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Katrina and the Waves
Clockwise from top left: Alex Cooper, Vince de la Cruz, Kimberley Rew, and Katrina Leskanich; 1985
Background information
Origin	Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Genres	Rock new wave
Years active	1981–1999
Labels	Attic Capitol SBK EMI Virgin Polydor Warner
Past members	Katrina Leskanich Kimberley Rew Vince de la Cruz Alex Cooper
Website	katrinaandthewaves.com

Katrina and the Waves were a British rock band formed in Cambridge in 1981, widely known for their 1985 hit "Walking on Sunshine". They won the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Love Shine a Light".

History

Pre-history (1975–1980)

The band's earliest incarnation was as the Waves, a group that played in and around Cambridge, from 1975 to 1977. The Waves featured guitarist Kimberley Rew and drummer Alex Cooper. This incarnation of the Waves did not issue any recordings, and broke up when Rew left to join The Soft Boys.

A more direct ancestor of Katrina and the Waves was the band Mama's Cookin', a pop cover band from Feltwell. This band, founded in 1978, featured American Katrina Leskanich on vocals and keyboards, and fellow American, Vince de la Cruz on vocals and lead guitar. During a school production at RAF Lakenheath, Vince had noticed Katrina, and asked her to join his band.

By late 1980, Alex Cooper had joined the band on drums, with Bob Jakins on bass. Mama's Cookin' proceeded to gig steadily in England over the next two years, specialising in covers of songs by American acts such as Heart, Foreigner, Linda Ronstadt and ZZ Top.

Early days as The Waves (1981–1982)

When The Soft Boys broke up in 1981, Rew contacted his old Wave-mate Cooper to see about renewing their musical partnership. Cooper convinced Rew to join Mama's Cookin', and the five-piece group (Leskanich/Rew/Cooper/de la Cruz/Jakins) was quickly renamed the Waves after the band Rew and Cooper had been in together in the mid-1970s.

The Waves were initially fronted by singer/songwriter/guitarist Rew, who brought a wealth of original material to the band. Leskanich, meanwhile, originally only sang lead vocals on the cover tunes in the band's repertoire. However, over the first year of the Waves' existence, Rew began to write material for Leskanich to sing, and she was soon the primary vocalist.

The Waves made their initial recorded appearances on a 1982 single ("The Nightmare"/"Hey, War Pig!"); both tracks were included on the 1982 Rew solo album called The Bible of Bop. The Waves then issued their debut EP Shock Horror! later in 1982; Rew and Leskanich both sang lead, about 50/50. Around this time, bassist Jakins left the band, and de la Cruz took over on bass. Now a quartet, the Waves issued the single "Brown Eyed Son" in the UK in August 1982 before permanently renaming themselves Katrina and the Waves.

Early Canadian success (1983–1984)

In early 1983, the fledgling band recorded, at their own expense, an album of their original material designed to be sold at gigs. Rew wrote all the songs on this album, and Leskanich sang eight of the album's 10 tracks. (Rew sang lead on the other two.)

The album was shopped around to various labels, but only Attic Records in Canada responded with an offer. Consequently, although they were based in England, Katrina and the Waves' first album Walking on Sunshine was released only in Canada.

The album garnered enough critical attention and radio play (especially for the title track) to merit a Canadian tour. In 1984, the group released a follow-up album in Canada (Katrina and the Waves 2), with Leskanich now handling all the lead vocals. Rew was still the primary songwriter, but de la Cruz was also responsible for a few songs, including the Canadian airplay hit "Mexico".

Also in 1984, the band received their first ever airplay on BBC Radio 1 when DJ Richard Skinner played the track "Que te quiero", whilst their song "Going Down to Liverpool" was covered by the Bangles, which added to their profile. With the group building a fan base with their recordings and extensive touring, major label interest began to build, and Katrina and the Waves eventually signed an international deal with Capitol Records in 1985.

"Walking on Sunshine" and international success (1985–1989)

For the first Capitol album, the band re-recorded, remixed, or overdubbed 10 songs from their earlier Canadian releases to create their self-titled international debut album in 1985.

The Katrina and the Waves album was a substantial critical and commercial success, and the group had a worldwide hit with the song "Walking on Sunshine," (no. 9 US, no. 8 UK, a completely re-recorded, and substantially rearranged version of the song when compared to its initial 1983 Canada-only release). A Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist followed, as did constant touring, both of which helped to spur moderate sales of new releases.

A follow-up single to "Walking on Sunshine" called "Do You Want Crying" (written by de la Cruz) also became a top 40 US hit, reaching no. 37 in the late summer of 1985.

However, the band's follow-up album to Katrina and the Waves (simply entitled Waves) did not meet with the same measure of success, either critically or commercially. Rew wrote only two of the 10 songs on the album; de la Cruz and Leskanich wrote the rest. Drummer Cooper, interviewed some years later, claimed "It was (a) mistake when we started taking over from Kimberley in the musical contribution side. The second Capitol album was awful".

