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The greatest girl group ever had its origins in the late 1950s in Detroit's Brewster Projects. At the beginning the girls formed a quartet and named themselves "The Primettes", achieving mild success locally and recording a single for the Lupine record label. They ended up being a trio in 1960 shortly after they were signed by Detroit-based Motown, a record company founded by Berry Gordy. At Gordy's request, the trio formed by Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross became The Supremes.
In spite of the support of Motown writers and producers such as 'Smokey Robinson' and Gordy himself, the group spent a few years recording songs that disappeared into oblivion as soon as they were released. During those early years it was generally accepted that "Flo" Ballard had the strongest, more soulful voice to lead the group, but Gordy decided that Diane Ross had a more "commercial sound" and she became the lead singer in most of their recordings. However, his enthusiasm was not initially shared by other producers and musicians who found Ross' voice too high-pitched and nasal. In late 1963 The Supremes were turned over to the in-house production team formed by Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian Holland and Eddie Holland. From the very beginning the collaboration worked like magic when their first release, "When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes" became a top 40 hit nationwide providing the first hint of the girls potential.
For the next release, Holland-Dozier-Holland picked "Where Did Our Love Go," a song that nobody thought much of. First they tried recording it with The Marvelettes but the group rejected it. Then they switched to The Supremes with Mary Wilson in mind to sing the leads but Mary didn't like the song either. Finally the song was cut with Ross singing in Wilson's lower mezzo-soprano register resulting in a sound that was sexy, romantic and extremely commercial. By pure chance they had stumbled into the right key for Diane Ross and a unique sound for The Supremes. "Where Did Our Love Go" was up and running as soon as it was released, an instant million seller for the group. But this was only the beginning of a Cinderella-like story that would make the girls from Detroit a legendary institution. As The Supremes kept topping the charts ("Baby Love," "Come See About Me," "Stop! In The Name Of Love," "Back In My Arms Again," "Nothing But Heartaches") their presence was requested on national television,live concerts and even films. Here another miracle happened when audiences - of all races, social and economic backgrounds - fell in love with these charming black princesses, impeccably groomed, made up and dressed in gowns that in time became more and more extravagant. Their individual personalities so endearing, their harmonies so unique, their movements so graceful, the public just couldn't get enough of The Supremes and by 1965 they were the undisputed No. 1 female group in the country competing with The Beatles for most #1 hits in the charts. Their contribution to the civil rights movement should not be underestimated; suddenly, they were "the face" of Black America and it was a face of beauty, of glamour and of unity, an image everyone could identify with.
About this time Diane decided to use the name in her birth certificate which, by a spelling error, had been entered as "Diana". This is the year also in which her relationship with 'Berry Gordy Jr'. becomes a full fledged love affair although the details are kept away from the press and the fans. The Supremes continued turning out hits such as "I Hear A Symphony," "My World Is Empty Without You," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart" and they were clearly "the sound of young America" but Gordy had a broader vision for them. Now that he had the kids listening to the group, the next step was to conquer the adults. The Supremes were the first R & B group to perform at the famed "Copacabana Night Club" in New York, enchanting audiences with their rendition of old American standards, songs from Broadway and Hollywood productions and their Motown hits. This was surely a well calculated gamble which paid off immediately. Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard were now perceived as much more than a rock group. Actually they had become the embodiment of the American dream and as performers they were now in the same league as Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand or Judy Garland. They constantly appeared on television with the greatest names in show business from Bobby Darin to Ethel Merman, Bob Hope or Bing Crosby. Looking at their seasoned performances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" (the new title of The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) and other TV shows it is easy to forget that these ladies were barely 20 years old.
By 1966 the first rumors of dissension within the group leaks out. 'Berry Gordy Jr.', had made the decision that Diana Ross would become a solo artist and The Supremes just a showcase for her talents, sort of a launching pad. This turn of events was not received well by Mary and "Flo" as their own talents became relegated to background singers for a super star. It should be remembered that The Supremes owed their sound in recordings to Diana Ross and the lady deserved the extra credit for being an exceptional talent, but on TV or in concerts, audiences were fascinated by all three Supremes, by their performances and by their individual personalities. Gordy knew the dangers of this situation so he pursued the strategy of minimizing The Supremes impact in favor of asserting the name and appeal of Diana Ross. A disgruntled 'Florence Ballard' began drinking and her behavior became erratic both on and off stage. The hits kept coming ("You Keep Me Hangin' On," "Love Is Here But Now You're Gone," "The Happening") but there was internal turmoil and tensions. In 1967, two major changes were instituted: "Flo" was dismissed and replaced with Cindy Birdsong (of Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles) and the group became officially known as "Diana Ross and The Supremes".
As with the Ross-Gordy relationship, the details of Ballard's departure were kept under wraps. The group went on to higher success, becoming more sophisticated than ever and performing in the best venues not only in America but all over the world. Beautiful Cindy Birdsong had her own charismatic presence and was accepted by audiences everywhere. However the departure from Motown of Holland-Dozier-Holland dealt a blow to the girls recording career. Their last hits with H-D-H were "Reflections" and "In And Out of Love" but from there on their presence on the charts became hit and miss. They bounced back with "Love Child", "I'm Living In Shame" and "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" a "duet" with The Temptations with whom the ladies also appeared in two highly rated television specials: TCB (1968) and G.I.T. on Broadway (1969). Their recordings of "The Composer" and "No Matter What Sign You Are" didn't do what expected but by the end of 1969 the ladies released another million seller, "Someday We'll Be Together" as it was announced that Diana would no longer be with the group. Their last concert together was in January 1970, an emotional farewell performance at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas.
