Biography
Who is KT Tunstall?
Early life and real name
Kate Victoria Tunstall was born on June 23, 1975, at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Her biological mother, Carol Ann Orr, was from Hong Kong, and her biological father, John Corrigan, was from Belfast. At eighteen days old, she was placed for adoption by her mother with a family in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Her adoptive father, David Tunstall, worked as a physics lecturer at the University of St Andrews, while her adoptive mother, Rosemarie Tunstall, served as a primary school teacher. She grew up alongside her adoptive brothers, Joe and Dan, in St Andrews.
How KT became famous
Throughout her twenties, KT played in indie music bands such as Elia Drew and Tomoko while focusing on songwriting and performing with members of the Fence Collective. She toured with the klezmer band Oi Va Voi and stayed with them during the production of their second studio album, Laughter Through Tears. When the British label Relentless Records offered an independent deal, she initially explored a US major label before ultimately signing with Relentless. Co-founder Shabs Jobanputra recognized the potential in her voice and songs, leading to the development of her recording career.
Career highlights
Released in late 2004, Eye to the Telescope sold over five million copies internationally and became the 51st best-selling album of the 2000s decade in the United Kingdom. The single Black Horse and the Cherry Tree reached number 28 on the UK Singles Chart and number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Another single from the album, Suddenly I See, won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song in 2006 and was featured in the film The Devil Wears Prada. Her accolades include a BRIT Award for Best British Female Artist, a Q Award, a European Border Breakers Award, two Ivor Novello Awards, and a UK Music Video Award.
Family and relationships
KT Tunstall was married to Luke Bullen before their relationship ended. Her adoptive family played a significant role in her early musical development. Her adoptive father took a sabbatical at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1979, prompting memories that she noted as her earliest. She asked for a piano when she was four years old, and her parents supported her early musical interests.
Birthday and age
KT Tunstall was born on June 23, 1975, which makes KT 51 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. KT shares the date with 37 other famous people.
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