Kim Wilde

Kim Wilde, born Kim Smith on 18 November 1960 in Hertfordshire, is an English pop singer, songwriter and television presenter.

Daughter of 1950s singer Marty Wilde and Joyce Wilde, and sister of Ricky Wilde, she began her career in 1981 with the single Kids In America, written by her father and brother; the global hit reached number 2 in the UK and preceded her self-titled debut album, released the same year on the RAK label and peaking at number 3 on the British charts.

Associated with the new wave movement, she followed with ‘Select’ (1982) and ‘Catch as Catch Can’ (1983), which include the tracks Cambodia, View From a Bridge, Love Blonde and Dancing In the Dark.

After signing with MCA in 1984, she enjoyed a major resurgence in 1986 with her cover of You Keep Me Hangin' On, which reached number one in the United States and number two in the UK. The album ‘Close’ (1988) became her most successful studio album, featuring hits such as You Came, Never Trust A Stranger and Four Letter Word.

Among her subsequent releases, ‘Love Is’ (1992) includes the single Love Is Holy, written by Rick Nowels. In 1993 the compilation ‘The Singles Collection 1981-1993’ included the new tracks If I Can't Have You (a cover) and In My Life. Her ninth studio album, ‘Now and Forever’, was released in 1995.