The career of Diana Ross as a solo artist struggled at the beginning but with Gordy's guidance and Motown resources solidly behind her she became the star of the 70s with such unforgettable recordings as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Touch Me In The Morning" becoming one of the world's highest paid performers. Ross demonstrated her unique talents both as a singer and as an actress in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues (1972) based on the life of Billie Holiday, which won her an Oscar nomination. About this time it was expected that Ross and Gordy would make their relationship public but Diana surprised everybody by marrying Robert Ellis Silberstein on 20 January 1971. It was obvious that Ross was beginning to question Gordy's leadership both in her career and her private life. As far as The Supremes were concerned both Diana and Berry tried to convince the public that the group no longer mattered. The pitch went out that The Supremes had been great because Diana was great and now it was no longer important. At Motown there was room for only one diva act and the name was Diana Ross, a gross miscalculation that would eventually backfire.
In spite of Motown's lack of support, The Supremes continued their successful recording career well into the 70s with Chicago born singer Jean Terrell replacing Diana. Top 10 hits such as "Up The Ladder To The Roof", "Stoned Love", "Nathan Jones" and half a dozen of excellent albums, including collaborations with The Four Tops, kept the name alive and had the potential to go on into new heights. The girls continued to be a big draw in concerts and television and it seemed the group was destined to live forever. This threw a wrench in the Motown machinery since they couldn't afford having a newcomer like Terrell with Wilson and Birdsong at her side compete with Ross for number one spots on the charts. Something had to be done fast to send The Supremes into oblivion. Most of the fans stood solidly behind The Supremes while Motown quietly pulled the plug off the most successful female trio in the business. The lack of company support eventually created dissension within the group. By 1973 Jean Terrell quit and was replaced by Scherrie Payne; Cindy Birdsong left the group not once but twice, being replaced in each instance by Lynda Laurence and Susaye Greene. Surprisingly, during these confusing times, The Supremes recorded excellent material that kept the fans interested but the group was doomed.
The real shocker came in 1976 when original Supreme Florence Ballard died of heart failure in Detroit. After leaving the group she had tried to launch a solo career and landed a recording contract with ABC Records. However her first two singles didn't do well and ABC lost interest. Among rumors of industry blacklisting, "Flo" ended up destitute and on welfare in order to feed her three daughters. For The Supremes (Mary, Scherrie and Susaye) the final performance came in 1977 at the Drury Lane Theater in London but it was not the end of the legend... Diana Ross, whose career was grossly over-managed at Motown, signed with RCA and enjoyed recording success through the mid 1980s when, suddenly, the hits just stopped coming. She maintained her super star status on the concert circuit but her career decisions and choice of material began to be questioned. In 1983 Motown produced a TV special to celebrate their 25th Anniversary which was planned as a reunion of the old Detroit gang. The Supremes were invited to reunite for the occasion but during their performance it was obvious that Diana was not comfortable singing with her old partners. The audience gasped when it saw Ross pushing Wilson but this was edited out of the TV special and the home video release. Mary Wilson tried to launch a solo career but record companies were just not interested and rumors of blacklisting resurfaced. She managed to continue singing all over the world and in 1986 surprised everyone with a candid autobiography titled "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme" which became a best seller, actually the biggest rock and roll autobiography in history. There was a sequel titled "Supreme Faith: Someday We'll Be Together" which was also well received by the public. In Mary's books, The Supremes are presented both as an American dream and an American tragedy.
Far from dying, The Supremes became cult figures with their recordings constantly on release, lots of air play, the subject of hundreds of articles, dozens of books, documentaries and TV specials. They are the inspiration behind the Broadway hit and film Dreamgirls (2006) and the film Sparkle (1976), their music heard in dozens of film soundtracks. The 80s and the 90s witnessed several ex-Supremes revivals in the concert circuits including the "Mary Wilson Supremes Revue" and reunions by Jean Terrell with Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne. In the late 80s and well into the 90s, The Supremes received important recognition such as a "star" in Hollywood's Walk of Fame and the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which were attended by Mary Wilson with the daughters of 'Florence Ballard'.
In 2000, Diana Ross herself tried to invigorate her career by planning a "Millennium Supreme reunion" with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong but both ladies declined the invitation, alleging being denied input in the shows. Also there was quite a difference between the salaries of Diana and those of Mary and Cindy. Undaunted, and making the same mistake all over again, Miss Ross deludes herself into thinking that the important part of this "Supreme reunion" is HER participation and substitutes her former partners with Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence to serve as background singers in a monumental tour of the United States. Mary counterattacked publicly about this "fake reunion" and the tour was canceled after playing a few dates to half filled venues.
