Welsh pop and rock music

Overview of the popular music industry in Wales

Catfish and the Bottlemen in 2019.

Welsh pop and rock music is popular music of Wales produced commercially in Wales.

## History[edit]

### 20th century[edit]

Shirley Bassey in 1973.

#### 1960s[edit]

Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey dominated Welsh pop in the 60s. Bassey released her debut single, The Banana Boat Song in 1957 and in October 1964 released the James Bond film theme song, Goldfinger. In February 1965, Tom Jones released the hit single, It's Not Unusual, the start of his long career. Meic Stevens established himself in the 60s and the record label Sain was founded in 1969 in Cardiff by Dafydd Iwan and Huw Jones. The record label rapidly became the leading record company of Wales.[1]

##### Popular artists[edit]

* Tom Jones
* Shirley Bassey
* Ricky Valance
* John Cale
* Amen Corner
* Bad Finger
* Mary Hopkin
* Man
* Meic Stevens[2]

#### 1970s[edit]

Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey continued their successful careers with Bassey releasing Diamonds Are Forever in 1972 and Jones releasing Daughter Of Darkness, I (Who Have Nothing), She's A Lady. Max Boyce established himself in the 70s and in 1973 he recorded the album Live At Treorchy (rugby club). Meic Stevens released his single Y Brawd Houdini, Edward H. Dafis became a popular rock group and Geraint Jarman's reggae inspired music became popular in Wales.[3]

Tom Jones in 2016.

##### Popular artists[edit]

* Tom Jones
* Shirley Bassey
* Max Boyce
* Man
* Budgie
* Bad Finger
* Meic Stevens
* John Cale
* Edward H. Dafis[2][4][5]

#### 1980s artists[edit]

Bonnie Tyler (right) in 2013.

* Young Marble Giants
* Super Furry Animals
* Shakin' Stevens
* Bonnie Tyler
* Yr Anhrefn
* Datblygu
* Llwybr Llaethog
* John Cale
* Tom Jones[2]

#### 1990s artists[edit]

Stereophonics in 2007.

* Manic Street Preachers
* Stereophonics
* Catatonia (band)
* Super Furry Animals
* Big Leaves
* Y Cyrff
* Tom Jones[2]

### 21st century[edit]

Duffy in 2008.

#### 2010s artists[edit]

* Lostprophets
* Funeral for a Friend
* Bullet for My Valentine
* Goldie Lookin Chain
* Duffy
* Charlotte Church
* Feeder (band)[2]

#### 2020s artists[edit]

* Catfish and the Bottlemen in 2019.Tom Jones[6]
* Stereophonics[7]
* Catfish and the Bottlemen[8]
* Super Fury Animals[9]
* Dafydd Iwan[10]
* Candelas[11]
* Swnami[11]
* Yws Gwynedd[11]

## See also[edit]

* Cool Cymru
* List of Welsh musicians
* Welsh Language Music Day

## References[edit]

1. ^ "BBC Wales - Music - History of Welsh rock and pop - Popular Welsh music in the 1960s". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
2. ^ a b c d e "BBC Wales – Music – History of Welsh rock and pop – Popular Welsh music in the 1960s". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
3. ^ "BBC Wales - Music - History of Welsh rock and pop - Popular Welsh music in the 1970s". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
4. ^ "Edward H. Dafis music, videos, stats, and photos". Last.fm. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
5. ^ "Edward H Dafis: Tributes paid to drummer Charli Britton". BBC News. 2021-08-15. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
6. ^ "Watch: Tears in Sir Tom Jones' eyes during emotional performance". Nation.Cymru. 2022-06-18. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
7. ^ "Welsh national anthem soars at Stereophonics gig". BBC News. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
8. ^ "Catfish and the Bottlemen: The story of their rise to fame". Absolute Radio. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
9. ^ "The true story behind Super Furry Animals 'The Man Don't Give A F*ck'". Nation.Cymru. 2021-12-02. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
10. ^ "Dafydd Iwan hits the number one spot with Yma o Hyd". Nation.Cymru. 2022-06-08. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
11. ^ a b c Owens, David (2015-02-23). "Yws Gwynedd, Candelas and Sŵnami triumphant at Welsh music awards". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2022-06-21.