Throwback Thursday (7/30/2020)

Today's throwback tune is from the amazing Kate Bush, born on this day in 1958 (Happy Katemas).

An English singer, songwriter and producer, Bush burst onto the music scene at 19 years old when she topped the UK singles chart with her song "Wuthering Heights". She, at the time, was the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a self-written song.

Bush began writing songs at 11. She was signed to EMI Records after Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour helped produce a demo tape. (check out who has the guitar solo in the above video)

Bush's eclectic and experimental musical style, unconventional lyrics, and literary themes have influenced a diverse range of artists. Andre 3000 once said: ‘Kate Bush’s music opened my mind up… She’s so off the radar.’ and Tupac Shakur was also reportedly a fan.

After she released her seventh studio album in 1993, Bush dropped out of the public eye. Despite working on material, twelve years passed before her next album release. During her time away, fans were heartbroken by the lack of new music and the wait even inspired John Mendelssohn to write a book: Waiting for Kate Bush.

Her most famous songs are arguably, "Running Up That Hill", "This Woman's Work" and her duet with Peter Gabriel, "Don't Give Up" (which Elton John credits with saving his life while in the depths of his cocaine addiction).

Quick trivia of her influence: Bush was one of the singers whom Prince thanked in the liner notes of 1991's "Diamonds and Pearls".

It is impossible to listen to Tori Amos, Bjork, St. Vincent without thinking of Kate Bush. She is a true treasure in the music world.