Meanwhile, The Supremes recordings keep getting reissues and continue to sell very well. Lately, scores of previously unreleased Supremes recordings are being issued for the first time, while songs like "Baby Love," "I Hear a Symphony," "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Someday We'll Be Together" remain perennial favorites worldwide. As for the ladies themselves, Diana continues touring in spite of many personal problems which have even brought her in confrontation with the law. She has been known to check herself into "rehab clinics" in at least two occasions. Mary also continues touring both as a singer and a lecturer and was named by the Bush administration (2002) "United States ambassador of good will." She has also appeared in the film "Only The Strong Survive" while Cindy Birdsong leads a quite life in Los Angeles as a Christian minister helping out disadvantaged young people. In 2004 Mary and Cindy reunited for the Motown 45 (2004) TV special where they sang a medley of Supremes hits with Kelly Rowland, of Destiny's Child substituting the elusive Diana Ross. Whatever happens in the future for these ladies it is clear that The Supremes legend has stood the test of time and will continue. At their prime they touched so many lives and excelled in so many ways that their impact seems destined to live forever. Where did our love go? Nowhere. It's still here baby, baby...- Actor
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Jethro Tull are a British rock band formed in Blackpool, Lancashire in 1967. Initially playing blues rock, the band later developed its sound to incorporate elements of hard and folk rock to forge a progressive rock signature. The band is led by Ian Anderson, and has featured a revolving door of lineups through the years. Jethro Tull have sold an estimated 60 million albums worldwide, with 11 gold and five platinum albums among them.- Music Artist
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Preeminent vocal group of the late 50s and early 60s, hugely successful in the U.S., as well as in England and Australia. Formed in Los Angeles in 1953, the original line-up of The Platters consisted of Tony Williams (lead vocals), David Lynch (tenor), Alex Hodge (1935-1982, baritone) and Herb Reed (bass). Later members included Zola Taylor (contralto), Paul Robi (baritone), Nate Nelson, Sonny Turner, Barbara Randolph and Sandra Dawn. After being signed to Mercury Records by their manager Buck Ram, The Platters made their breakthrough hit in 1956 with "Only You". This was followed by "The Great Pretender" which made it to #1 on the R&B charts, holding that spot for eleven weeks. The group performed both numbers on the screen in the musical Rock Around the Clock (1956). During their heyday, from 1956 to 1960, The Platters recorded a string of popular hits: "The Magic Touch", "My Prayer", "You'll Never Know", "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "Twilight Time", "Enchanted" and "Harbor Lights" (their final Top 10 single). The original Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.
They have been various groups since 1970 using the brand name, including The Buck Ram Platters, The Magic Platters (based in France), The Legendary Platters (Canada), Zola Taylor's Platters, The Amazing Platters, Sonny Turner's Platters and Herb Reed of The Original Platters & His Group.- Composer
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Close harmony barbershop-style vocal quartet of the 1950s, noted for their folksy or swinging a capella renditions. Formed in 1946, their original line-up consisted of Jinny Osborn (1927-2003), Janet Ertel, Dorothy Schwartz and Carol Bushman (1927-2023). Later members included Lynn Evans, Margie Needham and Nancy Overton. The Chordettes first came to prominence on radio as winners of the Arthur Godfrey program 'Talent Scouts'. From 1949, they were regularly featured on Godfrey's television show, and, four years later, were signed by his former musical director Archie Bleyer (Ertel's husband) to Cadence Records. Usually more pop-oriented than in sync with the prevailing appetite for rock-n-roll, the group succeeded by capitalising on nostalgia for 1940s swing (a la The Andrews Sisters). Their string of popular hits included the catchy lullaby "Mr. Sandman" (which went to # 1 on U.S. charts for seven weeks in 1954), "Lollipop" (# 2 in 1958), "Born To Be With You" (# 5 in 1956), "Just Between You and Me" (# 8 in 1957), "Zorro" (# 17 in 1958) and "Never On Sunday" (#13 in 1960). "Mr. Sandman", in particular, has been featured on numerous motion pictures (Halloween II (1981), Uncle Buck (1989), Deadpool (2016)) and TV episodes (Grimm (2011), Sleepy Hollow (2013), Doctor Who (2005)). The Chordettes disbanded after 1961, following the departure of Jinny Osborn. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.- Actor
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Breathe is known for Breathe: Hands to Heaven (1988), Breathe: How Can I Fall? (1988) and Breathe: Don't Tell Me Lies (Version 1) (1986).- Music Artist
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Ronan Patrick John Keating (born 3 March 1977) is an Irish recording artist, singer-songwriter, musician, and philanthropist. He debuted in 1994, alongside Keith Duffy, Michael Graham, Shane Lynch, and Stephen Gately, as the lead singer of Irish group Boyzone. His solo career started in 1999 and has spawned nine albums. He gained worldwide attention when his single "When You Say Nothing at All" was featured in the film Notting Hill and peaked at number one in several countries. As a solo artist, he has sold over 20 million records worldwide alongside the 25 million records with Boyzone and in Australia, he is best known as a judge on The X Factor.
