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Geri Halliwell

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Geri Halliwell was born in 1972 in Watford, north of London, the daughter of a Spanish mother and an English father. She grew up in a working-class neighbourhood. Before her music career she worked as a dancer in nightclubs in Majorca, as a presenter on Turkish television and as a model. In 1994 she answered an advertisement in the magazine The Stage, which was looking for members for a new girl group. After a few changes the group that would later be called the Spice Girls came together.

Music and breakthrough

In 1996 the debut album Spice appeared. The first single, Wannabe, went to number 1 in 37 countries, and Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1, Who Do You Think You Are and Mama also reached number one in England. The success was compared with Beatlemania. Because of her red hair Halliwell was nicknamed Ginger Spice. She in particular became associated with the slogan girl power, and her Union Jack dress at the 1997 Brit Awards became an image of that time. In 1998 she left the group.

Influence

As a solo artist she had number 1 hits in England with Mi Chico Latino, Lift Me Up, Bag It Up and It's Raining Men (2001), a cover of The Weather Girls. After that she became known above all as a judge on talent shows and as an author of children's books. Later she took part again in Spice Girls reunions. The group showed how a carefully assembled pop group with a strong image and a clear message could conquer the world.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Wannabe by the Spice Girls and notice how the five voices alternate. Hear how each member gets a line of her own for a moment, so that you hear the group's different personalities in the music too.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists