Kiki Dee is a British singer whose versatile voice and fearless range carried her from soul and pop to musical theatre. Though best remembered internationally for her 1974 hit “I’ve Got the Music in Me,” her career spans over six decades, with chart success in the UK, a groundbreaking stint at Motown, and key collaborations with Elton John.
She is also a celebrated stage actress and remains a respected figure in British music and theatre.
| Stage Name | Kiki Dee |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Pauline Matthews |
| Born | March 6, 1947 – Bradford, West Yorkshire, England |
| Genres | Pop, Blue-eyed Soul, Rock, Adult Contemporary |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Years Active | 1963–present |
| Labels | Fontana, Motown, Rocket, EMI |
| Biggest Hit | “I’ve Got the Music in Me” (1974) – #12 US, #19 UK |
| Other Notable Songs | “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (with Elton John) – #1 US & UK “Amoureuse” – #13 UK “Star” – Top 20 UK “How Glad I Am” – minor US hit |
| Stage Credits | Blood Brothers, Pump Boys and Dinettes |
| Legacy | First white British artist signed to Motown Iconic duet partner with Elton John Respected figure in UK pop and musical theatre |
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Kiki Dee was born Pauline Matthews on March 6, 1947, in Little Horton, Bradford, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. From an early age, she showed musical promise and was influenced by American R&B, gospel, and pop.
Dee began her professional music career as a session singer, backing artists like Dusty Springfield in the early 1960s. Her first single, “Early Night,” was released in 1963 and penned by songwriter Mitch Murray, who also gave her the stage name “Kiki Dee.”
A Soulful Voice at Motown
Dee became the first white British artist signed to Motown Records in the United States. Her 1970 single, “The Day Will Come Between Sunday and Monday,” released under the Tamla Motown label, marked a major milestone. While her time at Motown didn’t yield a commercial hit, it proved foundational in shaping her soulful vocal style.
Breakthrough at Rocket Record Company
In 1973, Dee signed with The Rocket Record Company, founded by Elton John and his manager John Reid. Her first major UK hit came with “Amoureuse,” an English adaptation of a French song by Véronique Sanson, translated by Gary Osborne. It peaked at #13 on the UK Singles Chart and earned Dee wider recognition as a solo artist.
She followed this with “Loving and Free” and a cover of Nancy Wilson’s hit “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am”—both of which helped establish her adult contemporary presence in the UK.
“I’ve Got the Music in Me” – Kiki Dee’s Signature Hit
In 1974, Kiki Dee released “I’ve Got the Music in Me” with her touring group, The Kiki Dee Band. The song was written by band member Bias Boshell, who also played keyboards.
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#12 on the US Billboard Hot 100
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#19 on the UK Singles Chart
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#9 on the US Cash Box Top 100
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Became a staple on FM rock and soul radio stations in the 1970s
The song’s empowering lyrics and powerhouse vocal performance resonated with audiences across genres. “I’ve Got the Music in Me” has since become a feminist anthem and has been featured in films, TV, and commercials for decades.
Continued Success and the Elton John Duet
Though “I’ve Got the Music in Me” remained her biggest US hit, Dee was far from done. In 1976, she teamed up with Elton John for the duet “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” The song was a global smash:
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#1 on the UK Singles Chart
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#1 on the US Billboard Hot 100
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Certified Gold by the RIAA
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One of the most iconic duets of the 1970s
This collaboration cemented her place in pop history and brought her back into the US spotlight.
The 1980s: Theatre, Comebacks, and “Star”
In 1981, Dee enjoyed a UK chart resurgence with the single “Star,” which later became the theme for Opportunity Knocks, a popular ITV talent show.
She also pivoted to musical theatre, earning rave reviews for her role as Mrs. Johnstone in the West End production of Blood Brothers, for which she received an Olivier Award nomination. Dee also starred in the UK production of Pump Boys and Dinettes.
In 1983, she reunited with Elton John for a duet of Stevie Wonder’s “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever.”
Later Projects and Recent Work
In the 1990s, Dee contributed vocals to Elton John’s albums The One (1992) and Duets (1993). She also released the albums Angel Eyes and Where Rivers Meet, showcasing her continued love for jazz, soul, and blues.
In 2008, Dee released her first concert DVD, Under the Night Sky, and a compilation CD including much of her Rocket material.
Her latest album, A Place Where I Can Go, released in 2013 with collaborator Carmelo Luggeri, featured a stripped-back, acoustic sound and was praised for its warmth and maturity.
Legacy
Though Kiki Dee is often remembered for one or two major hits, her career is anything but narrow. She broke barriers as the first white British artist on Motown, became a UK pop staple, and earned accolades in theatre. Her collaborations with Elton John remain legendary, and her voice—a blend of soul, clarity, and fire—continues to shine in every recording.