Sinitta

Infobox musical artist
Name = Sinitta


Img_capt =
Img_size = 175px
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name =Sinitta Renet Malone
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1966|10|19
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Died =
Origin = Seattle
Instrument = Vocals
Genre = Pop, dance, house
Occupation = Singer-songwriter, record producer, actress
Years_active = 1981–present
Label = Fanfare |Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.sinitta.com Official Site]
Current_members =
Past_members =

Sinitta (born Sinitta Renet Malone, October 19, 1966, Seattle, Washington [ [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0719478/ IMDb.com database] ] ) is an American actress and singer, famed for her hit records in the 80's including, "So Macho", "Toy Boy", "Cross My Broken Heart" and "Right Back Where We Started From", and her close relationship with Simon Cowell. She is the daughter of singer Miquel Brown and Anthony Blackett, and is also the niece of Amii Stewart. She is married to financial director and international business banker, Andy Willner. [ [http://www.nmg.ws/default.asp?SelectMenu=AndyWillner Nmg.ws] ] The couple have two adopted children. [ [http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2007/04/07/sinitta-set-to-adopt-89520-18871039/] ]

Biography

Early life

She was born to Anthony Blackett and the Canadian actress and disco diva Miquel Brown. Sinitta was the first of twins. Sinitta's younger twin sister Greta was fostered and moved to America by Miquel's aunt and Mary's goddaughter. Sinitta would not find out about her twin until she was a teenager.

Early career

Sinitta began in show business by appearing in the musical "The Wiz" and the movie "Shock Treatment" in 1981, followed by starring in the West End musicals "Cats", "Little shop of Horrors", "Masqurade" and "Mutiny!".

Sinitta was the ghost vocalist for the dance group Hot Gossip on the songs "Don't Beat Around The Bush" and "Break Me Into Little Pieces".

At the end of 1982, Sinitta appeared on the TV program "The Tube" as a dancer with Imagination. She did not sing during this appearance.

Solo work

Sinitta began recording in 1983, releasing her first single, "Break Me Into Little Pieces" with dance troupe, Hot Gossip. In the same year she also appeared in the video of "Rock the Boat" sung by Forrest. She continued to release singles throughout 1984 and 1985, including participating in 1984's "A Song for Europe", the UK heat of the Eurovision Song Contest. None of these singles were successes and with all failing to chart, Sinitta's foray into the music industry looked as if it was over before it had begun. Everything changed though, in 1986, following a chance meeting with a then unknown junior music publisher turned A&R rep, Simon Cowell.

According to his official autobiography, "I Don't Mean To Be Rude But..." Simon Cowell had been a post room boy at EMI Records in the late 1970s, and had left that job for a year and returned to EMI Publishing. Unsatisfied with his prospects, he quit EMI Publishing after one year and formed his own publishing company called E&S Music. By Cowell's own admission the venture was a mistake and after a rather unsuccessful trip to L.A he pulled the plug on the company. He then met up with Iain Burton who was looking to form a record label and together they formed Fanfare Records [ [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Mean-Be-Rude-But/dp/0091898285] ] .

Sinitta was both Cowell's and Fanfare's first ever signing. Cowell had contacted record producer and song writer, George Hargreaves who in turn provided the song, "So Macho". Armed with a highly infectious pop record, Sinitta looked poised for success, however Iain Burton changed his mind and called Cowell to advise that he was pulling the plug on Fanfare Records. Convinced that "So Macho" was destined to be a hit, Cowell persuaded Burton to give him £5,000 to release the record. Which he did [ [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Mean-Be-Rude-But/dp/0091898285] ] .

The single was released in June 1986 but stalled around the lower reaches of the UK Top 40 singles chart. Determined to make Sinitta a hit, Simon Cowell released the single a second time and a third time, where it finally broke into the Top 10, selling in excess of 900,000 copies and hitting the Number 2 position. Iain Burton's initial £5,000 investment became a profit of £1,000,000 and paved the way for Fanfare's future.

