GRACE KENNEDY
BAFTA Award–Winning Television Star, Singer & Recording Artist
Grace Kennedy is an iconic British singer, entertainer, and television presenter whose soulful voice, magnetic stage presence, and glamorous performances have earned her enduring acclaim. Rising to prominence in the late 1970s, Grace first captured national attention with a standout appearance on the hit talent show Opportunity Knocks. Her success on the programme led to a landmark opportunity with the BBC, where she became the host of her own primetime series, The Grace Kennedy Show.
Premiering in 1981, The Grace Kennedy Show ran for six successful series in the coveted Saturday night slot and quickly became a staple of British television. During its run, Grace worked alongside some of the most celebrated figures in entertainment, including Sir Bruce Forsyth, Lulu, Al Jarreau, and The Pointer Sisters. Her outstanding contribution as a presenter was recognised with a BAFTA Award, cementing her status as a household name and one of the BBC’s most popular stars of the era.
Alongside her television success, Grace forged a high-profile recording career, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend R&B, soul, disco, pop, and dance. Her hit single Starting Again achieved international success, reaching the Top 30 on the US charts, while her collaboration with Boy George on The Wishing Well secured a Top 20 position in the UK. These achievements established her as a respected recording artist with global appeal.
Grace has released several acclaimed albums, including Desire, Starting Again, and One Voice, and is renowned for standout tracks such as Love Me to Sleep, I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again, Love Is a Serious Business, Love in the Sunshine, One Voice, and My Old Piano. Her musical legacy continues to reach new audiences, with her back catalogue digitised by the BBC and Demon Music Group.
Throughout the 1980s, Grace became one of the most recognisable singer-celebrities on British primetime television, celebrated not only for her vocal excellence but also for her talents as a dancer, actress, and presenter. Her engaging performances and undeniable charisma made her a defining figure of the era. In 1983, she returned to the prestigious Royal Variety Show stage at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, further underscoring her lasting appeal and industry respect.
Today, Grace Kennedy remains a highly sought-after performer, delivering showstopping vocals and sophisticated entertainment at events around the world. Her remarkable career and continued influence mark her as one of the most notable and enduring British soul performers of all time.
For more information on hiring this act or one of our other singers, simply contact our bookings team on 0800 404 8964 or by emailing info@ceremonialevents.co.uk