The album did spin off a minor UK and US hit in the form of the Rew-penned "Is That It?" (no. 70 US, no. 82 UK), and "Sun Street" (a de la Cruz composition) was a UK top 30 hit in 1986. However, Capitol dropped the band after the Waves album.

The band subsequently recorded a 1989 album for Capitol-distributed SBK Records called Break of Hearts, a harder, more rock-oriented effort than their previous releases. The album included "That's the Way" which reached no. 16 in the US (credited to Leskanich/Rew), but subsequent singles, including "Rock 'n' Roll Girl", failed to chart, and the band once again were dropped from their label.

Downturn and surprise comeback winning Eurovision (1990–1997)

Throughout the 1990s, Katrina and the Waves recorded fairly steadily, though most releases were available only in continental Europe and/or Canada, and they issued no charting singles. They also recorded the song "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" with Eric Burdon for the TV series China Beach in 1990.

On 3 May 1997, the band won the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 for the United Kingdom with the song "Love Shine a Light". The song was written years earlier to celebrate an anniversary of a local branch of Samaritans; one of the members of the charity organization suggested the song be submitted. Although the band had nearly forgotten about the song, never releasing it on an album because it "felt too Eurovision-y", the band eventually submitted it last-minute. The song won the contest by a then-record margin of 70 points over the Irish runner-up. "Love Shine a Light" became Katrina and the Waves' biggest-ever UK hit, peaking at no. 3 in the UK Singles Chart.

In a 2020 interview, Katrina Leskanich revealed that, as an American national winning the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK, she was the target of criticism, with some people arguing that UK should have instead sent an English singer to the contest; she also claimed she was asked if she could "try and talk like an English person". Leskanich had moved to the UK in 1976, at the age of 16.

Dissolution (1998–1999)

Despite their return to the public eye in the UK, Katrina and the Waves were not able to follow up "Love Shine a Light" with another hit, and Leskanich left the group in 1998 after several disagreements within the band. Legal wrangling followed, preventing Leskanich from using the band name. Though attempts were made by the Waves to find a new "Katrina" to front the group, the three remaining group members eventually dissolved the band to pursue individual careers in 1999.

Impact of Hurricane "Katrina" (2005)

When Hurricane Katrina and its storm surge devastated much of the U.S. Gulf Coast on 29 August 2005, the MSNBC news program Countdown with Keith Olbermann dubbed its coverage of the storm "Katrina and the Waves"; the name also appeared in numerous headlines and blog postings. A New York Times reporter contacted Katrina Leskanich, who said: "The first time I opened the paper and saw 'Katrina kills 9,' it was a bit of a shock...I hope that the true spirit of 'Walking on Sunshine' will prevail. I would hate for the title to be tinged with sadness, and I will have to do my own part to help turn that around." She also stated that she hoped that "Walking on Sunshine" would become an anthem for the Gulf Coast's recovery.

Later years (2010–2013)

2010 marked the 25th anniversary of the release of "Walking on Sunshine" and a series of back-catalogue reissues and a re-recorded version of the track were released. A free download of one of the tracks from Kimberley Rew's solo album The Bible of Bop was given away in March 2010 from the band's website. Katrina Leskanich released The Live Album in July 2010 – a mix of Katrina and the Waves hits and new songs recorded in London and Germany.

In June 2011, the group threatened legal action against U.S. presidential candidate Michele Bachmann for playing their music on her campaign trail. A statement on the group's official website reads: "Katrina and the Waves would like it to be known that they do not endorse the use of "Walking on Sunshine" by Michele Bachmann and have instructed their lawyers accordingly." Leskanich stated that she wants to ban the Republican party from using the track because she does not agree with their politics.

In July 2013, Leskanich performed at the San Fermín festival in Spain for the penultimate gig of the season on Plaza del Castillo.

Members

• Katrina Leskanich – vocals, rhythm guitar
• Kimberley Rew – vocals, lead guitar
• Vince de la Cruz – bass guitar
• Alex Cooper – drums

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

• The Best Of (1991, Attic)
• Roses (1995, Polydor) (Canadian release only – compiles tracks from Edge of the Land and Turn Around)
• Anthology (1995, One Way Records / CEMA Special Markets)
• Katrina and the Waves / Waves (1996, BGO)
• Walking on Sunshine – The Greatest Hits of Katrina and the Waves (1997, EMI)
• The Original Recordings 1983 – 1984 (2003, Bongo Beat) (includes Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and the Waves 2, and bonus tracks)

Singles

Note

• The Capitol versions of "Que Te Quiero" and "Red Wine and Whiskey" were released as a double A-side in the UK following "Walking on Sunshine" and "Do You Want Crying?".