In 1987 Simon Cowell became closely associated with Pete Waterman and would spend time with Waterman at his PWL studios complex, being mentored by him and learning about the effective running of a successful music business [ [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Mean-Be-Rude-But/dp/0091898285] ] .

Around this time Cowell was desperate for Stock Aitken Waterman to write and produce for Sinitta. "Feels Like The First Time" Sinitta's subsequent single following "So Macho" had charted low (number 45 UK Oct 1986) and only spent 5 weeks on the chart, where as, in contrast, "So Macho" had been on the UK chart for 28 weeks in 1986, where it had peaked at number 2. Initially Waterman declined to work with Sinitta, claiming that SAW were too busy [ [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Mean-Be-Rude-But/dp/0091898285] ] . In the end though, SAW did work with Sinitta and her first single with the Hit Factory was "Toy Boy".

In his book, Simon Cowell claims to have come up with the song idea for "Toy Boy", coining the phrase 'toyboy' which described older women dating considerably younger guys [ [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Mean-Be-Rude-But/dp/0091898285] ] . However, this is contradicted by writer/producer Mike Stock in his book "The Hit Factory- The Stock Aitken Waterman Story" as he claims that his inspiration came from the fact that Sinitta herself at the time was dating a guy junior to her age. Whichever way the story goes, "Toy Boy" was a massive hit reaching number 4 in the UK in July 1987, staying on the charts for 14 weeks. Despite only reaching number 4 in the charts, the song was the 26th best-selling single of 1987 in the UK, selling more than some number ones from that year, including Michael Jackson & Siedah Garrett with I Just Can't Stop Loving You and Steve 'Silk' Hurley with Jack Your Body. Sinitta has since re-recorded "Toy Boy" on two separate occasions. The first in 1999 for her hits album, and the second in 2007 with producers, Carl M Cox and Nathan Thomas to mark the song's 21st anniversary in July 2008. [ [http://www.prolificmedia.co.uk] ]

"Toy Boy 2008" as it's been titled, was exclusively showcased on September 1st 2007 at the prestigious Birmingham nightclub, The Nightingale as part of a one off special show to commemorate the reunion of Stock Aitken Waterman. Other former SAW/PWL acts that appeared were Hazell Dean, Sonia, Nathan Moore of Brother Beyond and PWL's latest signing of the time, car insurance ad girls, The Sheilas. Sinitta went on to have a further 5 hit singles with PWL including "G.T.O." (Number 15 - December 1987), "Cross My Broken Heart" (Number 6 - March 1988), "I Don't Believe In Miracles" (Number 22 - September 1988), "Right Back Where We Started From" (Number 4 - June 1989) and "Love On A Mountain Top" (Number 20 - October 1989).

Following the release of her debut album "Sinitta!" in 1987 Sinitta moved away from working directly with Stock Aitken Waterman although she continued to record at PWL under the direction of mixmasters Pete Hammond, Phil Harding and Ian Curnow. Her second album, "Wicked!" released in 1988 contained only one SAW track- "I Don't Believe In Miracles"- the others being produced by the aforementioned Hammond, Harding & Curnow in addition to Nigel Wright and German producer Ralf Rene Maue.

By the 1990s Sinitta chose to record in a different style, however this proved less popular with all her single releases between 1990 and 1993 failing to chart in the Top 20 of the UK chart:- "Hitchin' A Ride" (Number 24 - April 1990), "Love And Affection" (Number 62 - September 1990), "Shame Shame Shame" (Number 28 - July 1992) and "The Supremes EP" (Number 49 - April 1993). "The Supremes EP" was the last certified single released by Sinitta in the UK. Sinitta's only studio album release of this period, "Naughty Naughty" (1995), was an album of pop covers and received a limited release in Asia. She also appeared on the cast recording album for "What A Feeling" which was a live recording taken from the Apollo Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh in May 1997.

