for being a lead singer of the popular 1970s band Boney M.. This group was known for its disco and reggae music. Liz Mitchell currently lives in Reading, UK. She was recently honored with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in 2024 for her contributions to music and charity.
Contents
Liz Mitchell's Early Life
Moving to London
Liz Mitchell was born in Clarendon, which was then British Jamaica. When she was eleven years old, in 1963, her family moved to London, England. They lived in the Harlesden area.
Starting Her Music Career
By the late 1960s, Liz auditioned for the musical Hair. She then moved to West Berlin to join the German cast of the show. There, she took over the role from another famous singer, Donna Summer.
After her time with Hair, Liz joined a music group called the Les Humphries Singers. She sang with them for several years. In 1976, the group represented West Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest. They performed a song called "Sing Sang Song".
Becoming a Star with Boney M.
Forming the Group
In February 1976, Liz Mitchell received a phone call that changed her life. She was asked to return to West Germany to join a new music group. This group was being put together by a record producer named Frank Farian. The group would soon become known as Boney M..
At first, Boney M. was mainly meant to lip-synch songs for TV shows and clubs. This was for Farian's song "Baby Do You Wanna Bump". However, Boney M. quickly became a real singing group. Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, and producer Frank Farian were the main singers.
Liz Mitchell's Role in Boney M.
Liz Mitchell soon became known as the main lead singer of Boney M. Her voice was a key part of the group's sound. She stayed with Boney M. for many years, until the group officially stopped performing together in 1986.
Liz Mitchell's Solo Career
After Boney M. Disbands
After Boney M. broke up in 1986, Liz Mitchell started working on her own music. She tried to release a solo album called No One Will Force You. It was released in Spain in 1988. Two songs from the album, "Mandela" and "Niños De La Playa", were released as singles.
Rejoining Boney M. for Special Projects
Around the same time, a new album of Boney M.'s greatest hits was made. The original members, including Liz, were asked to promote it. Liz agreed, and Boney M. appeared on TV again in Germany and the Netherlands.
The success of this remix album led Liz to release her solo album in France and Holland in 1989. Because of some disagreements within the group, she decided to focus more on her solo career. However, Frank Farian later asked her to sing on another Boney M. remix album. She also fronted a new Boney M. lineup for the single "Stories."
Continuing Her Solo Music
In 1990, Liz Mitchell formed her own touring group. In 1991, she released a single called "Mocking Bird." Later, the success of Boney M.'s Gold - 20 Super Hits album helped her group gain more attention. Her group, called 'Boney M. feat. Liz Mitchell', was officially approved by Frank Farian to promote the album.
Building Her Own Studio
In 1996, Liz Mitchell and her husband, Thomas Pemberton, built their own recording studio. They called it Dove House Studios. They also started their own record label, Dove House Records. Liz recorded an EP with four Christmas songs for her fans.
Releasing New Albums
In November 1999, Liz Mitchell released her album Share the World. This album took three years to complete. In November 2000, she released a Christmas album called Christmas Rose. This album included new songs and some re-recorded songs from Boney M.'s Christmas Album.
Liz Mitchell became a born-again Christian. Her fourth solo album, Let It Be, released in November 2004, had an inspirational theme. A few months later, she released Liz Mitchell Sings the Hits of Boney M.. This album featured her singing Boney M. songs with a Czech symphony orchestra.
Touring and Recognition
Liz Mitchell continues to tour today. She often performs as Boney M. featuring Liz Mitchell. In 2014, a special blue plaque was placed at her childhood home in Harlesden, London. This plaque recognized her contributions to reggae music.
In 2024, Liz Mitchell was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This honor was given for her services to music and to charity.
Liz Mitchell's Music Albums
- No One Will Force You (1988)
- Share the World (1999)
- Christmas Rose (2000)
- Let It Be (2004)
- Liz Mitchell Sings the Hits of Boney M. (2005)
Liz Mitchell's Singles
- "Got a Man on My Mind" (1977)
- "Mandela" (1988)
- "Niños de la Playa" (1988)
- "Marinero" (1989)
- "Mocking Bird" (1991)
- "Sunshine" (1999)
- "Christmas Rose" (1999)
- "Let It Be" (2004)
- "My Life Is in Your Hands" (2006)
See also
In Spanish: Liz Mitchell para niños