References

1. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (2003). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. p. 288. ISBN 1-85227-969-9.
2. Cambridge Daily News Monday 14 April 1997, page 14
3. Robin Schwartz (July 1985). How a postman, dishwasher, mortician, and a bowling-ball-hole-driller became Katrina and the Waves. Spin. p. 12. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
4. Katrina from Katrina & The Waves (2 September 2020). "Yes, that song was the first song by Katrina and the Waves ever to be played on BBC Radio 1 by a DJ Richard Skinner sitting in for Simon Bates. He heard the song at a Cambridge party and decided to give it a spin" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 September 2022 – via Twitter.
5. Large, Heather (29 April 2024). "Flashback to 1997: Eurovision winners walk on sunshine". www.shropshirestar.com.
6. Hall, Rachel (8 May 2023). "'I was 300 sheets to the wind': Katrina and the Waves' 1997 Eurovision win". The Guardian.
7. O'Connor, John Kennedy. The Eurovision Song Contest –The Official History. Carlton Books, UK. 2007 ISBN 978-1-84442-994-3
8. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 297. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
9. Pingitore, Silvia (26 August 2020). "Remember 'Walking on Sunshine'? Interview with 1980s music legend Katrina and The Waves". Retrieved 15 October 2021.
10. Steven McElroy (1 September 2005). "Katrinas React to Katrina". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
11. Allen Salkin (11 September 2005). "What's in a name, Katrinas?". The New York Times.
12. "Kimberley Rew Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Walking On Sunshine With Four Retro Releases". Antimusic.com. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
13. O'Hare, Kevin (2 April 2010). "Walking on Sunshine! Katrina returns with live album". MassLive. Archived from the original on 14 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
14. Greene, Andy (29 June 2011). "Katrina and the Waves Join Tom Petty's Fight Against Michele Bachmann". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
15. "Walking on Sunshine (2) - Katrina Leskanich (Katrina and The Waves) San Fermin Festival". YouTube. 15 July 2013. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
16. "UK Albums". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
17. ^ Australian chart peaks:
    • Top 100 (Kent Music Report) peaks to 12 June 1988: Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 164. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. N.B. The Kent Report chart was licensed by ARIA between mid-1983 and 12 June 1988.
    • "That's the Way" (ARIA) peak: Scott, Gavin. "This Week In 1989: October 1, 1989". Chart Beats: A Journey Through Pop. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
    • Top 100 (ARIA) peaks from January 1990 to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 151.
18. "Austrian Albums". austrian charts.at. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
19. Canadian Albums:
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Katrina and the Waves" (PDF). RPM. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Waves" (PDF). RPM. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Break of Hearts" (PDF). RPM. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
20. ^ "Sisältää hitin: Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1961" (in Finnish). Sisältää Hitin - Suomen listalevyt (Timo Pennanen). Retrieved 30 July 2016.
21. German Albums:
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Katrina and the Waves" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
22. "Dutch Albums". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
23. "New Zealand Albums". charts.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
24. "Norwegian Albums". norwegiancharts.com. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
25. "Swedish Albums". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
26. "US Albums". Billboard. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
27. ^ "Canadian Certification". Music Canada. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
28. ^ "Week commencing 8 January 1990". Retrieved 11 February 2022.
29. "UK Singles". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
30. "Austrian Singles". austriancharts.at. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
31. Canadian Singles:
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Walking on Sunshine" (PDF). RPM. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Do You Want Crying?" (PDF). RPM. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Is That It?" (PDF). RPM. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - That's the Way" (PDF). RPM. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
32. German Singles:
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Walking on Sunshine" (in German). Gfk. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Red Wine and Whisky" (in German). Gfk. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Honey Lamb" (in German). Gfk. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
    • "Katrina and the Waves - Love Shine a Light" (in German). Gfk. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
33. "Irish Singles". irishcharts.ie. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
34. "Dutch Singles". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
35. "New Zealand Singles". charts.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
36. "Norwegian Singles". norwegiancharts.com. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
37. "Swedish Singles". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
38. "US Singles". Billboard. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
39. "BPI Certification". British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
40. "Singles & EPs". Discogs. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
41. "Katrina And The Waves - Discography". 45cat.com. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
42. "Music - Katrina from Katrina and the Waves - Discography". katrinasweb.com. Retrieved 1 July 2021.

External links

• Kimberley Rew official website
• Katrina Leskanich official website

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Eimear Quinn with "The Voice"	Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1997	Succeeded by Dana International with "Diva"
Preceded byGina G with "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit"	United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997	Succeeded byImaani with "Where Are You?"

• Musical groups established in 1981
• Musical groups disestablished in 1999
• English pop music groups
• English new wave musical groups
• Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 1997
• Eurovision Song Contest winners
• Eurovision Song Contest entrants for the United Kingdom
• Female-fronted musical groups
• Musical groups from Cambridge
• Attic Records (Canada) artists
• Capitol Records artists
• 1981 establishments in England
• Mixed-gender bands