Sinitta had replaced Irene Cara to tour with Sonia Evans (also a former SAW artist) and Luke Goss (former Bros) in the rock and pop musical's concert, "What A Feeling" [ [http://www.thebubbleburst.co.uk/bb.php?entry=Sinitta Thebubbleburst.co.uk] ] in 1997.

Also in 1997 Sinitta's vocals were used for the single, "You Can Do Magic" by the fictitious group The Mojams. The single produced by her former hitmakers, Mike Stock & Matt Aitken was created for the ITV TV investigation programme, "The Cook Report" with journalist, Roger Cook in an endeavour to expose underhanded business practices in the music industry, known as 'hyping' where record labels buy their own music into the charts. Debbie Currie, daughter of the controversial former British Government health minister, Edwina Currie was used as the face for the singer and single. Sinitta was not credited on the single.

With her music career in decline, Sinitta returned to the stage. However, in 2004 she re-invented herself as a TV personality, having briefly appeared in the 2003 documentury about Simon Cowell, "Being Simon Cowell". She then appeared as a stylist and mentor support on the debut series of "The X Factor" and has been associated with ratings winning show ever since.

In 2006, almost 11 years following her last album release and despite not having had a Top 20 UK single since 1989, Sinitta was approached by British song writer and music producer, Carl M Cox with a view to re-launching and re-establishing her pop music career. She accepted the request and began working with PMG (Prolific Media Group) Productions in 2007. She's recorded several tracks with PMG including "Toy Boy 2008". [ [http://www.prolificmedia.co.uk] ]

As a result of the renewed interest in her music, in early 2008 Sinitta began working with other producers and writers, including her aunt Amii Stewart and Nate & Sangoon on new material for a future studio album, her first since 1995. Former producer/mixer Pete Hammond has also been involved remixing one of her new tracks. Sinitta's first UK hits compilation featuring her official singles from 1986 onwards is also planned. A hits album featuring re-recorded versions of her popular recordings was released in 1999 and again under the name "Toy Boy" in 2007, however this particular release was never endorsed by Sinitta.

In June 2008, the inclusion of a circa 97/98 Almighty Records remix of Sinitta's swan song hit, "So Macho" on their compilation album "NRG Anthems" (Cat No. ALMY062) caused minor controversy [ [http://www.almightyrecords.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4208 Almighty: View topic - Almighty Presents 'Energy Anthems' ] ] given that the majority of Almighty Records fans are gay and that the now Rev.George Hargreaves leader of the Christian Party (UK) and co-writer and producer of "So Macho" and several of Sinitta's earlier music recordings, such as "Cruising", "I Won't Be Lonely This Christmas" and "Feels Like The First Time" has openly expressed his anti gay views. Certain gay fans objected to the support of "So Macho" as the royalties generated had by his own admission made Hargreaves a millionaire and that he was now using his money to tout anti-gay rhetoric and political policies. [ [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-414557/Gay-pop-anthem-writer-defends-firemen-snubbed-gay-rally.html] ]

Film and television

Sinitta acted in the 1986 movie "Foreign Body", and later appeared in "Heaven's A Drag/To Die For" (1994) and "There's Only One Madonna" (2001).

In May 2005 Sinitta performed on "Hit Me Baby One More Time" on ITV1.

In 2006 Sinitta competed on Sky TV's "Cirque De Celebrité" and returned for the third series of "The X Factor", as part of Simon Cowell's mentoring team.

In spring 2007, Sinitta teamed, as a judge, with theatre veteran David Ian, producer and media pundit, David Gest and choreographer Brian Friedman on ITV's musical talent search series, "Grease Is The Word". Co-produced by Simon Cowell's Syco TV - the same people behind "The X Factor" and "...Got Talent" - the show sought to cast Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko for a new West End production of "Grease".

Sinitta has also had a cameo appearance on popular day time soap, " Neighbours", appeared as a panellist on "Never Mind The Buzzcocks" and was even parodied on the comedy show, "Star Stories".