Keating is active in charity work and has been a charity campaigner for the Marie Keating Foundation, which raises awareness for breast cancer and is named after his mother, who died from the disease in 1998. At the age of 21 he married Yvonne Connolly after a brief two month romance. They had three children together: Jack Keating (1999), Marie Keating (2001) and Ali Keating (2005). In 2010 the couple separated and after 18 months Ronan started dating Australian TV Producer/Director, Storm Uechtritz in March 2012. After three years together Ronan proposed to Storm during a holiday in Thailand in March 2015. They were married in Scotland on the 17th August, the same year with his three children acting as best man, bridesmaid and flower girl.- Music Artist
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Tina Arena was born on 1 November 1967 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She is an actress and composer, known for The Mask of Zorro (1998), One Fine Day (1996) and Driven (2001). She was previously married to Ralph Carr.- Music Artist
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Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band, formed in London in 1967. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling bands. In 1998, select members of Fleetwood Mac were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.- Music Artist
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Freya Ridings was born on 19 April 1994 in Enfield, London, England, UK. She is a music artist and actress, known for After (2019), Batwoman (2019) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999).- Actor
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John Waite was born on 4 July 1952 in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, UK. He is an actor and composer, known for True Romance (1993), Tango & Cash (1989) and Days of Thunder (1990).- Actor
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Rick Astley was born on 6 February 1966 in Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK. He is an actor and composer, known for Bumblebee (2018), The Happytime Murders (2018) and The Lego Batman Movie (2017). He has been married to Lene Bausager since 2013. They have one child.- Music Artist
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Crowded House is a rock band from Melbourne, Australia that originally formed in 1985. The band have been on hiatus since 2011, however the group reunited in 2016 for a series of sold out anniversary shows at the Sydney Opera House. The last official lineup for the band is Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, Mark Hart and Matt Sherrod. For the 2016 shows Neil's brother and past member of the band, Tim Finn, rejoined the lineup. In 2016 the group was inducted into the Australian ARIA Hall of Fame. They are best known for their songs "Don't Dream it's Over", "Fall at Your Feet", "Weather With You", "Better Be Home Soon", "Something So Strong", and "Distant Sun". In Australia they have won 13 ARIA awards, and 8 APRA awards and in the US they have won 1 and been nominated for 4 MTV Music Video Awards.- Music Artist
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The Jonas Brothers band consist of three brothers Kevin Jonas, Nicholas 'Nick' Jonas and Joseph 'Joe' Jonas. They were originally from Wyckoff New Jersey, where Kevin was born. Whilst Joe was born in Arizona and Nick in Texas.
Nick Jonas was originally working as a soloist and on Broadway when Columbia Records signed him but also discovered that 'Kevin' and 'Joe' also had musical talents. The three brothers decided to join together and make a band.
On August 8th 2006 the Jonas brothers released their first debut album "It's about time" with Culombia records. But changed to Hollywood record and had an opportunity to record for Disney. They recorded a single 'Year 3000' for the movie 'Meet the Robinson's' which was released on March 30th 2007. Also made video clips for the cartoon American Dragon and The Jungle Book.
On August 7th 2007 the Jonas Brothers released their second album 'Jonas Brothers'and their songs including 'S.O.S' and 'Hold On' became a hit.- Music Artist
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Despite being one of the most significant and talented singer/songwriters to ever come out of Australia, Paul Kelly has never really achieved the status of 'superstar', because his music, which is best described as 'poetic' and 'harmonious' was never mainstream enough to attract the crowds of INXS, never controversial enough to attract the Midnight Oil fans, never rocking enough for the Jimmy Barnes fans, and never constant enough for the John Farnham fans. Paul Kelly may be a singer, but his music is poetry, sheer poetry. Incredible songs such as 'To Her Door', 'Before Too Long' and 'Tease Me' are simply musical poetry. Kelly, always one to recognise this, has released a book of his song lyrics, called 'Don't Start Me Talking'. The Kelly bloodline is also talented. Paul's daughter Memphis Kelly starred in 'One Night The Moon' with him and is also in a band (Wishful) with her twin sister Madeleine. His nephew Dan Kelly is also a famous singer/guitarist in Australia, playing with Paul on his latest album, and releasing an album of his own. Paul is married to actress Kaarin Fairfax. He has also written the music for several Australian movies and still continues to record albums today.- Actor
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John Farnham is regarded as Australia's top performing artist, with a career spanning three decades. Born in Essex, England, John immigrated to Australia in 1959 at the age of 10. Since his debut in 1967 he has had numerous successes as a solo performer. His solo album Whispering Jack (1986) continues to be Australia biggest selling album of all time by a local artist, with sales in excess of 1.4 million, and for which Farnham was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award by the Australian Record Industry Association. In addition to local success, Whispering Jack and the single You're the Voice were chart-topping hits throughout Europe, England and Canada. The multi-award winning singer was named Australian of the Year in 1988. In 1989, Farnham was invited to launch the Greenpeace's 'Rainbow Warriors' album in Moscow. In 1992, he recorded the role of Jesus for the Australian cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - The Album then toured with the stage production. In the same year, he was awarded the coveted Australian Music Awards' Crystal Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, On Australia Day 1996, he was honoured with the Order of Australia for Services to Music and Charity. Farnham has undertaken numerous local and international tours throughout his career, including a national Australian tour with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra amongst his achievements. His Australian tours are renowned for breaking attendance records, specifically the Chain Reaction Tour in 1990 during which there were eight sell-out performances at Melbourne Park. His 1996 Jack of Hearts- Live in the Round Australian tour, a $5 million production, was
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Hunters & Collectors is known for The Hidden (1987), Dead End Drive-In (1986) and Disconnected (1984).- Music Artist
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John Williamson is a famous Australian country music star, a bush balladeer who is keeping alive the links to the bush and Australia's history.
Famous all over Australia for his moving song True Blue.John Williamson has sold more than two million albums just in Australia let alone the world. John Williamson was honoured to be asked to perform his tribute song, Sir Don, at Sir Donald Bradman's Memorial Service in Adelaide in 2001. The original scraps of paper this song was scribbled on have been framed and now hang in the Bradman Museum in Bowral New South Wales.
