Biography
Who is Kim Wilde?
Early life and background
Kim Wilde was born Kim Smith in the suburb of Chiswick in West London. Her father was the rock and roll performer Marty Wilde, who was born Reginald Smith. Her mother, Joyce Baker, performed with the singing and dance troupe called the Vernons Girls. During her childhood, the family relocated to Hertfordshire.
She attended Oakfield Preparatory School in Dulwich before continuing her studies at Presdales School. By 1980, she completed a foundation course at St Albans College of Art & Design. Her brother, Ricky Wilde, also pursued a music career. Her earliest professional credit came in 1972 when she provided backing vocals for his song I Am an Astronaut.
Rise to music fame
Kim Wilde began her professional music path after signing with RAK Records. Mickie Most facilitated this deal. In January 1981, she released her debut single Kids in America, which climbed to the second position on the UK Singles Chart. The song also found chart success in Germany, Australia, and France.
Her first studio album, titled Kim Wilde, arrived later that year. It featured additional popular tracks such as Chequered Love and Water on Glass. During this period, her father and brother Ricky composed most of her songs. Her brother incorporated influences from synth-pop groups and punk rock bands into her sound. In 1982, she released the album Select, which included Cambodia and View from a Bridge. Both tracks reached the top ten in Germany and Australia.
International success and touring
In 1984, she moved to MCA Records. Her album Teases & Dares followed, featuring the track The Second Time. Kim Wilde experienced her biggest success in 1986 with a cover of You Keep Me Hangin' On. The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. This achievement made her the fifth British female solo artist to reach the top spot in the United States.
She experienced further popularity with the 1988 album Close, which contained hits like You Came and Never Trust a Stranger. During this era, she toured Europe as an opening act for Michael Jackson and David Bowie. She also participated in the Here and Now Tour series starting in 2001, which featured other acts from the 1980s.
Television and gardening career
While maintaining her music career, Kim Wilde started a different profession as a scene gardener in 1998. This work led to television opportunities presenting gardening programs for the BBC and Channel 4. In 2005, she earned a Gold award for a courtyard garden display at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show.
She continued recording music during these years. In 2003, she collaborated with the German pop singer Nena on the track Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime. This song reached the top ten in multiple European countries, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Her discography continued to grow with albums like Never Say Never in 2006, which included re-worked versions of her earlier hits alongside new material.
Birthday and age
Kim Wilde was born on November 18, 1960, which makes Kim 65 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Kim shares the date with 23 other famous people.
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