Sinitta continues to work with Simon Cowell, as a mentor support on "The X Factor", In the 2008/series 5 show she's working with the 'Boys [14-24] ' category. Previously on "The X Factor" Sinitta has worked on:

# Series 1 (2004): Over 25's (Won the competition with Steve Brookstein).
# Series 2 (2005): Groups (Came third in the competition with Journey South).
# Series 3 (2006): 16-24's (Won the competition with Leona Lewis).
# Series 4 (2007): Groups (Came third in the competition with Same Difference).
# Series 5 (2008): Boys [14-24's] (Commenced transmission on 16 August 2008).

In March 2008 Sinitta appeared on "Celebrity Wife Swap", swapping partners with ex-"Coronation Street" actor Bruce Jones. [Unreality TV [http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/wife-swap/bruce-jones-and-sinitta-for-wife-swap/] 2008-03-25]

On 10 April 2008, it was announced that Sinitta had joined a long list of panellists on ITV1 daytime television show, "Loose Women".

Personal life

Sinitta is married to the businessman Andy Willner. She is a former girlfriend and fiance of Simon Cowell. [ [http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/1612_sinitta.shtml] ] She also had a two-year relationship with Hollywood actor Brad Pitt during the 1980s. [ [http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/celebrity/best/7073/1/1/weird-celebrity-couples.html] ]

In November 2005, Sinitta announced that a woman named Kerry West was to be a surrogate mother for her baby with her husband. She made the announcement on the British programme "This Morning." At eight weeks into the surrogacy, however, West suffered a miscarriage. She had been carrying twins. Sinitta and Willner have now decided to adopt two infants, and in 2008 they adopted two children. [Daily Mirror: "Sinitta to adopt" [http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/latest/2007/04/07/sinitta-set-to-adopt-89520-18871039/] 2007-04-07] "

Singles

Albums

initta!

CD Fanfare (1987)
# "Toy Boy" – 3:31
# "Who's Gonna Catch You (When You Fall)" – 3:20
# "Cross My Broken Heart" – 3:45
# "G.T.O." – 3:35
# "Rock Me Slow" – 4:58
# "So Macho" – 3:26
# "Oh Boy (You've Got A Lot To Learn)" – 3:30
# "If I Let You Go" – 4:35
# "Feels Like The First Time" – 3:52
# "Cruising" – 5:06
# "Toy Boy" (Extended Bicep Mix) – 7:38 (bonus track)
# "G.T.O." (Modina's Red Roaring Mix) – 7:31 (bonus track)
# "So Macho" (12" Remix) – 5:42 (bonus track)

Sinitta Special

(Scandinavian release) CD Mega (1989)
# "Toy Boy" (Extended Bicep Mix) – 7:37
# "Cross My Broken Heart" (HI'N'RG Mix) – 6:45
# "Feels Like The First Time" – 3:49
# "Cruising" (Vocal Mix) – 6:21
# "G.T.O." (Modina's Red Roaring Mix) – 7:31
# "So Macho" (Extended Remix) – 5:42
# "Oh Boy (You've Got A Lot To Learn)" (Short) – 3:28
# "Showdown" (Remix) – 5:27
# "Toy Boy" (Pumped Up Megamix) – 9:48
# "Cross My Broken Heart" (Extra Pulsing Beat Mix) – 6:44

Wicked

CD Fanfare (1988)
# "Right Back Where We Started From" – 3:16
# "I Don't Believe In Miracles" – 3:29
# "I Just Wanna Spend Some Time With You" – 3:28
# "Hitchin' A Ride" – 3:42
# "Lay Me Down Easy" – 3:44
# "You Keep Me Hanging On" – 3:31
# "Right Back Where We Started From" (12" Remix) – 5:20 (bonus track)
# "Love On A Mountain Top" – 3:25
# "Love Love Love" – 3:48
# "Where Do Nice Girls Go" – 3:45
# "Body Shopping" – 3:20
# "Don't Tell Me Not To Cry" – 3:53
# "It Would Be So Easy" – 3:33
# "I Just Can't Help It" – 3:45
# "Love On A Mountain Top" (12" Remix) (bonus track)

Dance Mix!

