Mary Hopkin is a Welsh singer-songwriter, and she was one of the earliest signings to the Beatles’ Apple label. Hopkin took singing lessons in her childhood and began her musical career as a folk singer with a local group.
Singing career
Hopkin released an EP of Welsh-language songs for a local record label called ‘Cambrian’ before joining the Beatles’ Apple Records. She also played solo gigs with her band around the local clubs. She released her single ‘Those Where the Days,’ produced by McCartney, was released in the UK on 30 August 1968. The single reached number 1 hit on the UK Singles Chart and number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It sold over 8 million copies worldwide and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.
Mary released her debut album, ‘Postcard’ in 1971. It reached number 3 in the UK and number 28 in the US. In 1970, she sang ‘Knock Knock, Who’s There?’ at the Eurovision Song Contest and placed second in the competition. The same year she released her final big hit, ‘Think About Your Children.’
Mary released her second album’ Earth Song, Ocean Song’ on 1 October 1971. Mary regrets not being able to promote this properly since she is tied up in the summer season. Her time with Apple came to an end with the release of the record. Mary took a break from recording to marry producer Tony Visconti and spend most of her time raising her children. In January 1972, she traveled to Australia with Visconti and performed at an outdoor rock festival in South Australia and concerts in several major cities. She also released several singles and albums until 2020.
For the 50th anniversary of the release of “Those Were the Days,” Hopkin released a brand-new acoustic version on 30 August 2018 on an EP featuring the live performance from her 1972 farewell concert at the Royal Festival Hall.
Personal life
Mary Hopkin married American Record Producer Tony Visconti in 1971, and she briefly retired from music. They divorced after ten years in 1981, and they had a daughter Jessica Lee Morgan.
Below are some photos of young Mary Hopkin from her early life and music career.
