Annie Haslam

Born

1947-06-08

Birthplace

Bolton, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Biography

Annie Haslam is an English vocalist, songwriter, and painter. She is best known as the lead singer of progressive rock band Renaissance since 1971, and for her long and diverse solo singing career. She has a five-octave vocal range. From 2002, Haslam has developed a parallel career as a visual artist, producing paintings on canvas, painted musical instruments, and giclées. Originally a fashion student in Cornwall, Haslam worked for a Savile Row tailor in London, and then began studying under opera singer Sybil Knight in 1970. In February 1971, Haslam became the new lead singer of Renaissance, after answering an advertisement in the British periodical Melody Maker, and auditioning for the band in Surrey. Charles Snider stated: "Annie Haslam's voice, soaring high along with the melody, is the big news. Far more West End than Carnaby Street, it would come to define the band." With Renaissance, Haslam was lead vocalist on seven studio albums during their classic period (1972–1979), four studio albums from 1981–present, and a number of live albums.