voiced singer who eclipsed people's hearts
BBC • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer famed for her husky voice and iconic 1980s hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," has died aged 75 after a long music career spanning 50 years.
- Born Gaynor Hopkins in a council house in Neath, she was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell and rose to fame after releasing her first single "Lost in France" in 1977.
- Her breakthrough came with "Total Eclipse of the Heart" in 1983, which topped UK and US charts and earned her three Grammy nominations; she continued to release hits like "Holding Out for a Hero" and represented the UK in Eurovision 2013.
- Tyler was awarded an MBE in 2023 for her services to music and published an autobiography titled *Straight from the Heart*, sharing her journey from a shy girl in Wales to international star.
- Despite health struggles in 2024, including emergency surgery and intensive care, she remained passionate about music, recently releasing the single "Yes I Can," and is remembered as a beloved figure who inspired millions worldwide.