John was asked by John Howard to perform Waltzing Matilda at the Memorial Service for the 1st Anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombing on 12 October 2003
Since recording the duet Raining On The Rock with Warren H. Williams, they have toured together ever since.
Has performed duets with Sara Storer, The Sheik Of Scrubby Creek Chad Morgan, Jimmy Little, Australian cricketer Steve Waugh, Warren H. Williams.
A big supporter of Australian made items, and cares deeply for the bush and the stripping of Australia's forests, he wrote the song rip rip wood chip about them.- Actor
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Daryl Braithwaite was born on 11 January 1949 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He is an actor, known for Red Billabong (2016), Peter's Friends (1992) and Footy Legends (2006).- Actor
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Archie Roach was born on 8 January 1956 in Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia. He was an actor and composer, known for The Merger (2018), Home and Away (1988) and Wentworth (2013). He was married to Ruby Hunter. He died on 30 July 2022 in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia.- Music Artist
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Midnight Oil is an Australian rock band that were formed in Sydney in 1972. Midnight Oil issued their self-titled debut album in 1978 and quickly gained a cult following in their homeland. The group garnered worldwide attention with 1987 album Diesel and Dust. Its singles "The Dead Heart" and "Beds Are Burning" went charting at number one in multiple countries. They have won eleven Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Awards, and were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.- Music Artist
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AC/DC is a legendary rock band from Australia, formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. AC/DC have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 71.5 million albums in the United States, adding them to the list of highest-certified music artists in the United States and the list of best-selling music artists. "Back in Black" has sold an estimated 50 million units worldwide, making it the second-highest-selling album by any artist - and the highest-selling album by any band. AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on 10 March 2003.- Actress
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Christine was born in Cairns, North Queensland, of Torres Strait Island descent. She studied at the National Aboriginal And Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) and graduated with an associate diploma of dance in 1992. Since graduating from NAISDA, Christine has performed both in Australia and overseas with Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Aboriginal and Island Dance Theatre. In 1996 Christine was awarded best female artist at the Australasian Recording Industry Awards (ARIAs) and best female artist at the Deadly Sounds National Aboriginal & Islander Music Awards. 1997 saw Christine starring in the musical Little Shop Of Horrors followed by a year in the hit musical Rent in 1998/99 to outstanding critical acclaim. Her role as Mimi in Rent led to her being invited to perform the role in the Broadway version - an invitation she had to decline due to work being in progress on her next album.- Music Artist
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Slim Dusty was born on 13 June 1927 in Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia. He was an actor, known for The Slim Dusty Movie (1984), Wolf Creek 2 (2013) and Dirty Deeds (2002). He was married to Joy McKean. He died on 19 September 2003 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.- Music Artist
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Divinyls is known for The Happytime Murders (2018), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) and Super Mario Bros. (1993).- Actor
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Ultravox were a British new wave band, formed in London in 1973 as Tiger Lily. Between 1980-86, they scored seven Top Ten albums and seventeen Top 40 singles in the UK, the most successful of which was their 1981 hit "Vienna". From 1974 until 1979, singer John Foxx was frontman and the main driving force behind Ultravox. Foxx left the band in March 1979 to embark on a solo career and, following his departure, Midge Ure took over as lead singer, guitarist and frontman.- Composer
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Missy Higgins was born on 19 August 1983 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She is an actress, known for Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010), Bran Nue Dae (2009) and Total Control (2019).- Music Artist
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Powderfinger is known for Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010), Two Hands (1999) and Powderfinger: Living Type (1997).- Actor
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Yothu Yindi is known for Encino Man (1992), Yothu Yindi: Treaty (Filthy Lucre Mix) (1991) and Yothu Yindi: Djäpana (Sunset Dreaming) (1992).- Soundtrack
Lucky Starr was born on 29 December 1940 in Mascot, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He was previously married to Gloria O'Brien.- Music Department
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Paganini's musical talent was recognized at an early age, and his ambitious father drove him hard to succeed, even withholding food if his son did not perform to his satisfaction on the violin. Escaping his father's domineering influence in his late teens by fleeing to Lucca, Paganini came to the attention of Princess Elisa Baciocchi, Napoléon Bonaparte's sister. He was employed as her court solo violinist for several years before deciding to freelance around Europe. He was an immediate sensation, and gained the attention and admiration of both concert goers and other composers. An electrifying performer whose skill with the violin and guitar was almost supernatural, Paganini was rumored to have sold his soul to the Devil in return for his artistic abilities. Plagued by ill health since childhood, he retired to France, where he died in the spring of 1840.- Actor
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The Fortunes is known for The Wedding Tackle (2000), The Bromley Boys (2018) and Things Behind the Sun (2001).- Actor
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Marmalade is known for Hall Pass (2011), Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008) and The Man from the Future (2011).- Actor
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Steve Ellis was born on 7 April 1950 in Edgware, London, England, UK. He is an actor, known for Loot (1970), Love Affair: Rainbow Valley (1968) and Love Affair: Everlasting Love (1968).- Music Artist
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Michael W. Smith was born in Kenova, West Virginia. His dad worked in an oil refinery and his mom was a caterer and church secretary. His two passions growing up were baseball and music. He became a Christian at the age of 10 and after graduation, moved to Nashville. Unable to get a record deal, Smitty turned to drugs and alcohol for a short time before coming clean and renewing his faith in October, 1979. He started performing with a Christian group called "Higher Ground" in 1981, the same year he met his wife Debbie. They met in June and were married in September.
