Kate Bush, born in June 1958, emerged as a groundbreaking artist whose unique musical style and theatrical performances captivated audiences worldwide. Growing up as the youngest of three children in an artistic household in Kent, England, Bush was surrounded by creativity. Her older brothers were deeply immersed in music and poetry, and together, they performed Irish and English folk songs at home, nurturing her early passion for the arts.
Bush began composing her own songs during her early teens, capturing her ideas on homemade demo tapes. Her journey into the music industry saw the formation of the KT Bush Band, with which she began performing in London pubs. During this time, she diligently worked on the songs that would eventually form her debut album, The Kick Inside.
In 1978, Bush's debut single, "Wuthering Heights," was released and became an instant sensation. The song quickly climbed to the top of the UK charts, making Bush the first female artist to achieve this with a self-written and performed track. The song's lyrics vividly depict Catherine's obsessive longing for Heathcliff, their volatile relationship, and Catherine's mercurial nature. Bush's utilization of high-pitched, keening vocals imbued the song with an eerie, haunting quality.
"It was really specifically for that song, it was that high because of the subject matter," – Kate Bush
The accompanying music video for "Wuthering Heights" further accentuated its ethereal and otherworldly vibe. Filmed in two versions—one studio-based and the other shot outdoors on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England—the video showcased Bush's distinctive dance routine. This choreography became a cultural touchstone, inspiring comedic homages and an annual event known as The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever.
The success of "Wuthering Heights" propelled Bush's debut album, The Kick Inside, which sold over one million copies upon its release in 1978. Her innovative approach to music and performance caught the attention of renowned artists, leading to collaborations with musicians such as Prince and Elton John.
Bush's influence extended beyond her early career milestones. In 2022, her 1985 hit "Running Up That Hill" experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the Netflix series Stranger Things. The song captivated a new generation of listeners, topping charts in the US and reaching number one in the UK—44 years after her debut single.
"It's such a great series. I thought that the track would get some attention. But I just never imagined that it would be anything like this." – Kate Bush
Reflecting on her distinctive vocal style for "Wuthering Heights," Bush explained:
"I'm playing Cathy and she was a spirit, and it needed some kind of ethereal effect, and it seemed to be the best way to do it, to get a high register." – Kate Bush
Her unique voice initially intrigued David Gilmour of Pink Floyd fame, who played a pivotal role in launching Bush's career. Gilmour was captivated by her unusual voice after hearing her work on a demo tape.
"I was intrigued by this strange voice," – David Gilmour
He visited her family home in Kent to hear more of her compositions.
"I went to her house, met her parents down in Kent, and she played me, God, it must have been 40 or 50 songs." – David Gilmour
Bush credits much of her artistic development to influences such as Lindsay Kemp, a renowned dancer, actor, and mime artist who taught her for a period.
"I've definitely been influenced by Lindsay Kemp because he's one of my heroes and he was my teacher for a while," – Kate Bush
Kemp's impact on Bush is evident in her expressive dance routines and theatrical performances that continue to define her career.
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