Shakin' Stevens: The Rock and Roll Revivalist

Shakin' Stevens is a Welsh rock and roll singer who became one of the UK's biggest-selling artists of the 1980s. Hailing from Cardiff, his energetic revival of classic rock and roll and rockabilly styles produced a remarkable string of hit singles, including four UK number ones.

Early career

Born Michael Barratt in 1948, he began performing in local clubs during the late 1960s. His band, Shakin' Stevens and the Sunsets, built a live reputation and released several albums on the independent Contour label, including 'A Legend' in 1970, before he embarked on a solo path.

Breakthrough

His major breakthrough came in 1980 after signing with Epic Records. The single "This Ole House," a cover of a Rosemary Clooney song, rocketed to number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1981, selling over a million copies and earning a platinum certification.

Key tracks

This Ole House — This 1981 platinum-selling single was his first UK number one and catapulted him to national fame.

Green Door — His second UK chart-topper later in 1981, cementing his status as a hitmaker and rock and roll revivalist.

Oh Julie — Another major 1982 number one hit, showcasing his signature upbeat and accessible rock and roll style.

Merry Christmas Everyone — His perennial festive hit, released in 1985, which remains a staple of UK Christmas radio playlists.

You Drive Me Crazy — A top five hit from 1981 that exemplifies his energetic, foot-stomping rock and roll approach.

Throughout the 1980s, Shakin' Stevens dominated the UK charts, achieving an impressive run of over 30 Top 40 hits. His 1982 compilation 'Shaky' spent over a year on the album chart and was certified triple platinum. He continued to release albums into the 1990s and beyond, including 2007's 'Now Listen' and 2016's 'Echoes of Our Times,' which explored his family history.

Shakin' Stevens' energetic brand of rock and roll finds kinship with other UK artists who mined similar retro styles. Showaddywaddy shared a commitment to 1950s-inspired rock and roll and enjoyed concurrent chart success. Status Quo mirrored his no-frills, boogie-rock appeal and consistent chart presence. The rockabilly influence is also heard in the work of Matchbox, another band that successfully revived the classic sound for a new generation.

Shakin' Stevens' music maintains a strong presence on classic hits and oldies radio stations. His uptempo rock and roll tracks are perfect for daytime playlists, while his iconic Christmas song receives heavy seasonal rotation on FM stations across the UK and Europe, ensuring his music reaches new generations of listeners.

The music of Shakin' Stevens, the Welsh rock and roll phenomenon, can be heard on numerous radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his classic hits and energetic performances by tuning into the classic rock and dedicated nostalgia stations available on onairium.com.