He finally landed a record deal with Reunion Records and came out with his first album in 1983. In September of that year, two days before his second anniversary, his first child Ryan was born. Smitty continued to record albums, releasing them about a year or two apart. He was soon playing to large crowds as his music was gaining mainstream attention.- Actor
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Beloved French chanson entertainer Charles Aznavour, who wrote more than 800 songs, recorded more than 1,000 of them in French, English, Italian, German and Spanish and sold over 100 million records in all, was born Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian on May 22, 1924, in Paris, the younger of two children born to Armenian immigrants who fled to France. His mother was a seamstress as well as an actress and his father was a baritone who sang in restaurants. Both Charles and his elder sister waited on tables and he performed, as well. He delivered his first poetic recital while just a toddler. Within a few years later he had developed such a passion for singing/dancing, that he sold newspapers to earn money for lessons.
He took his first theatrical bow in the play "Emil and the Detectives" at age 9 and within a few years was working as a movie extra. He eventually quit school and toured France and Belgium as a boy singer/dancer with a traveling theatrical troupe while living the bohemian lifestyle. A popular performer at the Paris' Club de la Chanson, it was there that he was introduced in 1941 to the songwriter Pierre Roche. Together they developed names for themselves as a singing/writing cabaret and concert duo ("Roche and Aznamour"). A Parisian favorite, they became developed successful tours outside of France, including Canada. In the post WWII years Charles began appearing in films again, one of them as a singing croupier in Adieu... Chérie (1946).
Eventually Aznavour earned a sturdy reputation composing street-styled songs for other established musicians and singers, notably Édith Piaf, for whom he wrote the French version of the American hit "Jezebel". Heavily encouraged by her, he toured with her as both an opening act and lighting man. He lived with Piaf out of need for a time not as one of her many paramours. His mentor eventually persuaded him to perform solo (without Roche) and he made several successful tours while scoring breakaway hits with the somber chanson songs "Sur ma vie" and "Parce que" and the notable and controversial "Après l'amour." In 1950, he gave the bittersweet song "Je Hais Les Dimanches" ["I Hate Sundays"] to chanteuse Juliette Gréco, which became a huge hit for her.
In the late 50s, Aznavour began to infiltrate films with more relish. Short and stubby in stature and excessively brash and brooding in nature, he was hardly leading man material but embraced his shortcomings nevertheless. Unwilling to let these faults deter him, he made a strong impressions with the comedy Une gosse 'sensass' (1957) and with Paris Music Hall (1957). He was also deeply affecting as the benevolent but despondent and ill-fated mental patient Heurtevent in Head Against the Wall (1959). A year later, Aznavour starred as piano player Charlie Kohler/Edouard Saroyan in Francois Truffaut's adaptation of the David Goodis' novel Shoot the Piano Player (1960) [Shoot the Piano Player], which earned box-office kudos both in France and the United States. This sudden notoriety sparked an extensive tour abroad in the 1960s. Dubbed the "Frank Sinatra of France" and singing in many languages (French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Armenian, Portuguese), his touring would include sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall (1964) and London's Albert Hall (1967).
Aznavour served as actor and composer/music arranger for many films, including Gosse de Paris (1961), which he also co-wrote with director Marcel Martin, and the dramas Three Fables of Love (1962) [Three Fables of Love") and Caroline chérie (1968) [Dear Caroline]. The actor also embraced the title role in the TV series "Les Fables de la Fontaine" (1964), then starred in the popular musical "Monsieur Carnaval" (1965), in which he performed his hit song "La bohême".
His continental star continued to shine and Aznavour acted in films outside of France with more dubious results. While the satirical Candy (1968), with an international cast that included Marlon Brando, Richard Burton and Ringo Starr, and epic adventure The Adventurers (1970) were considered huge misfires upon release, it still showed Aznavour off as a world-wide attraction. While he was also seen in The Games (1970) (1970), The Blockhouse (1973) (1973) and an umpteenth film version of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians (1974), it was his music that kept him in the international limelight. Later films included Yiddish Connection (1986), which he co-wrote and provided music; Il maestro (1990) with Malcolm McDowell; the Canadian-French production Ararat (2002) for which he received special kudos; cameos as himself in The Truth About Charlie (2002) and Emmenez-moi (2005); and his final feature film, Mon colonel (2006)
Films aside, his chart-busting single "She" (1972-1974) went platinum in Great Britain. He also received thirty-seven gold albums in all. His most popular song in America, "Yesterday When I Was Young" has had renditions covered by everyone from Shirley Bassey to Julio Iglesias. In 1997, Aznavour received an honorary César Award. He has written three books, the memoirs "Aznavour By Aznavour" (1972), the song lyrics collection "Des mots à l'affiche" (1991) and a second memoir "Le temps des avants" (2003). A "Farewell Tour" was instigated in 2006 at age 82. He died
Married at least three times (some claim five) to Micheline Rugel, Evelyne Plessis and Ulla Thorsell, he fathered six children (daughters Katia, Patricia and Seda Aznavour, and sons Misha, Nicholas, and Patrick Aznavour). He died on October 1, 2018, in France.- Actor
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Climie Fisher is known for How I Got Into College (1989), Car Share (2015) and Climie Fisher: This Is Me - First Version (1986).- Music Department
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Born June 18,1961 in Essex. At the age of 21 gained mainstream success as one-half of the synthpop band Yazoo, together with Vince Clarke. As a duo recorded "Only You", "Situation", and "Don't Go". Now a solo artist with a name for herself in theater with her performance in the London revival of Chicago (2002). Played the part of Matron 'Mama' Thorton.- Actor
