Lisa Stansfield

Lisa Stansfield – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life and career of English singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield (born April 11, 1966) — her rise from talent contests to global stardom, her signature sound in soul and pop, her acting ventures, and her memorable words.

Introduction

Lisa Jane Stansfield (born April 11, 1966) is an English singer, songwriter, and actress whose voice helped define late-1980s and 1990s UK soul/pop. “All Around the World” became a worldwide hit, paving the way for a long, multi-faceted career in music and film.

Her style blends soul, R&B, pop, and dance influences, and she is often praised for her expressive, rich voice and emotional delivery.

Early Life and Family

Lisa Stansfield was born at Crumpsall Hospital in Manchester, England, to parents Marion and Keith Stansfield.

Her family lived initially in Manchester, and later moved to Heywood, then to Rochdale in Greater Manchester.

She attended schools in the Rochdale / Greater Manchester area, including Siddal Moor School, Redbrook Middle School, and Oulder Hill Community School.

Youth and Musical Beginnings

When she was about 14 years old, Lisa entered and won the Search for a Star singing competition held at the Talk of the Town nightclub.

In 1981, she recorded her first single, “Your Alibis,” released on Devil Records. Bring Me the Head of Light Entertainment).

By 1983, she formed a band called Blue Zone with schoolmates Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, collaborating on songwriting and early releases.

Her participation as a featured artist on the Coldcut track “People Hold On” (1989) gave her greater exposure in club/dance and urban markets, and led to her solo record deal.

Career and Achievements

Breakthrough — Affection and “All Around the World”

Her debut solo album, Affection (1989), was a commercial and critical success. “All Around the World,” became a global hit — topping charts and earning multi-platinum status.

Other singles from Affection, such as “This Is the Right Time”, “You Can’t Deny It”, “Live Together”, and “What Did I Do to You?”, also charted strongly in the UK, Europe, and the U.S.

Continued Success & Later Albums

Over the 1990s, Stansfield released a sequence of albums:

• Real Love (1991) — includes hits like “Change”.

• So Natural (1993) — a more mature, soulful sound.

• Lisa Stansfield (1997) — self-titled, with singles such as “The Real Thing.”

• Face Up (2001) — explores funk, soul, and even 2-step / electronic elements.

• The Moment (2004) — produced by Trevor Horn, blending pop and soulful styles.

• Seven (2014) — her comeback studio album after a period of lower activity.

• Deeper (2018) — she continued recording and touring in support of this.

She also released a greatest hits compilation, Biography: The Greatest Hits (2003), which performed well in the UK charts.

Acting, Stage & Other Ventures

Lisa has ventured into acting and film work. In 1999, she appeared in the film Swing, in which she also contributed to the soundtrack.

She has made television appearances (e.g. Monkey Trousers, Goldplated, Agatha Christie’s Marple) and taken part in theatrical productions (such as The Vagina Monologues).

Her acting roles and soundtrack contributions reflect her interest in blending musical and dramatic expression.

Historical Milestones & Context

• 1966: Born on April 11 in Manchester, England.

• 1980: Wins Search for a Star competition as a teenager.

• 1981: Releases first single “Your Alibis”.

• 1983: Forms Blue Zone with Ian Devaney and Andy Morris.

• 1989: Featured on Coldcut’s “People Hold On”; releases Affection and “All Around the World”.

• 1990s: Multiple albums and sustained presence on charts globally.

• 1999: Film debut in Swing.

• 2003: Biography compilation, marking a milestone in career retrospection.

• 2014: Returns with Seven and active touring.

• 2018: Releases Deeper and embarks on new tours.

These milestones trace her path from talent show winner to a globally recognized soul/pop artist with a diversified creative portfolio.

Legacy and Influence

Lisa Stansfield’s legacy is considerable:

1. White Soul Voice
   She is frequently celebrated as one of the leading “white soul” artists in the UK — adept at bringing authenticity to soul and R&B styles.

2. Crossing Genres
   Her work spans pop, soul, dance, funk, and electronic influences, showing versatility and adaptability.

3. Longevity & Comebacks
   After periods of lower visibility, she has made meaningful returns to recording and touring, showing resilience in the music industry.

4. Influencing Later Artists
   Her emotive vocal style, blending sensuality and strength, has inspired many vocalists in soul and pop.

5. Embedding Emotional Truth
   Her songs often carry emotional weight — love, loss, identity — and she delivers them with sincerity and depth.

Personality, Style & Talents

Lisa is often described as down-to-earth and serious about her craft rather than seeking glamour.

Her voice is rich, warm, and expressive — capable of sultry low tones as well as vibrant, soulful lifts.

Her style blends authenticity and emotional honesty rather than overproduction — she often strives to connect with listeners through real feeling.

Famous Quotes of Lisa Stansfield

Here are some of her notable quotations:

• “If I could change the way I live my life today, I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

• “I’m proud to be one. I feel a lot stronger, a lot sexier and I think that all of that is reflected in my music.”

• “People talk about the ‘All Woman’ video to this day.”

• “I’m not the sort of person who if everyone thinks you’re fabulous you thrive on it.”

• “Let’s face it, I have a fun job at the end of the day.”

• “Singers like Gladys Knight are mostly responsible for how I learned to sing.”

These quotes reflect her humility, confidence, and emotional connection to her music.

Lessons from Lisa Stansfield

• Be authentic to your influences — She drew deeply from soul traditions but made them her own.

• Patience and resilience matter — Her career shows that success may ebb and flow, but passion can sustain it.

• Emotional honesty connects — Her best work resonates because it feels real rather than contrived.

• Versatility is strength — Crossing between music and acting, between genres, kept her creative life rich.

• Maintain humility — Her quotes remind us she remains grounded despite fame.

Conclusion

Lisa Stansfield’s journey from a teenage talent contest winner in Manchester to an internationally celebrated soul/pop artist is both inspiring and enduring. Her voice, her songs, and her artistic integrity have carved her place in music history. Even decades on, she continues to make new work and connect with audiences, showing that true artistry evolves rather than fades.