(Japanese release) CD Victor (1990)
# "Hitchin' A Ride" – 4:06
# "Toy Boy" (Sequenced) – 3:23
# "Right Back Where We Started From" – 3:13
# "G.T.O." – 3:07
# "Cross My Broken Heart" – 3:52
# "Who's Gonna Catch You (When You Fall)" – 3:13
# "I Just Wanna Spend Some Time With You" – 3:23
# "Body Shopping" – 3:05
# "I Don't Believe In Miracles" – 3:27
# "Love Love Love" – 4:04

Naughty Naughty

(Asian Pressing) CD Timbuktu (1995)
# "The Tide Is High" – 4:07
# "You Can't Hurry Love" – 3:55
# "Cuba" – 3:39
# "Club Tropicana" – 4:08
# "Hotel California" – 5:00
# "Naughty Naughty" – 3:31
# "Shame Shame Shame" – 3:53
# "Where Did Our Love Go" – 4:16
# "Never Knew Love Like This Before" – 3:30
# "You Really Got Me" – 3:05
# "Naughty Naughty (Brand New Heavies Mix)" (bonus track)

The Best Of Sinitta

(Japanese pressing) CD RCA/BMG (1998)
# "Toy Boy" – 3:30
# "So Macho" – 3:26
# "Hitchin' A Ride" – 3:40
# "Right Back Where We Started From" – 3:14
# "G.T.O." – 3:32
# "Cross My Broken Heart" – 3:45
# "Feels Like The First Time" – 3:50
# "Love On A Mountain Top" – 3:23
# "Don't Tell Me Not To Cry" – 3:52
# "I Just Can't Help It" – 3:41
# "It Would Be So Easy" – 3:32
# "Where Do Nice Girls Go" – 3:44
# "I Don't Believe In Miracles" – 3:28
# "Love Love Love" – 3:46
# "Toy Boy (Extended Bicep Mix)" – 7:37 (bonus track)
# "Right Back Where We Started From (12" Remix)" – 5:18 (bonus track)
# "Cross My Broken Heart (12" Remix)" – 5:24 (bonus track)

The Very Best Of...Sinitta/Toy Boy

Sinitta never authorized the release of this albumCD Going For A Song (1999)
# "Cruising" – 4:26 (re-recording)
# "Toy Boy" – 3:38 (re-recording)
# "G.T.O." – 3:40 (re-recording)
# "Cross My Broken Heart" – 3:52 (re-recording)
# "Love And Affection" – 3:32 (re-recording)
# "Right Back Where We Started From" – 3:14 (re-recording)
# "Free" – 3:17
# "You Can't Hurry Love" – 3:17 (re-recording)
# "Shame Shame Shame" – 3:34 (re-recording)
# "Baby Love" – 3:02

Notes

* "A Place In The Sun" was originally released by Stevie Wonder
* "Right Back Where We Started From" was originally released by Maxine Nightingale
* "Hitchin' A Ride" was originally released by Vanity Fare
* "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was originally recorded by Simon & Garfunkel
* "Love & Affection" was originally released by Joan Armatrading
* "Shame Shame Shame" was originally released by Shirley & Company
* "Where Did Our Love Go" was originally released by The Supremes
* "Window Shopping" was remixed by Simon Harris
* "Stop In The Name Of Love" was originally released by The Supremes
* "You Can't Hurry Love" was originally released by The Supremes
* "Remember Me" was originally released by Diana Ross
* "You Can Do Magic" was originally released by America
* "The Tide Is High" was originally released by The Paragons
* "Never Knew Love Like This Before" was originally released by Stephanie Mills
* "Hotel California" was originally released by The Eagles
* "Club Tropicana" was originally released by Wham
* "You Really Got Me" was originally released by The Kinks
* "Baby Love" was originally released by "The Supremes

References

External links

* [http://www.sinitta.com Official Site]
* [http://xfactor.itv.com X Factor Official Site]