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Son of a coal miner, Bryan Ferry cultivated his musical abilities while studying art at the University of Newcastle. In 1971, Ferry founded Roxy Music with, among others, composer and synthesizer player Brian Eno, who left in 1973. Ferry was Roxy's front man until its demise in 1983, but as Eno was leaving the band, Ferry released his first solo album, "These Foolish Things", which demonstrates a different approach of what he was doing at that time with Roxy Music: while the band jumped on the Glam Rock bandwagon, Ferry, in his solo efforts, showed a cool crooning style. But as Roxy Music evolved by the years, it became clear that Ferry's career with the band or as a solo artist was a whole. Although Roxy was very popular in UK, they had little impact in America: their best known hits on this side of the Atlantic were "Love Is the Drug" (1975), "Avalon" and "More Than This" (both in 1982). After Roxy Music disbanded, Ferry put emphasis on his solo career, releasing five albums after the Roxy years and keeping the same crooning style which became his trademark. His biggest solo hits include "Don't Stop The Dance" (1985) and "Kiss and Tell" (1988), which was featured in the motion picture Bright Lights, Big City (1988). Ferry's solo albums contain self-penned songs (Boys & Girls, Bête Noire, Mamouna) or covers (These Foolish Things, Taxi and As Time Goes By, his latest release).- Music Artist
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Simple Minds is a Scottish rock band. They formed in Glasgow in 1977 and became the most commercially successful Scottish band of the 1980s. They achieved five UK Albums chart number one albums during their career and have sold an estimated 60 million albums. Despite various personnel changes, they continue to record and tour. The band scored a string of hit singles, becoming best known internationally for their 1985 hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)" (UK #7, US #1, Canada #1), from the soundtrack of the film The Breakfast Club.- Music Artist
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Erasure are an English synth pop duo, consisting of singer and songwriter Andy Bell and songwriter and keyboardist Vince Clarke. They formed in London in 1985 as part of the club scene. Their debut was single Erasure: Who Needs Love (Like That) (1985). With their fourth single, Erasure: Sometimes (1986), the duo established itself on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the most successful artists of the late 1980s to mid-1990s.- Music Artist
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Bronski Beat is a British synth pop trio which achieved success in the mid-1980s, particularly with the 1984 chart hit "Smalltown Boy", from their debut album The Age of Consent, which was their only US Billboard Hot 100 single. All members of the group were openly gay and their songs reflected this, often containing political commentary on gay-related issues. The initial line-up, which recorded the majority of the band's hits, consisted of Jimmy Somerville (vocals), Steve Bronski (keyboards, percussion) and Larry Steinbachek (keyboards, percussion).- Composer
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Mike Oldfield was born on 15 May 1953 in Reading, Berkshire, England, UK. He is a composer and actor, known for The Killing Fields (1984), Weird Science (1985) and The Exorcist (1973).- Actress
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Maggie Reilly was born on 15 September 1956 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. She is an actress and composer, known for Lilith: The Last Temptation of Adam, Nick Mason + Rick Fenn: Lie for a Lie (1985) and Victrix. She has been married to Chrys Lindop since 1984. They have one child.- Actor
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Yazoo, formed in 1981, were a British synth pop duo from Basildon, Essex, England consisting of former Depeche Mode member Vince Clarke (keyboards) and Alison Moyet (vocals). Yazoo enjoyed worldwide success, particularly in their home country where three of their four singles reached the top three of the UK Singles Chart and both their albums made the top two of the albums chart. They split in 1983 after recording hits like "Only You" and "Don't Go".- Music Department
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Dexys Midnight Runners are a British New Wave pop/soul band from Birmingham, England. The group was first formed in 1978 by singer/guitarist/songwriter Kevin Rowland and singer/guitarist Kevin Archer. The other original members were: Jim Paterson (trombone), Geoff Blythe (saxophone), Steve Spooner (alto saxophone), Pete Saunders (keyboards), Peter Williams (bass), and Bobby Ward (drums). Dexys Midnight Runners were distinguished by their scruffy working-class look and their inspired blend of Irish folk and Northern soul music. The band's debut single "Dance Stance" barely cracked the UK Top 40 pop charts at #40 in 1979. Dexys Midnight Runners scored a much more substantial hit with the rousing "Geno," which peaked at #1 on the UK pop charts in 1980. The follow-up song "There, There, My Dear" likewise did well; it went all the way to #7. The group's first album "Searching for the Young Soul Rebels" proved to be a massive success as well. Dexys Midnight Runners cracked the UK Top 20 in the summer of 1981 with the single "Show Me." Rowland added fiddle players Helen O'Hara, Steve Brennan, and Roger MacDuff to the line-up in the early 80s. The band released their second album "Too-Rye-Ay" in 1982. Dexys Midnight Runners hit it straight out of the ballpark with their biggest and most beloved smash song: the infectiously bouncy and upbeat "Come On Eileen," which soared to #1 on the pop charts in both England and America alike. "Come On Eileen" was the best-selling single in Britain in 1982 and won the award for Best British single at the BRIT Awards in 1983. The group reached the UK Top 5 pop charts once again with the follow-up tune "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)" and had another UK Top 20 success with the single "Let's Get This Straight (From the Start)." Dexys Midnight Runners released their third album "Don't Stand Me Down" in 1985; this particular album was ill-received by music critics and proved to be a commercial disappointment. After landing one last UK Top 20 chart success with "Because of You" in 1986, the band broke up that same year. In 2003 Rowland reformed the group for a successful concert tour of England in both October and November. Rowland has announced a possible fourth album by Dexys Midnight Runners; said fourth album "One Day I'm Going Soar" was finally released in 2012 to favorable reviews under the shortened group name Dexys.- Actress
