Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler (born June 8, 1951 in Skewen, Wales, United Kingdom) is a Welsh rock singer. Born Gaynor Hopkins, she is widely recognizable by her highly distinctive, husky voice.

Born to a family that included three sisters and two brothers, her father worked in a coal mine and her mother (an opera lover) shared her love for music with her children. She grew up listening to Motown music and the female artists of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.

In 1970 at age 18, she entered a talent contest, singing Mary Hopkin's hit "Those Were the Days," but only came in second place. She then was chosen to sing in a band called Bobby Wayne and the Dixies. Two years later, she formed her own band called Imagination and performed with them in pubs and clubs all over south Wales. It was then that she decided to adopt the stage name of Sherene Davies (she took these names from her niece and favorite aunt).