ABSTRACT
Gabrielle, born Louise Gabrielle Bobb, started singing for free in West End nightclubs, while temping during the day to make a living. She had always dreamed of becoming a singer. Her first song 'Dreams' was released as a demo but failed to make the Top 100. It was later re-released in 1993 and was entered in the Guinness Book of Hit Singles as the highest ever chart entry for a debut female act. It eventually reached number one. Through 1993 to 1994, Gabrielle wore an eye patch over her right eye to hide a squint. It became her trademark look, although the squint was eventually corrected through surgery. She is credited with releasing nine singles – five of which were Top 10 hits – and two albums in three years. In 1994, she won the Brit Award for the best newcomer, and, in 1997, this was followed by another Brit Award, this time for best female artist. Her third album Rise became her first number one album in the U K and spawned three Top 10 hits. It also won Best U K album at the M O B O Awards 2000 and the tide track from the album became her second number one. Many of her songs are autobiographical, conveying emotions of determination and hope. Gabrielle is influenced by artists like Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Duran Duran and Lisa Stansfield. Her liking of such a diverse range of music is present in her own recordings, which appeal to both R'n'B and pop fans. In 2001
Gabrielle released 'Out of Reach' for the popular film (see f i lm and c inema) Bridget Jones's Diary.