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Bananarama is known for You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008), Youth in Revolt (2009) and Rain Man (1988).- Actor
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The Buggles is known for Take Me Home Tonight (2011), Empire Records (1995) and Take This Waltz (2011).- Composer
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Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD or O.M.D. using the punctuation marks) is an English electronic music band formed in Wirral, Merseyside in 1978. OMD have come to be regarded as one of the great Liverpool acts of the 1980s and experimental pioneers of the synth-pop genre. OMD's overall record sales stand in excess of 40 million.- Actor
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Mike + The Mechanics is known for Spencer (2021), Rookie of the Year (1993) and Choke Canyon (1986).- Actor
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Paul Nicholas was born on 3 December 1944 in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, UK. He is an actor, known for Lisztomania (1975), Just Good Friends (1983) and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978). He has been married to Linzi Jennings since 10 December 1984. They have two children. He was previously married to Susan Gee.- Soundtrack
Jazz and R&B singer Randy Crawford was born as Veronica Crawford on February 18, 1952 in Macon, Georgia and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Randy first began singing both at church and in school. She started performing at nightclubs in Europe and America at age fifteen (her father acted as her chaperon). Among the notable artists Crawford has worked with throughout the years are Bootsy Collins, Cannonball Adderley, Ray Charles, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, and Johnny Bristol. Randy released her first single "If You Say the Word" at age twenty. In 1979 Crawford sang the fiery lead vocals on the stirring "Street Life" for the group the Crusaders; this song not only peaked at #17 on the US R&B charts and #5 on the UK pop charts, but also has been featured on the soundtracks to the movies "Sharky's Machine" and "Jackie Brown." Randy was named the Most Outstanding Performer at the 1980 Tokyo International Music Festival. She had substantial Top 20 UK pop radio hits with "One Day I'll Fly Away," "You Might Need Somebody," and an especially moving and inspired rendition of "Rainy Night in Georgia." Her 1981 album "Secret Combination" stayed on the Billboard album charts for sixty weeks. Crawford scored another smash success in 1986 with "Almaz," which went all the way to #4 on the UK pop radio charts. In 1989 Randy recorded a hit cover of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" with Eric Clapton and David Sanborn. She still continues to tour and perform in concert all over the world. More recently, Randy Crawford collaborated with pianist and composer Joe Sample on the 2006 album "Feeling Good."- Actor
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As the lead singer and co-songwriter of duo Savage Garden, and as a solo recording artist in his own right Darren Hayes has held a career spanning two decades. He has sold over 27 million albums globally having achieved two U.S Billboard number one singles 'Truly Madly Deeply' and 'I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You' - the former which holds the distinction of being the longest running A.C hit in the chart's history.
Since 1996 Hayes has released 6 albums: two Savage Garden and four solo offerings and has toured the world many times including sold out shows at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall London, The Sydney Opera House and Radio City Music Hall New York. Some career highlights include performing at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games closing ceremonies and performing a duet with the late Luciano Pavarotti.
In 2011 Hayes released his 4th solo album 'Secret Codes and Battleships' marking almost 20 years in the music business. As with every show in his career he toured this record with a show designed by globally acclaimed director Willie Williams (U2, We Will Rock You).
A keen supporter of equal rights, his essay 'Perfect just the way you are' was recently published in the book 'It Gets Better' alongside noteworthy contributions by U.S President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Today he resides in Los Angeles where he has studied improv comedy at The Groundlings School and is constantly working on his own material and songs and music for other artists.- Music Artist
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The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. With five number-one singles and six number-one albums, six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards, the Eagles were one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s in North America.
Founding members-were recruited by Linda Ronstadt as band members, some touring with her, and all playing on her third solo album, before venturing out on their own on David Geffen's new Asylum Records label.
Glenn Frey (guitars, vocals): Born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 6, 1948 and raised in nearby Royal Oak, Frey studied piano at age five, later switched to guitar, and became part of the mid-1960s Detroit rock scene. One of his earliest bands was called the Subterraneans, named after Jack Kerouac's novel, and included fellow Dondero High School classmates Doug Edwards (later replaced by Lenny Mintz) on drums, Doug Gunsch and Bill Barnes on guitar, with Jeff Hodge on bass.
Don Henley (drums, vocals): Donald Hugh Henley was born in Gilmer, Texas, and grew up in the small northeast Texas town of Linden. He is the son of Hughlene (McWhorter) and C. J. Henley. He has Irish, English and Scottish ancestry.
Bernie Leadon (guitars, vocals): Born July 19, 1947 In Minneapolis, Minnesota
Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals) :Randall Herman Meisner was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the second child and only son of farmers Herman. He is a retired American musician, singer, songwriter and founding member of the Eagles.
Eagles Discography in Order:
Eagles (1972) Desperado (1973) On the Border (1974) One of These Nights (1975) Hotel California (1976) The Long Run (1979) Long Road Out of Eden (2007)